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Summer Romance
Benefits of a summer romance: it's always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
There aren't enough labeled glass containers to contain the mess that is Ali Morris's life. Her mum died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn't worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. She's a professional organiser whose pantry is a disgrace.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware-overalls count, right?-she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favourite of her three by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right-like he likes what he sees. The last thing Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there's no harm in a little Summer Romance. Is there?
There aren't enough labeled glass containers to contain the mess that is Ali Morris's life. Her mum died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn't worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. She's a professional organiser whose pantry is a disgrace.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware-overalls count, right?-she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favourite of her three by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right-like he likes what he sees. The last thing Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there's no harm in a little Summer Romance. Is there?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
4290 people are currently reading
156268 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Monaghan
11 books9,983 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 18,102 reviews
June 21, 2024
6/5 🌟
I cannot even begin to find the words to describe my feelings for this book.. if you decide to pick this book up and then somehow do not like it.. just lie to me. because this book does no wrong in my eyes.
First of all, titling this book 'Summer Romance' and marketing it as a nice summery atmospheric read and then hitting me straight in every emotion I can feel is CRIMINAL. you absolute genius.
I want to start talking about this book by praising the writing style. It just does it for me. I am not usually someone who picks up a book to pick apart writing, it is just not something I am too in tune with as a reader. (bad writing does not bother me too much) However, Annabel Monaghan's writing time after time has been an absolute treat for me. The way she is able to craft banter and chemistry between characters that feels palpable off of the page is admirable, but even more than that is the way she weaves her stories and is able to bring it all together to one big message at the end in this book, bringing me to tears. Monaghan has perfected her craft, she seems to choose every. single. sentence deliberately. She knows just what needs to be written in every single book that she writes, no scene goes on too long, no conversation is dragged out. It is a perfect pace for this story. It is as if she has a list of ingredients to her writing and has measured them out perfectly to make this absolute masterpiece of a book.
Diving into the book, we are tackling grief, motherhood, marriage, divorce, self identity, self exploration, relationships, and love above all and through everything. From the start of the book Ali's story took me with both hands and placed me right into it right with these characters. I was rooting so hard for her throughout the entirety of the book. This is so much more than a romance. (Although that is amazing on it's own) We are following a character through so many difficult things that are happening in her life and along the way learning how it is never too late to come out of the other side, and find happiness, be selfish sometimes, and the scariness that is falling in love not only with someone else but yourself. It is a story I feel so many people will pick up and relate to and find yourself having to dry your eyes at many points throughout the book. It made me smile, laugh, giggle, cry, and feel anger all in one. That is what I ask for in a good book, to FEEL something.
To talk about the romance, Ethan is such a strong force in this book not just as a love interest but as a friend, and a support system. Everyone needs and deserves an Ethan in their corner. The communication was everything to me since in almost every book I am screaming at the characters to PLEASE JUST TALK TO EACHOTHER! but I didn't have to here. They are adults who understand life is messy and relationships take work. (THANK YOU)
If you take away one thing from this, please let it be to pick this book up. Again, if you don't like it... lie to me. or keep it to yourself <3
I cannot even begin to find the words to describe my feelings for this book.. if you decide to pick this book up and then somehow do not like it.. just lie to me. because this book does no wrong in my eyes.
First of all, titling this book 'Summer Romance' and marketing it as a nice summery atmospheric read and then hitting me straight in every emotion I can feel is CRIMINAL. you absolute genius.
I want to start talking about this book by praising the writing style. It just does it for me. I am not usually someone who picks up a book to pick apart writing, it is just not something I am too in tune with as a reader. (bad writing does not bother me too much) However, Annabel Monaghan's writing time after time has been an absolute treat for me. The way she is able to craft banter and chemistry between characters that feels palpable off of the page is admirable, but even more than that is the way she weaves her stories and is able to bring it all together to one big message at the end in this book, bringing me to tears. Monaghan has perfected her craft, she seems to choose every. single. sentence deliberately. She knows just what needs to be written in every single book that she writes, no scene goes on too long, no conversation is dragged out. It is a perfect pace for this story. It is as if she has a list of ingredients to her writing and has measured them out perfectly to make this absolute masterpiece of a book.
Diving into the book, we are tackling grief, motherhood, marriage, divorce, self identity, self exploration, relationships, and love above all and through everything. From the start of the book Ali's story took me with both hands and placed me right into it right with these characters. I was rooting so hard for her throughout the entirety of the book. This is so much more than a romance. (Although that is amazing on it's own) We are following a character through so many difficult things that are happening in her life and along the way learning how it is never too late to come out of the other side, and find happiness, be selfish sometimes, and the scariness that is falling in love not only with someone else but yourself. It is a story I feel so many people will pick up and relate to and find yourself having to dry your eyes at many points throughout the book. It made me smile, laugh, giggle, cry, and feel anger all in one. That is what I ask for in a good book, to FEEL something.
To talk about the romance, Ethan is such a strong force in this book not just as a love interest but as a friend, and a support system. Everyone needs and deserves an Ethan in their corner. The communication was everything to me since in almost every book I am screaming at the characters to PLEASE JUST TALK TO EACHOTHER! but I didn't have to here. They are adults who understand life is messy and relationships take work. (THANK YOU)
If you take away one thing from this, please let it be to pick this book up. Again, if you don't like it... lie to me. or keep it to yourself <3
June 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
July 25, 2024
4.75 ⭐️!!
June 2, 2024
Another slayyyy from miss Annabel! Huge fan of her other two books and this one was no different. Fun, lighthearted, and just the perfect summer read! OUT on June 4!!
August 4, 2024
✨ first dnf of the year ✨
time of death: page 167 🪦
painfully boring. life is too short and my TBR is too long for my favorite hobby to bore me. 🙃
i’m more attached to the squirrel that makes noise outside of my window and bothers my cats than i am to any of these characters.
🐿️ > 👩❤️👨
(also his nickname is SCOOTER. i just couldn’t do it.)
time of death: page 167 🪦
painfully boring. life is too short and my TBR is too long for my favorite hobby to bore me. 🙃
i’m more attached to the squirrel that makes noise outside of my window and bothers my cats than i am to any of these characters.
🐿️ > 👩❤️👨
(also his nickname is SCOOTER. i just couldn’t do it.)
May 29, 2024
A Sweet Summer Read
Summer Romance is a heartwarming novel about a newly single mother grappling with grief and rediscovering love.
Ali, a former accountant turned home organizer, is in a tough spot. Her husband has left her, and she’s mourning the loss of her mother, who was her biggest supporter. Her three children bring her happiness, but it’s not until Ethan arrives in town that she realizes she lost her voice and joy long ago.
Though a large portion of the novel revolves around Ali and Ethan's romance, a significant portion is devoted to Ali’s journey of self-discovery. Ali, is easy to identify with, making it even easier to root for her. She is honest, flawed, and very realistic.
The narrative is straightforward, and while the plot may be predictable, it's filled with endearing moments, some humor, and plenty of PG-13 chemistry between Ethan and Ali.
What I love about Monaghan's characters is that they have lived life--they are adults with real-life problems. They grow but make mistakes, and still, they evolve.
Overall, Summer Romance is a feel-good summer read with a charming setting and relatable characters. I recommend this one for a sweet escape.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Romance is a heartwarming novel about a newly single mother grappling with grief and rediscovering love.
Ali, a former accountant turned home organizer, is in a tough spot. Her husband has left her, and she’s mourning the loss of her mother, who was her biggest supporter. Her three children bring her happiness, but it’s not until Ethan arrives in town that she realizes she lost her voice and joy long ago.
Though a large portion of the novel revolves around Ali and Ethan's romance, a significant portion is devoted to Ali’s journey of self-discovery. Ali, is easy to identify with, making it even easier to root for her. She is honest, flawed, and very realistic.
The narrative is straightforward, and while the plot may be predictable, it's filled with endearing moments, some humor, and plenty of PG-13 chemistry between Ethan and Ali.
What I love about Monaghan's characters is that they have lived life--they are adults with real-life problems. They grow but make mistakes, and still, they evolve.
Overall, Summer Romance is a feel-good summer read with a charming setting and relatable characters. I recommend this one for a sweet escape.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2024
Annabel Monaghan writes women’s fiction for women of a certain age-or a certain stage (of life that is), and she is a MUST READ author for me!!
At the beginning of a relationship you feel vibrant and sexy.
But, after three kids, you may have lost that version of yourself, identifying only as a “wife” or “mother”-
And, sometimes you aren’t sure how to get the sexy version back!
That’s the kind of stories that she excels at writing, and this one is no exception.
It’s the two year anniversary of Ali’s beloved mother’s death-and the one year anniversary of the day that her husband Pete announced that he didn’t want to be married to her anymore, and she has woken up sick with grief.
Great timing, Pete!
But, a walk in the dog park with her pooch Ferris is about to change everything. He arranges a “meet cute” for her, which isn’t “cute” at all-when he pees on a handsome stranger’s leg.
Awkward!
Ethan takes it better than expected-in fact, he doesn’t seem bothered at all, and he is actually looking at Ali like that version of herself that has been missing for a very long time.
And, all of a sudden, Ali is inspired to wear something other than sweat pants, and to apply lip gloss as she searches for him around town-with the hope of meeting again.
BUT then she finds out that he is the younger brother of a close friend, and was once known to her as “Scooter”!
AWKWARD AGAIN !!
Still, there is no denying that she hasn’t felt this way in a long time-and that a SUMMER ROMANCE has its benefits-you know it’s temporary going in, you know it will be fun, and therefore you cannot possibly get your heart broken? RIGHT?? ❤️🔥💔
Find out today!! Now Available!
And, if you haven’t yet read my personal favorite by her-“Nora Goes Off Script”-you can read that while you’re waiting! Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review to see if she loved this one too!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
At the beginning of a relationship you feel vibrant and sexy.
But, after three kids, you may have lost that version of yourself, identifying only as a “wife” or “mother”-
And, sometimes you aren’t sure how to get the sexy version back!
That’s the kind of stories that she excels at writing, and this one is no exception.
It’s the two year anniversary of Ali’s beloved mother’s death-and the one year anniversary of the day that her husband Pete announced that he didn’t want to be married to her anymore, and she has woken up sick with grief.
Great timing, Pete!
But, a walk in the dog park with her pooch Ferris is about to change everything. He arranges a “meet cute” for her, which isn’t “cute” at all-when he pees on a handsome stranger’s leg.
Awkward!
Ethan takes it better than expected-in fact, he doesn’t seem bothered at all, and he is actually looking at Ali like that version of herself that has been missing for a very long time.
And, all of a sudden, Ali is inspired to wear something other than sweat pants, and to apply lip gloss as she searches for him around town-with the hope of meeting again.
BUT then she finds out that he is the younger brother of a close friend, and was once known to her as “Scooter”!
AWKWARD AGAIN !!
Still, there is no denying that she hasn’t felt this way in a long time-and that a SUMMER ROMANCE has its benefits-you know it’s temporary going in, you know it will be fun, and therefore you cannot possibly get your heart broken? RIGHT?? ❤️🔥💔
Find out today!! Now Available!
And, if you haven’t yet read my personal favorite by her-“Nora Goes Off Script”-you can read that while you’re waiting! Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review to see if she loved this one too!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
July 24, 2024
4.5 ౨ৎ something about this was just magic - it felt adult (in such a good way), it tugged at your heart strings in the way your comfort TV show does, something about the writing style was so perfectly annotatable while also being concise - like her word choice feels like how i think in my brain about mundane things on a day that i’m really happy… that’s the best way i can explain it ♡
December 17, 2024
dnf @ 60%
I really tried with this book, but I just couldn’t take it anymore. The beginning was painfully slow, and I felt like I was being tortured just trying to get through it. I picked it up a few months ago, and after struggling like hell to get anywhere, I told myself I’d give it another shot during the summer. Well, guess what? It's summer, and I'm still stuck on this book. No matter how many times I tried, I just couldn’t get into it.
The pacing? So sluggish. And the worst part? It wasn’t even the romance that was dragging—it was the plot. Literally nothing was happening, and I was losing interest so fast that I couldn’t even keep track of what was going on. It felt like the book was going in circles, and I just kept waiting for something—anything—to happen to pull me in. And when I thought it might finally pick up, it didn’t. So I gave up.
I don’t mind a slow plot if it’s well done, but if you’re going to drag me through it, at least make the characters interesting enough to keep me hooked. That DEFINITELY didn’t happen here.
Ethan, the mmc, his nickname is SCOOTER. Need I say more?? How am I supposed to take a 36-year-old grown-ass man seriously when his nickname is fucking Scooter?? And he skateboards, too. I think I was supposed to find that hot, but I didn’t. 🤷🏻♀️ All that skateboarding talk just bored me to death.
I didn’t connect with any of the characters. Every time I picked up the book, it felt like a chore. It wasn’t that I was dying to know what would happen next—I was just forcing myself to get through it without falling asleep. I didn’t care about their struggles, their romance (insta-love 😒), or anything, really. When the book started diving into emotional moments—like Ali (the fmc) dealing with her divorce or the death of her mother—I felt absolutely nothing. 🫠 I was expecting to feel sad when she talks to her dead mother, but I honestly couldn’t even muster up a single fuck to give. Zero emotional depth—it made me feel heartless.
I know this is probably an unpopular opinion, and maybe I’ll try another book from this author someday, but this one was an absolute struggle to get through. Maybe it could have gotten better if I hadn’t dnfed, but after trying twice, I’m thinking I made the right call.
Cute summer romance my ass.
____________________
I've heard great things about this author, and this seems like theperfect book to start my summer☀️
I really tried with this book, but I just couldn’t take it anymore. The beginning was painfully slow, and I felt like I was being tortured just trying to get through it. I picked it up a few months ago, and after struggling like hell to get anywhere, I told myself I’d give it another shot during the summer. Well, guess what? It's summer, and I'm still stuck on this book. No matter how many times I tried, I just couldn’t get into it.
The pacing? So sluggish. And the worst part? It wasn’t even the romance that was dragging—it was the plot. Literally nothing was happening, and I was losing interest so fast that I couldn’t even keep track of what was going on. It felt like the book was going in circles, and I just kept waiting for something—anything—to happen to pull me in. And when I thought it might finally pick up, it didn’t. So I gave up.
I don’t mind a slow plot if it’s well done, but if you’re going to drag me through it, at least make the characters interesting enough to keep me hooked. That DEFINITELY didn’t happen here.
Ethan, the mmc, his nickname is SCOOTER. Need I say more?? How am I supposed to take a 36-year-old grown-ass man seriously when his nickname is fucking Scooter?? And he skateboards, too. I think I was supposed to find that hot, but I didn’t. 🤷🏻♀️ All that skateboarding talk just bored me to death.
I didn’t connect with any of the characters. Every time I picked up the book, it felt like a chore. It wasn’t that I was dying to know what would happen next—I was just forcing myself to get through it without falling asleep. I didn’t care about their struggles, their romance (insta-love 😒), or anything, really. When the book started diving into emotional moments—like Ali (the fmc) dealing with her divorce or the death of her mother—I felt absolutely nothing. 🫠 I was expecting to feel sad when she talks to her dead mother, but I honestly couldn’t even muster up a single fuck to give. Zero emotional depth—it made me feel heartless.
I know this is probably an unpopular opinion, and maybe I’ll try another book from this author someday, but this one was an absolute struggle to get through. Maybe it could have gotten better if I hadn’t dnfed, but after trying twice, I’m thinking I made the right call.
Cute summer romance my ass.
____________________
I've heard great things about this author, and this seems like the
Want to read
August 10, 2025₊˚⊹⋆ ⛱️ pre-read
⤿ started august 3 - stopped august 10
very, extemely soft dnf at 56% ❀
this was so cute but i can feel myself quickly slipping into a reading slump so i'm going to put it on hold for now. i can definitely see me continuing + loving this in the future!
-----------------
book 4/4 of my 4 day camping trip 😽 can’t wait to read another book from this author, her other one was so good and i can’t wait to see what i think !!
⤿ started august 3 - stopped august 10
very, extemely soft dnf at 56% ❀
this was so cute but i can feel myself quickly slipping into a reading slump so i'm going to put it on hold for now. i can definitely see me continuing + loving this in the future!
-----------------
book 4/4 of my 4 day camping trip 😽 can’t wait to read another book from this author, her other one was so good and i can’t wait to see what i think !!
July 26, 2025
This delightful book deserves all the stars in the summer sky !
From the first page to the last, "Hearts in Harmony" orchestrated a symphony of emotions that left me grinning ear to ear for hours. It's a story that not only warmed my heart but also healed my spirit with its five-champagne-worthy brilliance.
Closed-door romance and the best friend's kid brother trope may sound like familiar tunes, but the way Ali Morris and Ethan played their notes felt refreshingly natural. Ali, a quirky and relatable character, has been through the wringer—dumped by her husband on the second anniversary of her mother's death, raising three kids, and finding solace in reorganizing her closet as a form of meditation. Her conversations with her deceased mom for guidance and signs add a charming and poignant touch.
The entry of charming lawyer Ethan, whom Ali's dog takes an immediate liking to (a dog with excellent taste, no doubt), sparks an undeniable and palpable attraction. For the first time in Ali's life, she feels truly seen and accepted. As her summer fling with Ethan deepens, questions arise about the possibility of a serious relationship and the potential complications it could bring to Ali's life. Can Ali, inspired by her mother's words about having it all, embrace a happy ending with Ethan, even if he's known for his commitment issues? Will they be able to rewrite their own happily-ever-after?
I couldn't put the book down, devouring each chapter in one sitting. It proved to be the perfect antidote to my dark mood, brightening my entire week. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this heartwarming and enchanting story.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this lovely book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
From the first page to the last, "Hearts in Harmony" orchestrated a symphony of emotions that left me grinning ear to ear for hours. It's a story that not only warmed my heart but also healed my spirit with its five-champagne-worthy brilliance.
Closed-door romance and the best friend's kid brother trope may sound like familiar tunes, but the way Ali Morris and Ethan played their notes felt refreshingly natural. Ali, a quirky and relatable character, has been through the wringer—dumped by her husband on the second anniversary of her mother's death, raising three kids, and finding solace in reorganizing her closet as a form of meditation. Her conversations with her deceased mom for guidance and signs add a charming and poignant touch.
The entry of charming lawyer Ethan, whom Ali's dog takes an immediate liking to (a dog with excellent taste, no doubt), sparks an undeniable and palpable attraction. For the first time in Ali's life, she feels truly seen and accepted. As her summer fling with Ethan deepens, questions arise about the possibility of a serious relationship and the potential complications it could bring to Ali's life. Can Ali, inspired by her mother's words about having it all, embrace a happy ending with Ethan, even if he's known for his commitment issues? Will they be able to rewrite their own happily-ever-after?
I couldn't put the book down, devouring each chapter in one sitting. It proved to be the perfect antidote to my dark mood, brightening my entire week. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this heartwarming and enchanting story.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this lovely book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 19, 2025
OH MY GOODNESS!!! Annabel Monaghan has done it again!! She's delivered a MASTERPIECE once more, and my heart is all the better for it!
Have you ever read a book SO good that you know you'll cherish it forever? That's how "Nora Goes Off Script" felt to me. So when I opened the pages of "Summer Romance" I did so with hope and a little fear. How could anything possibly live up to that kind of magic? But somehow, it did. It soared!!
Annabel's storytelling is effortless yet profound, her romances are breezy like a summer wind, but grounded in something achingly real. Her characters are ones you don't just read about; you KNOW them, you FEEL them. And somewhere between the laughter, the longing, and the lump in your throat, you realize that you're in love with the story too.
This is the kind of book that makes you believe in love all over again. That reminds you of the beauty in second chances and the quiet strength in showing up for yourself. Annabel Monaghan has a gift, and I'll follow her words wherever they lead. She's an absolute favorite and auto-buy author for me. I absolutely LOVED this book so much and is easily one of my favorite romance books for 2025!!🩵💛🩵💛🩵
Summary:
Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life feels anything but orderly. Between a painful divorce, the loss of her mom, and living in sweatpants, romance is the last thing on her mind. But when her dog AWKWARDLY introduces her to Ethan, a charming stranger who sees through her chaos, Ali start to wonder if maybe a little summer romance is exactly what she needs.
In conclusion, "Summer Romance" is the perfect heartwarming escape that is charming, uplifting, and utterly swoon-worthy. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that will make you smile and feel deeply. Infinite stars!!!! ♾️💫💫💫💫💫
Have you ever read a book SO good that you know you'll cherish it forever? That's how "Nora Goes Off Script" felt to me. So when I opened the pages of "Summer Romance" I did so with hope and a little fear. How could anything possibly live up to that kind of magic? But somehow, it did. It soared!!
Annabel's storytelling is effortless yet profound, her romances are breezy like a summer wind, but grounded in something achingly real. Her characters are ones you don't just read about; you KNOW them, you FEEL them. And somewhere between the laughter, the longing, and the lump in your throat, you realize that you're in love with the story too.
This is the kind of book that makes you believe in love all over again. That reminds you of the beauty in second chances and the quiet strength in showing up for yourself. Annabel Monaghan has a gift, and I'll follow her words wherever they lead. She's an absolute favorite and auto-buy author for me. I absolutely LOVED this book so much and is easily one of my favorite romance books for 2025!!🩵💛🩵💛🩵
Summary:
Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life feels anything but orderly. Between a painful divorce, the loss of her mom, and living in sweatpants, romance is the last thing on her mind. But when her dog AWKWARDLY introduces her to Ethan, a charming stranger who sees through her chaos, Ali start to wonder if maybe a little summer romance is exactly what she needs.
In conclusion, "Summer Romance" is the perfect heartwarming escape that is charming, uplifting, and utterly swoon-worthy. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that will make you smile and feel deeply. Infinite stars!!!! ♾️💫💫💫💫💫
September 27, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ A heartfelt romance that took me by surprise
"Come on, Ali. I'm pretty sure every guy at Beechwood High thought you were the one."
"Not even close."
"Maybe it was just me then."
This book had me giggling and smiling like an idiot!!! 😍
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ almost-divorced, single mom
✨ best friend’s younger brother
✨ dog park meet-cute
✨ he falls first
✨ slow burn
✨ charming, flirty banter
✨ fade to black / closed door romance
✨ healing journey
✨ MCs in their late 30s
✨ single POV
✨ TW: death of parent/loved one, grief, divorce
My Thoughts:
This book was an absolute delight. Reading it felt like a breath of fresh air. It was so well-crafted with a captivating plot, relatable characters, and a sweet, believable romance. And overall, it had that kind of depth I always crave in a contemporary romance novel that tends to be elusive in this genre.
Summer Romance isn’t like the usual light and sexy romances I tend to read. It deals with some heavier topics i.e. loss of parent, grief, divorce, motherhood, rediscovering yourself. Yet, somehow, even with the challenges the characters face, there are plenty of lighthearted and beautiful moments that make this story so heartwarming. Basically, if you want to read a book where the characters feel real, and you get easily attached to them and the beautiful journey they embark on, read Summer Romance.
To elaborate on some of my points above:
I loved the MCs, Ali and Ethan. Their chemistry is off the charts, their flirty banter is amazing, and the love they have for each other is so gentle and kind - I just felt like my heart was going to burst! Both are wonderful people that you immediately fall in love with. However, they also are flawed and throughout this story, you watch as they navigate life and their budding relationship while also looking inward to grow and change for the better. Nothing about them or their journey felt contrived, and their transformations felt natural.
Even though the romance was closed door, I honestly found I didn’t really miss the spice, which is saying something because I LOVE me some spice. Ali and Ethan have a relationship that can stand on its own without explicit scenes, and I think that’s a testament to Annabel Monaghan’s amazing writing. However, just know that there are quite a few sexually tense moments that had my heart fluttering with anticipation, and we definitely get some PG-13 action, so there’s definitely something sexiness to look forward to.
I absolutely do not have similar life experiences that make me relate to the MCs. I’ve never been close to my parents, nor have I lost one. I’m happily married aka no divorce. I’m not a mother. I’m not in my late-30s. And I’ve never ‘lost’ myself and been on a journey of self discovery. Yet, somehow, Annabel Monaghan had me so emotionally invested in the characters and this story that I could not put this book down. Again, a testament to the charming and accessible writing. I genuinely want everyone to read this book. 🫶
Overall, Summer Romance is a fantastic book that should immediately be on your TBR! It’s perfect for readers who are fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for providing an e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
"Come on, Ali. I'm pretty sure every guy at Beechwood High thought you were the one."
"Not even close."
"Maybe it was just me then."
This book had me giggling and smiling like an idiot!!! 😍
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ almost-divorced, single mom
✨ best friend’s younger brother
✨ dog park meet-cute
✨ he falls first
✨ slow burn
✨ charming, flirty banter
✨ fade to black / closed door romance
✨ healing journey
✨ MCs in their late 30s
✨ single POV
✨ TW: death of parent/loved one, grief, divorce
My Thoughts:
This book was an absolute delight. Reading it felt like a breath of fresh air. It was so well-crafted with a captivating plot, relatable characters, and a sweet, believable romance. And overall, it had that kind of depth I always crave in a contemporary romance novel that tends to be elusive in this genre.
Summer Romance isn’t like the usual light and sexy romances I tend to read. It deals with some heavier topics i.e. loss of parent, grief, divorce, motherhood, rediscovering yourself. Yet, somehow, even with the challenges the characters face, there are plenty of lighthearted and beautiful moments that make this story so heartwarming. Basically, if you want to read a book where the characters feel real, and you get easily attached to them and the beautiful journey they embark on, read Summer Romance.
To elaborate on some of my points above:
I loved the MCs, Ali and Ethan. Their chemistry is off the charts, their flirty banter is amazing, and the love they have for each other is so gentle and kind - I just felt like my heart was going to burst! Both are wonderful people that you immediately fall in love with. However, they also are flawed and throughout this story, you watch as they navigate life and their budding relationship while also looking inward to grow and change for the better. Nothing about them or their journey felt contrived, and their transformations felt natural.
Even though the romance was closed door, I honestly found I didn’t really miss the spice, which is saying something because I LOVE me some spice. Ali and Ethan have a relationship that can stand on its own without explicit scenes, and I think that’s a testament to Annabel Monaghan’s amazing writing. However, just know that there are quite a few sexually tense moments that had my heart fluttering with anticipation, and we definitely get some PG-13 action, so there’s definitely something sexiness to look forward to.
I absolutely do not have similar life experiences that make me relate to the MCs. I’ve never been close to my parents, nor have I lost one. I’m happily married aka no divorce. I’m not a mother. I’m not in my late-30s. And I’ve never ‘lost’ myself and been on a journey of self discovery. Yet, somehow, Annabel Monaghan had me so emotionally invested in the characters and this story that I could not put this book down. Again, a testament to the charming and accessible writing. I genuinely want everyone to read this book. 🫶
Overall, Summer Romance is a fantastic book that should immediately be on your TBR! It’s perfect for readers who are fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for providing an e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
July 14, 2024
Nice, cute, real, and happy :) not life changing, but a great summer read!
August 3, 2024
Such a good summer read!! It had so much depth and character development that added that much more to the story. The love story was incredibly romantic but my favorite part was the relatability that the main character offered. There was so much to love about this book and it made me very excited to read more by this author!!
February 14, 2024
I finished this book surrounded by tissues, tears drying on my cheeks, but not the bad kind. No, the kind you cry because sometimes humans are lovely to each other. I fell so HARD for Ethan in this book and rooted so hard for Ali. This is without a doubt Annabel's book with the most heart to date. I cannot wait for you to read it.
July 10, 2024
2.75⭐️ I clearly underestimated how hot single divorcee mum and younger man who skateboards trope is 🥵🥵
I just can't tell if Ali has just really been horny for a year or just has some sort of silly school girl infatuation that will pass soon
***
Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
no one gets their heart broken?? 😭
I just can't tell if Ali has just really been horny for a year or just has some sort of silly school girl infatuation that will pass soon
***
Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
no one gets their heart broken?? 😭
July 1, 2024
help i’m emotionally attached to a man named scooter
September 1, 2024
Quite literally the sweetest book I’ve ever read
July 29, 2025
3⭐️
Well this was just so cute! This book was truly to epitome of summer; everything from the plot to the romance to the setting. It encapsulated the summer feeling like no other summer book I have read this year.
One thing I enjoyed most about this book was Ali and her character as a whole. She starts off as this timid, unorganized mess of a person trying to go through a divorce and she ends up blossoming into this beautiful, powerful woman by the end. The love she has for her family and the respect that she slowly grows over the course of this book for herself was just amazing. I really enjoyed how the author of this book actually put in her real life experiences when it came to the grief of her mother and set it up in a way that told such a raw and compelling story for Ali. Her character growth over the course of this short book was beautiful and inspiring!
I also really enjoyed Ethan’s character as well. This man was sweet and genuine from the very beginning! He was so soft and caring and the way he took care of Ali throughout the story of this book was so thoughtful. Everything this man did he did with conviction and passion and everything that was in the best interest for himself and his relationship with Ali. He very much gave off golden retriever vibes and I love a sweet man like Ethan. 🙂↕️
I think the actual plot of this book was fun and perfect for the summer! While I don’t think it was the most fleshed out thing to be written, it was a good time nonetheless. I enjoyed seeing the relationship and love blossom between Ethan and Ali, and I liked that we were also getting in depth feelings to Ali’s grief over her mother. The book is just one of those you need to read by the beach to get the full effect or somewhere outdoors and sunny! I think this book is also a case where I wish we would’ve gotten Ethan’s POV as well as Ali’s, just because there was sooo much going on on his end and I was really interested to see what trials and feelings this man was having.
The part that irked me the most about this book was the third-act breakup. It felt extremely forced and it seemed like it was just thrown in there for the hell of it rather than a meaningful piece to finish off the story. It was like the entire book Ali thought one way and then all of a sudden she did a 180 and then it all went to hell. I genuinely don’t like third-act conflicts like that and I think it could’ve been done better.
Overall, this book has a lot of personality and fun qualities to it. I would absolutely recommend this as something to pick up in the summer or for a vacation. It was fun, entertaining, and wholesome all wrapped in a 300 page book! Everything moved pretty fast since it was so short, but I didn’t mind at all. While the book moved fast, I felt like we still got the depth needed to make it a more thoughtful read. Can’t wait to read more by this author since this one was a lot of fun! 💗
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭:
Only one more month of summer so I’m trying to squeeze in as many summer reads as I can and I’m stressed 😭
This should be fun though I’m excited!
Well this was just so cute! This book was truly to epitome of summer; everything from the plot to the romance to the setting. It encapsulated the summer feeling like no other summer book I have read this year.
One thing I enjoyed most about this book was Ali and her character as a whole. She starts off as this timid, unorganized mess of a person trying to go through a divorce and she ends up blossoming into this beautiful, powerful woman by the end. The love she has for her family and the respect that she slowly grows over the course of this book for herself was just amazing. I really enjoyed how the author of this book actually put in her real life experiences when it came to the grief of her mother and set it up in a way that told such a raw and compelling story for Ali. Her character growth over the course of this short book was beautiful and inspiring!
I also really enjoyed Ethan’s character as well. This man was sweet and genuine from the very beginning! He was so soft and caring and the way he took care of Ali throughout the story of this book was so thoughtful. Everything this man did he did with conviction and passion and everything that was in the best interest for himself and his relationship with Ali. He very much gave off golden retriever vibes and I love a sweet man like Ethan. 🙂↕️
I think the actual plot of this book was fun and perfect for the summer! While I don’t think it was the most fleshed out thing to be written, it was a good time nonetheless. I enjoyed seeing the relationship and love blossom between Ethan and Ali, and I liked that we were also getting in depth feelings to Ali’s grief over her mother. The book is just one of those you need to read by the beach to get the full effect or somewhere outdoors and sunny! I think this book is also a case where I wish we would’ve gotten Ethan’s POV as well as Ali’s, just because there was sooo much going on on his end and I was really interested to see what trials and feelings this man was having.
The part that irked me the most about this book was the third-act breakup. It felt extremely forced and it seemed like it was just thrown in there for the hell of it rather than a meaningful piece to finish off the story. It was like the entire book Ali thought one way and then all of a sudden she did a 180 and then it all went to hell. I genuinely don’t like third-act conflicts like that and I think it could’ve been done better.
Overall, this book has a lot of personality and fun qualities to it. I would absolutely recommend this as something to pick up in the summer or for a vacation. It was fun, entertaining, and wholesome all wrapped in a 300 page book! Everything moved pretty fast since it was so short, but I didn’t mind at all. While the book moved fast, I felt like we still got the depth needed to make it a more thoughtful read. Can’t wait to read more by this author since this one was a lot of fun! 💗
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭:
Only one more month of summer so I’m trying to squeeze in as many summer reads as I can and I’m stressed 😭
This should be fun though I’m excited!
July 3, 2024
4.5⭐️ incredible!!!!
October 18, 2024
hot & seggsy mom x skater boy trope!
Buddy read with Bethan!
Buddy read with Bethan!
May 26, 2025
Update - successful audio reread. I loved it just as much on audio as I did in print. This is such a fun, light, romcom with a whole lot of depth.
Soon to be divorced Ali Morris is struggling in life. Still grieving the loss of her mother while coming to terms with her impending divorce, and unable to organize her house and life the way she does for her clients, she doesn’t even remember the last time she wore “hard pants.” Then, on the day she removes her wedding ring and actually wears a quasi-presentable outfit, she meet cutes Ethan at the dog park. When instant attraction leads to a potential summer romance, Ali decides to go all in and see where this “champagne Summer” will take her.
There is a reason Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me, and it is because she writes books that feature very realistic characters, are insanely swoony, and that will leave you with a gigantic grin on your face, even after shedding a few tears along the way. I started this book knee deep in a slump and yet, even in that slump, I binged this book in little more than a sitting. It was that good.
By the time I finished reading, I felt as though I knew these characters inside and out. Forget creating multi-faceted characters, Monaghan creates life-like paper people ᵗᵐ. I laughed with Ali as she navigated dating life, I cried with her when she struggled with her oh so relatable Mom moments, and I completely swooned as she discovered what it felt like to truly be wanted for the first time in her life. And while her characters are actually amazing, her plot line is equally exceptional. I never feel bored, a loss of focus, or confused while reading her books. They are evenly paced, and easy to read (in the best possible way). They will make you feel renewed hope and gratitude for the world, your life, and the people you fill it with.
My only disappointment is that I will now have to wait an entire year for her next book, though I am sure I will be doing a reread of this one before it even hits shelves.
Read if you like:
•late 30s MCs
•single parent
•best friends brother
•meet cutes
•forced proximity
•closed door romance
Thank you Putnam for my gifted copy. Out June 4, 2024.
Soon to be divorced Ali Morris is struggling in life. Still grieving the loss of her mother while coming to terms with her impending divorce, and unable to organize her house and life the way she does for her clients, she doesn’t even remember the last time she wore “hard pants.” Then, on the day she removes her wedding ring and actually wears a quasi-presentable outfit, she meet cutes Ethan at the dog park. When instant attraction leads to a potential summer romance, Ali decides to go all in and see where this “champagne Summer” will take her.
There is a reason Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me, and it is because she writes books that feature very realistic characters, are insanely swoony, and that will leave you with a gigantic grin on your face, even after shedding a few tears along the way. I started this book knee deep in a slump and yet, even in that slump, I binged this book in little more than a sitting. It was that good.
By the time I finished reading, I felt as though I knew these characters inside and out. Forget creating multi-faceted characters, Monaghan creates life-like paper people ᵗᵐ. I laughed with Ali as she navigated dating life, I cried with her when she struggled with her oh so relatable Mom moments, and I completely swooned as she discovered what it felt like to truly be wanted for the first time in her life. And while her characters are actually amazing, her plot line is equally exceptional. I never feel bored, a loss of focus, or confused while reading her books. They are evenly paced, and easy to read (in the best possible way). They will make you feel renewed hope and gratitude for the world, your life, and the people you fill it with.
My only disappointment is that I will now have to wait an entire year for her next book, though I am sure I will be doing a reread of this one before it even hits shelves.
Read if you like:
•late 30s MCs
•single parent
•best friends brother
•meet cutes
•forced proximity
•closed door romance
Thank you Putnam for my gifted copy. Out June 4, 2024.
July 7, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
- There are so many beautiful quotes in this story!! I don’t know if I’ve EVER felt the love from a mmc than I did in this story. He loved her with his entire CHEST and the way he was so good at making her feel safe..providing healthy communication AH it was just so cute.
- There are so many incredible themes outside of the romance in this book that would be perfect to talk about in a book club: motherhood, building confidence in yourself, and so much more. I love this authors writing and can’t wait for her next release.
- This story is perfect for summer! If you’re looking for something fun for this season, but also has deeper themes you’ll love this one.
- There are so many beautiful quotes in this story!! I don’t know if I’ve EVER felt the love from a mmc than I did in this story. He loved her with his entire CHEST and the way he was so good at making her feel safe..providing healthy communication AH it was just so cute.
- There are so many incredible themes outside of the romance in this book that would be perfect to talk about in a book club: motherhood, building confidence in yourself, and so much more. I love this authors writing and can’t wait for her next release.
- This story is perfect for summer! If you’re looking for something fun for this season, but also has deeper themes you’ll love this one.
February 12, 2024
i feel horrible about rating this book 2 stars, since it has incredible arc reviews, but i was just bored for nearly the entire book! i really enjoyed the first third, but it just went downhill from there. the romance was too insta-lovey, and i just didn’t feel any chemistry between ali and ethan. it made it hard to root for them. separately, the characters still felt one-dimensional.
i’m also not a fan of characters “talking” to their dead loved ones, and this happened regularly throughout the book.
it felt like i was reading a young adult book that was tackling adult subject matter. the story felt quite repetitive at times, especially when ethan and ali were apart. it just lacked a lot of depth, magic, and connectability. the writing itself was nice, but not it didn’t flow as well as i’d hoped.
i really wanted to love summer romance, but it just didn’t quite hit the spot! just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you! it’s great if you’re looking for a closed-door, cute-ish romance that tackles deep subjects like grief, divorce, and feelings of inadequacy, and it’s short enough to read in a day or two!
thank you to netgalley and putnam for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
out june 4, 2024!
i’m also not a fan of characters “talking” to their dead loved ones, and this happened regularly throughout the book.
it felt like i was reading a young adult book that was tackling adult subject matter. the story felt quite repetitive at times, especially when ethan and ali were apart. it just lacked a lot of depth, magic, and connectability. the writing itself was nice, but not it didn’t flow as well as i’d hoped.
i really wanted to love summer romance, but it just didn’t quite hit the spot! just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you! it’s great if you’re looking for a closed-door, cute-ish romance that tackles deep subjects like grief, divorce, and feelings of inadequacy, and it’s short enough to read in a day or two!
thank you to netgalley and putnam for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
out june 4, 2024!
June 28, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ okay this was phenomenal.
don’t let the cover and title fool you.. several tears were shed.
i will be binging this authors’ other books because wow 😁
“i’ll always have a dog.” <3
don’t let the cover and title fool you.. several tears were shed.
i will be binging this authors’ other books because wow 😁
“i’ll always have a dog.” <3
Read
June 15, 2024This was a DELIGHT. Blew through it in about 24 hours.
June 4, 2024
What I love about Annabel Monaghan's books is that they are more relatable and have more real-life situations in them than most romances. In most of the romances I read, the characters have never been married, have no kids, and no mortgages, etc. The main character in Summer Romance, Ali, is a 38-year-old professional organizer with 3 kids. Although she helps other with their organizational needs, Ali herself is quite the mess. Then, Ethan enters Ali's life, and they have a summer romance, and she starts to experience real joy and happiness again. She has to navigate this new relationship while going through a divorce, running her household, working, and parenting. Even with this happening in the book, it manages to be so fun and entertaining! The characters are all top-notch and the relationships feel real and are very well written! I really enjoyed this one! 4,5 stars!
Thank you, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley, for a copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley, for a copy in return for my honest review.
October 5, 2024
Really, really loved this.
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