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Dolly All the Time
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26From
The New York Times
bestselling author of
Nora Goes Off Script
, a romance about a single mother who’s offered a
Pretty Woman
-type deal that’s too good to refuse.
If they begin by pretending, can they end with something real?
Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve. Not when her mom left when she was twelve, and not at thirty-nine when she moves with her son back to Whitfield, Rhode Island for the summer to keep her dad and brother from losing the family home.
So when she comes across Stewart Whitfield—annoyingly handsome scion of the Whitfield family—with a flat tire and at the wrong end of a very public, very humiliating breakup, it’s in her nature to help. But Stewart’s proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, because as public dinners and high society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and swinging on the porch, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She’s never relied on anyone besides herself, can she really start now?
If they begin by pretending, can they end with something real?
Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve. Not when her mom left when she was twelve, and not at thirty-nine when she moves with her son back to Whitfield, Rhode Island for the summer to keep her dad and brother from losing the family home.
So when she comes across Stewart Whitfield—annoyingly handsome scion of the Whitfield family—with a flat tire and at the wrong end of a very public, very humiliating breakup, it’s in her nature to help. But Stewart’s proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, because as public dinners and high society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and swinging on the porch, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She’s never relied on anyone besides herself, can she really start now?
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 26, 2026
39615 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Monaghan
11 books10.2k 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 1,255 reviews
February 17, 2026
Another auto-approved author I've fallen in love with! Ever since I devoured Nora Goes Off Script, I've been hooked on Annabel Monaghan's stories and her strong, inspirational leading female characters. Can I tell you a secret? I wish all of Annabel's characters were real people, especially Dolly—she'd absolutely be my all-time best friend.
Dolly is an incredible human being who always puts others first. She's capable of so many things: fixing homes, changing tires, baking amazing sweets, working honestly and diligently at the fish house, riding her bike everywhere to skip parking fees—she's even a perfect delivery person! She takes care of all her boys: not only her 13-year-old son Gus, but also her widowed father and her brother Christopher, who needs special care after a car accident he had with their mother (who abandoned them to start another family—yes, you can easily hate her). Dolly shoulders all the responsibility to make everyone happy while working as a kindergarten teacher, part-time Uber driver, and call assistant for a sports company in Boston. When she hears there's been a small fire in her childhood home in Rhode Island where her brother and father live, she decides to spend the summer with them, bringing along Gus, who's also having a hard time with friends at school.
Her return, plus a parent-guide version of the Pretty Woman trope, changes everything when she runs into Stewart Whitfield—the eldest son of the town's wealthy and powerful Whitfield family that everyone loves to gossip about. Stewart is reeling from discovering his fiancée's cheating through the tabloids, and on top of that, he doesn't even know how to change a flat tire! (At least he can drive a stick—one point to Stewart, zero to silver fox Edward from Pretty Woman!) Thankfully, Dolly is in the right place at the right time to help him out. But when another tabloid publishes that Dolly might be Stewart's new love interest, things take a turn, and he makes her an offer she can't refuse. Don't worry—this selfless woman only wants the money to fix her family house's roof! In exchange, she becomes his pretend girlfriend. Yes, the fake dating trope enters the picture!
As these two people from completely different worlds spend more time together, they realize how much they have in common—like being an Atlas carrying the entire weight of their families, putting everyone else's needs first and losing themselves under the burden until their shoulders protest. They discover they can be open and vulnerable with each other, breaking down their walls, which leads them both on a journey of self-discovery. But when things get complicated, who will they choose—their loved ones' happiness or their own? Can they find space for their own happiness? Or are they too afraid to try?
Overall: I think I could start a fan club for Dolly as the best fictional character everyone wants in their life! She might be my favorite Monaghan character! Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Stewart, starting with his name. I didn't find any Gere-level charm in him (I'm comparing because of the Pretty Woman vibes the book advertises, but aside from some negotiations about money, I didn't find much similarity). I found him a bit flat, even boring at times, though he did earn some points with his interactions with Gus and his vulnerable moments. But he disappointed me, and I'm not as easily forgiving as Dolly! (My ascendant is in Scorpio and my ruling planet Mars is in Aquarius, so you can imagine the ice queen energy.) That's why I didn't give this book five stars, even though I absolutely loved Dolly's storyline, her character's growth, and her self-discovery journey as she learns what she needs, how to put herself first, and how to ask for help. Stewart just fell a little flat for me.
This is still an amazing read I wholeheartedly recommend! The supporting characters are wonderful—everyone needs a sidekick like Naomi, and I also adored Busy and Christopher, who are the most lovable siblings. Nora Goes Off Script is still my number one book by this author, but this one comes so close, and I have to admit—Dolly is even more lovable than Nora!
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this heartfelt romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Dolly is an incredible human being who always puts others first. She's capable of so many things: fixing homes, changing tires, baking amazing sweets, working honestly and diligently at the fish house, riding her bike everywhere to skip parking fees—she's even a perfect delivery person! She takes care of all her boys: not only her 13-year-old son Gus, but also her widowed father and her brother Christopher, who needs special care after a car accident he had with their mother (who abandoned them to start another family—yes, you can easily hate her). Dolly shoulders all the responsibility to make everyone happy while working as a kindergarten teacher, part-time Uber driver, and call assistant for a sports company in Boston. When she hears there's been a small fire in her childhood home in Rhode Island where her brother and father live, she decides to spend the summer with them, bringing along Gus, who's also having a hard time with friends at school.
Her return, plus a parent-guide version of the Pretty Woman trope, changes everything when she runs into Stewart Whitfield—the eldest son of the town's wealthy and powerful Whitfield family that everyone loves to gossip about. Stewart is reeling from discovering his fiancée's cheating through the tabloids, and on top of that, he doesn't even know how to change a flat tire! (At least he can drive a stick—one point to Stewart, zero to silver fox Edward from Pretty Woman!) Thankfully, Dolly is in the right place at the right time to help him out. But when another tabloid publishes that Dolly might be Stewart's new love interest, things take a turn, and he makes her an offer she can't refuse. Don't worry—this selfless woman only wants the money to fix her family house's roof! In exchange, she becomes his pretend girlfriend. Yes, the fake dating trope enters the picture!
As these two people from completely different worlds spend more time together, they realize how much they have in common—like being an Atlas carrying the entire weight of their families, putting everyone else's needs first and losing themselves under the burden until their shoulders protest. They discover they can be open and vulnerable with each other, breaking down their walls, which leads them both on a journey of self-discovery. But when things get complicated, who will they choose—their loved ones' happiness or their own? Can they find space for their own happiness? Or are they too afraid to try?
Overall: I think I could start a fan club for Dolly as the best fictional character everyone wants in their life! She might be my favorite Monaghan character! Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Stewart, starting with his name. I didn't find any Gere-level charm in him (I'm comparing because of the Pretty Woman vibes the book advertises, but aside from some negotiations about money, I didn't find much similarity). I found him a bit flat, even boring at times, though he did earn some points with his interactions with Gus and his vulnerable moments. But he disappointed me, and I'm not as easily forgiving as Dolly! (My ascendant is in Scorpio and my ruling planet Mars is in Aquarius, so you can imagine the ice queen energy.) That's why I didn't give this book five stars, even though I absolutely loved Dolly's storyline, her character's growth, and her self-discovery journey as she learns what she needs, how to put herself first, and how to ask for help. Stewart just fell a little flat for me.
This is still an amazing read I wholeheartedly recommend! The supporting characters are wonderful—everyone needs a sidekick like Naomi, and I also adored Busy and Christopher, who are the most lovable siblings. Nora Goes Off Script is still my number one book by this author, but this one comes so close, and I have to admit—Dolly is even more lovable than Nora!
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this heartfelt romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
March 5, 2026
Annabel’s books are always a joy to read! While I didn’t love it as much as Its a Love Story, I still really loved the plot development. There was quite a bit of drama towards the end, but I think the romance was really natural and well done (multiple open door, but not graphic and also short sex scenes).
Currently reading
January 30, 2026A busy, hardworking single mom returns to her hometown and finds love again with a wealthy workaholic scion!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam Publisher and the author Annabel Monaghan for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: May 26, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam Publisher and the author Annabel Monaghan for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: May 26, 2026
Want to read
January 20, 2026₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
i have not been doing too well on my reading goal ever since my last read put me into a mini-slump 🙈…. but i’ve been dying to try this author and this book has only AMAZING reviews!!
(it’s also an arc and my netgalley score right now is currently 37%…😭)
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: ??? ⛴️
╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
⛴️ “pretty women” like
🌊 single mom trope
⛴️ fake dating
🌊 set in city and small town
⛴️ wealthy man/working class woman
🌊 forced proximity
i have not been doing too well on my reading goal ever since my last read put me into a mini-slump 🙈…. but i’ve been dying to try this author and this book has only AMAZING reviews!!
(it’s also an arc and my netgalley score right now is currently 37%…😭)
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: ??? ⛴️
╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
⛴️ “pretty women” like
🌊 single mom trope
⛴️ fake dating
🌊 set in city and small town
⛴️ wealthy man/working class woman
🌊 forced proximity
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DOLLY ALL THE TIME by Annabele Monaghan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I recommend this book with my whole heart and give it all of my stars!! I’m upset this is over. My heart is happy. This was one of those books where I was forcing myself to slow down so I could savor it! I am a huge Annabele Monaghan fan and Nora has always been my favorite… but I think Dolly just took first place for me! I finished a few days ago and am still missing it.
First of all, an older FMC (late 30’s) just hits for me (I’m old). But Dolly is impossible not to love!! She has grit, puts everyone ahead of herself, is funny and witty, and so sweet with her family. Her relationship with Stewart had me swooning, and watching her stand up for herself was everything.
And HOW does the sleeping porch sound like the coziest place in the world?
Dolly is a single mom who finds time to take care of everyone but herself. Stewart, a rich businessman, meets Dolly and asks her to be his fake girlfriend to convince his family he is capable of running the family business. As they spend time together, the line between pretend and real starts to blur.
Pub. Date: May 26, 2026.
Perfect if you like:
•Middle age FMC.
•Single mom.
•Fake Dating.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍩
🚪: 25 cracked
⚠️: explicit language (minimal).
First of all, an older FMC (late 30’s) just hits for me (I’m old). But Dolly is impossible not to love!! She has grit, puts everyone ahead of herself, is funny and witty, and so sweet with her family. Her relationship with Stewart had me swooning, and watching her stand up for herself was everything.
And HOW does the sleeping porch sound like the coziest place in the world?
Dolly is a single mom who finds time to take care of everyone but herself. Stewart, a rich businessman, meets Dolly and asks her to be his fake girlfriend to convince his family he is capable of running the family business. As they spend time together, the line between pretend and real starts to blur.
Pub. Date: May 26, 2026.
Perfect if you like:
•Middle age FMC.
•Single mom.
•Fake Dating.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍩
🚪: 25 cracked
⚠️: explicit language (minimal).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆˙⟡ — 3.75 stars
⤷⊹ started: january 23rd, finished: january 24th
ugh this was soo good 😩 but i did have an issue with something... rtc!!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
i got the arc for this and i’m so freaking excited 😩 i’ve loved almost all of annabel monaghan’s books, so i have high hopes for this 😌 i saw that this is kinda based on pretty woman, so i think it’s gonna be a fun time 🤭
thank you netgalley, putnam, g.p. putnam’s sons, and annabel monaghan for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!!
⤷⊹ started: january 23rd, finished: january 24th
ugh this was soo good 😩 but i did have an issue with something... rtc!!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
i got the arc for this and i’m so freaking excited 😩 i’ve loved almost all of annabel monaghan’s books, so i have high hopes for this 😌 i saw that this is kinda based on pretty woman, so i think it’s gonna be a fun time 🤭
thank you netgalley, putnam, g.p. putnam’s sons, and annabel monaghan for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!!
December 23, 2025
4.75 stars
A huge thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the chance to read an advance copy of Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan.
Dolly All The Time is the third book I’ve read by Annabel Monaghan and it may just be my favorite! (I need to go back and read her other books!)
The setting is a fictional town in Rhode Island, dominated by the Whitfield family, for whom the town is named. Dolly Brick grew up there but now works as a kindergarten teacher in Boston. Her family has owned a fish store there for a long time. We gradually get Dolly’s backstory and it’s very emotional. Her mother left the family when she was 12, after a car accident badly hurt Dolly’s young brother Christopher. (Personally, I found that hard to fathom!) As the oldest, Dolly (there’s another slightly younger sister too) immediately took on the role of substitute mother, and she’s been kind of stuck in that level of responsibility ever since (she’s 40 and a single mom of a 12-year old, Gus).
When Dolly decides to spend the summer in Whitfield to help her father after a small fire in the house, the story really gets going. Stewart Whitfield is the oldest son of the ultra-wealthy family and needs someone to pose as his fake girlfriend so that his family will think more highly of him (with a promotion in mind), after his fiancee broke things off in a public ugly way. And the rest of the book is how Stewart and Dolly’s relationship goes from a paid fake dating situation (Dolly’s father’s house needs a new roof!) to something deep and real. There’s a big Pretty Woman vibe here, but of course, Dolly is not in the same profession as the woman in that movie! There’s terrific character development, with Dolly and Stewart learning to let go of things, in their own ways.
I have to say that Stewart was terrific - until he wasn’t. (No spoilers) He did redeem himself after the third-act breakup, but I was still disappointed in his actions - or non-actions.
All the side characters were great, from Dolly’s best local friend, Naomi to Stewart’s mother Victoria, to Dolly’s wonderful son Gus. I loved how enamored he was about baseball and hockey and his new enthusiasm for sailing. No one was a cardboard cutout stereotype.
I highly recommend this book!
A huge thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the chance to read an advance copy of Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan.
Dolly All The Time is the third book I’ve read by Annabel Monaghan and it may just be my favorite! (I need to go back and read her other books!)
The setting is a fictional town in Rhode Island, dominated by the Whitfield family, for whom the town is named. Dolly Brick grew up there but now works as a kindergarten teacher in Boston. Her family has owned a fish store there for a long time. We gradually get Dolly’s backstory and it’s very emotional. Her mother left the family when she was 12, after a car accident badly hurt Dolly’s young brother Christopher. (Personally, I found that hard to fathom!) As the oldest, Dolly (there’s another slightly younger sister too) immediately took on the role of substitute mother, and she’s been kind of stuck in that level of responsibility ever since (she’s 40 and a single mom of a 12-year old, Gus).
When Dolly decides to spend the summer in Whitfield to help her father after a small fire in the house, the story really gets going. Stewart Whitfield is the oldest son of the ultra-wealthy family and needs someone to pose as his fake girlfriend so that his family will think more highly of him (with a promotion in mind), after his fiancee broke things off in a public ugly way. And the rest of the book is how Stewart and Dolly’s relationship goes from a paid fake dating situation (Dolly’s father’s house needs a new roof!) to something deep and real. There’s a big Pretty Woman vibe here, but of course, Dolly is not in the same profession as the woman in that movie! There’s terrific character development, with Dolly and Stewart learning to let go of things, in their own ways.
I have to say that Stewart was terrific - until he wasn’t. (No spoilers) He did redeem himself after the third-act breakup, but I was still disappointed in his actions - or non-actions.
All the side characters were great, from Dolly’s best local friend, Naomi to Stewart’s mother Victoria, to Dolly’s wonderful son Gus. I loved how enamored he was about baseball and hockey and his new enthusiasm for sailing. No one was a cardboard cutout stereotype.
I highly recommend this book!
Want to read
September 6, 2025was her last read disappointing?? yes but nonetheless I’m so excited for this book!!
January 16, 2026
Annabel Monaghan has quickly become one of my favorite romance writers of all time. She writes it - I’m reading it, usually in 2 days.
This book is a warm hug.
This book is a warm hug.
November 30, 2025
In Annabel Monaghan’s 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦, title character Dolly Brick is a 39-year-old kindergarten teacher and single mom who has returned to her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island for the summer to help out at the family fish house and assist her dad with home repairs. Very expensive home repairs that will be a struggle for them to afford… until Stewart Whitfield appears. Stewart, on track to becoming CEO of his family’s real estate empire, needs to do some PR damage control after an embarrassing break-up. Cue the fake dating and girlfriend-for-hire tropes.
Though I felt the book got off to a slow start, eventually the story fell into a good pace and I enjoyed the slow-burn interclass romance between Dolly and Stewart. Their chemistry was believable and compelling. But what I found ultimately disappointing was how the third-act break-up was executed and resolved—I’m not sure forgiveness was earned and I could fully root for the couple after that. Still, overall 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 is an entertaining read and I would recommend it to someone looking for a beachy romance.
4.25 stars. Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Though I felt the book got off to a slow start, eventually the story fell into a good pace and I enjoyed the slow-burn interclass romance between Dolly and Stewart. Their chemistry was believable and compelling. But what I found ultimately disappointing was how the third-act break-up was executed and resolved—I’m not sure forgiveness was earned and I could fully root for the couple after that. Still, overall 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 is an entertaining read and I would recommend it to someone looking for a beachy romance.
4.25 stars. Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2026
Queen Annabel Monaghan strikes again with another five star beach read. Nobody writes charming, fictional coastal towns like she does. She always manages to capture the feeling of summer and community so perfectly that you can practically feel the ocean air while reading.
One of my favorite parts of this book was Dolly’s relationship with her son. There were so many sweet mother and son moments that really touched me. I found myself hoping I have that same kind of relationship with my boys as they grow up.
Dolly is the kind of character I immediately connected with. She quite literally does it all, which felt relatable as a mom. Her fierce independence and dry sense of humor made her impossible not to love . Over the course of the story, she learns to not only accept help but to ask for it which felt like the perfect wrap on Dolly's emotional arc.
And then there’s Stewart. What a guy. Watching him slowly come out of his shell was such a delight. He definitely had some things to work through and there were moments where I wanted to shake him and say “open your eyes,” but the journey of getting him there made it all the more satisfying.
If you love small town summer vibes, layered characters and a romance that sneaks up on you, add this one to your beach bag!
One of my favorite parts of this book was Dolly’s relationship with her son. There were so many sweet mother and son moments that really touched me. I found myself hoping I have that same kind of relationship with my boys as they grow up.
Dolly is the kind of character I immediately connected with. She quite literally does it all, which felt relatable as a mom. Her fierce independence and dry sense of humor made her impossible not to love . Over the course of the story, she learns to not only accept help but to ask for it which felt like the perfect wrap on Dolly's emotional arc.
And then there’s Stewart. What a guy. Watching him slowly come out of his shell was such a delight. He definitely had some things to work through and there were moments where I wanted to shake him and say “open your eyes,” but the journey of getting him there made it all the more satisfying.
If you love small town summer vibes, layered characters and a romance that sneaks up on you, add this one to your beach bag!
January 8, 2026
aaaand she does it again! (my third five star read from annabel & i want to give her a big kiss on the forehead for the way her books make me feel.
i had been in a bit of a slump before which may have something to do with how this book impacted me, but MAN i felt like a teenager again staying up too late reading & feeling SO invested in this story. the tension & chemistry was just so PALPABLE and REAL. like you can’t convince me these people aren’t real. it felt just like a movie in allll the best ways.
dolly actually reminded me a lot of my mom so i immediately loved her and felt for her. she does EVERYTHING for her people & i love her (dolly & my mom) for it. i love her relationship with her kid & how he became so close with stewart as well.
stewart was complicated and real & an angel man. he definitely had his flaws but i LOVED the way he lit up when dolly came into the room.
there was a brutal third act breakup & the miscommunication was REAL. the time in between when they break up & figure everything out was farrr too long & drug out. i thought about knocking off half a star for that, but i loved so much about the story & the characters & the way this made me feel that anything less feels wrong. i also felt like the miscommunication aspect made it feel more real as well. stuff like that happens in real life, as crappy as it is.
i loved the resolution as well. SUCH A GOOD ONE. i want to reread it on the beach this summer.
🔥SPICE🔥 some references & foreplay. one short, vague open door scene in chapter 25 (it’s like half a page and not detailed)
🤐LANGUAGE🤐 4 uses of the F word. occasional other swear words
i had been in a bit of a slump before which may have something to do with how this book impacted me, but MAN i felt like a teenager again staying up too late reading & feeling SO invested in this story. the tension & chemistry was just so PALPABLE and REAL. like you can’t convince me these people aren’t real. it felt just like a movie in allll the best ways.
dolly actually reminded me a lot of my mom so i immediately loved her and felt for her. she does EVERYTHING for her people & i love her (dolly & my mom) for it. i love her relationship with her kid & how he became so close with stewart as well.
stewart was complicated and real & an angel man. he definitely had his flaws but i LOVED the way he lit up when dolly came into the room.
there was a brutal third act breakup & the miscommunication was REAL. the time in between when they break up & figure everything out was farrr too long & drug out. i thought about knocking off half a star for that, but i loved so much about the story & the characters & the way this made me feel that anything less feels wrong. i also felt like the miscommunication aspect made it feel more real as well. stuff like that happens in real life, as crappy as it is.
i loved the resolution as well. SUCH A GOOD ONE. i want to reread it on the beach this summer.
🔥SPICE🔥 some references & foreplay. one short, vague open door scene in chapter 25 (it’s like half a page and not detailed)
🤐LANGUAGE🤐 4 uses of the F word. occasional other swear words
January 27, 2026
I’m delightfully snowed in given the 2026 snowmageddon, and so a cozy, beachy, romance seemed like a good idea.
I typically rate all romances as 2 or 3 stars because they are by nature not being read for much more than a distraction and most are deliberately without much depth. I picked this one up because I’ve enjoyed Annabel Monaghan’s books in the past. What I like about her writing is the exploration of psychodynamics and how early influences shape characters along with the premise that all families have challenges.
Dolly All the Time has undertones of Pretty Woman combined with financially struggling single mom vibes. Alas, the allure of a handsome, wealthy, local man is too much for this heroine to resist. (Sometimes this heroine doesn’t realize that the rich also have their own problems.)
The reader knows where this story is going and is happy to go along for the ride.
I am giving this an unusual for me 4-stars, even though it’s a romance because I think it stands out for this genre.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I typically rate all romances as 2 or 3 stars because they are by nature not being read for much more than a distraction and most are deliberately without much depth. I picked this one up because I’ve enjoyed Annabel Monaghan’s books in the past. What I like about her writing is the exploration of psychodynamics and how early influences shape characters along with the premise that all families have challenges.
Dolly All the Time has undertones of Pretty Woman combined with financially struggling single mom vibes. Alas, the allure of a handsome, wealthy, local man is too much for this heroine to resist. (Sometimes this heroine doesn’t realize that the rich also have their own problems.)
The reader knows where this story is going and is happy to go along for the ride.
I am giving this an unusual for me 4-stars, even though it’s a romance because I think it stands out for this genre.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2025
ೃ⁀➷ 4.5⭐️
This review’s in English cause this book has been offered to me by @netgalleyuk and Aria & Aries 🤍
I’ll definitely buy this book as soon as it gets out so I can have a physical copy to reread 🤍
Annabel Monaghan did it again.
I laughed and laughed and laughed and kicked my feet and spread my toes alllll the way to the end. I cried a little too cause I’m sensitive and this ending was chef’s kiss
The way Stewart learns how to be a better fake boyfriend for Dolly, the way he tries to take care of her when he never did for someone else. The way he compliments her 😩😩 how he falls for her 😩😩😩 it’s so well written that we see everything happening in front of our eyes it’s perfect.
I, however, was a bit disappointed about the whole third act breakup. Stewart really broke something in my heart too and I was really mad at him for the longest time bc it took him so long to reach back again. That being said, I forgave him 😌
That’s a perfect summer book and I can’t wait to see y’all opinions on it
I would never get bored reading Annabel’s book and she found in me a fan for her books. Will collect them all and reread them all cause each and every one of them is like FALLING IN LOVE!
This review’s in English cause this book has been offered to me by @netgalleyuk and Aria & Aries 🤍
I’ll definitely buy this book as soon as it gets out so I can have a physical copy to reread 🤍
Annabel Monaghan did it again.
I laughed and laughed and laughed and kicked my feet and spread my toes alllll the way to the end. I cried a little too cause I’m sensitive and this ending was chef’s kiss
The way Stewart learns how to be a better fake boyfriend for Dolly, the way he tries to take care of her when he never did for someone else. The way he compliments her 😩😩 how he falls for her 😩😩😩 it’s so well written that we see everything happening in front of our eyes it’s perfect.
I, however, was a bit disappointed about the whole third act breakup. Stewart really broke something in my heart too and I was really mad at him for the longest time bc it took him so long to reach back again. That being said, I forgave him 😌
That’s a perfect summer book and I can’t wait to see y’all opinions on it
I would never get bored reading Annabel’s book and she found in me a fan for her books. Will collect them all and reread them all cause each and every one of them is like FALLING IN LOVE!
November 10, 2025
I was absolutely thrilled for the lightning fast approval of this ARC request. Annabel Monaghan has been flirting with the top spot on my favorite author list, and her latest has secured her spot on the podium.
I devoured this tale of an eldest daughter single mom who puts everyone else above herself. The unlikelihood of her fake dating scenario took me back to Nora Goes Off Script (the Book I Will Not Shut Up About TM). Monaghan writes about motherhood, families, and relationships with such insight and candor. I loved Dolly from the jump, and I fell more in love with her as the story went on.
This book is a love story. It's a really good, lovely adorable swoony love story. But it's also SO MUCH MORE. It's about being vulnerable. Finding yourself. Asking for what you want. Accepting help. ASKING for help. Acknowledging that you don't have to be a product of your circumstances and it is NEVER too late in life to "find out who you are, and do it on purpose" (Dolly Parton by way of Mandy Moore in A Walk to Remember).
I read this in a day and a half and I WEPT through the last 20%. This book is perfect. Pre-order it now and thank me later.
Thank you @netgalley and @putnam for the ARC!
I devoured this tale of an eldest daughter single mom who puts everyone else above herself. The unlikelihood of her fake dating scenario took me back to Nora Goes Off Script (the Book I Will Not Shut Up About TM). Monaghan writes about motherhood, families, and relationships with such insight and candor. I loved Dolly from the jump, and I fell more in love with her as the story went on.
This book is a love story. It's a really good, lovely adorable swoony love story. But it's also SO MUCH MORE. It's about being vulnerable. Finding yourself. Asking for what you want. Accepting help. ASKING for help. Acknowledging that you don't have to be a product of your circumstances and it is NEVER too late in life to "find out who you are, and do it on purpose" (Dolly Parton by way of Mandy Moore in A Walk to Remember).
I read this in a day and a half and I WEPT through the last 20%. This book is perfect. Pre-order it now and thank me later.
Thank you @netgalley and @putnam for the ARC!
March 8, 2026
LOVED!!!!! I love anything Annabel writes I swear! But this one was amazing! I loved the setting of Whitfield and the summery vibes this book had! But also i absolutely love how Annabel’s books always seem to make me cry and laugh and truly just leave me like giddy 😭 5/5⭐️
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!!
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!!
February 10, 2026
and she’s back! annabel monaghan’s back and once again she delivered another story that has the power to just immerse you in it and simply gets u! the one that u could just easily visualise while reading because this is annabel’s power in the end… and where should i even start ?
from the dedication i knew that dolly would be a character that everyone could easily relate and empathise because she’s the woman that thinks of everything and everyone! she’s the kind of woman that’s thanks to her heart can make everyone feel understood and comfortable in a way that’s just so cozy and right and i truly loved to read about her story! it was truly inspiring to read about her development and understanding about herself and everything that was going on her life! she’s truly one of the best characters that annabel let us know and appreciate!
stewart… oh man… how many things he made me feel! truly a lot! he was just so good and also a man that had a lot to understand and learn but he was helped by our dolly and her family and it was just so sweet to read about their experiences together not only as a couple but as a whole family!
i truly loved dolly and stewart together… the chemistry was there from the start… ikyk and if u don’t i trust u will read it :”) but also the side characters? i loved all of them! they were so hilarious and so good that i was laughing with them and because of them especially during certain scenes and reactions! they were just so real!
in the end dolly all the time’s an amazing story perfect for the summer vibes :”) or simply for an escape and with the fake dating trope that gives a kinda of pretty woman vibes <3
least but not last a lot of thanks to the aria & aries team and netgalley for sending me the e-arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
from the dedication i knew that dolly would be a character that everyone could easily relate and empathise because she’s the woman that thinks of everything and everyone! she’s the kind of woman that’s thanks to her heart can make everyone feel understood and comfortable in a way that’s just so cozy and right and i truly loved to read about her story! it was truly inspiring to read about her development and understanding about herself and everything that was going on her life! she’s truly one of the best characters that annabel let us know and appreciate!
stewart… oh man… how many things he made me feel! truly a lot! he was just so good and also a man that had a lot to understand and learn but he was helped by our dolly and her family and it was just so sweet to read about their experiences together not only as a couple but as a whole family!
i truly loved dolly and stewart together… the chemistry was there from the start… ikyk and if u don’t i trust u will read it :”) but also the side characters? i loved all of them! they were so hilarious and so good that i was laughing with them and because of them especially during certain scenes and reactions! they were just so real!
in the end dolly all the time’s an amazing story perfect for the summer vibes :”) or simply for an escape and with the fake dating trope that gives a kinda of pretty woman vibes <3
least but not last a lot of thanks to the aria & aries team and netgalley for sending me the e-arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an infinity star book. I don’t have any words to say other than I am so so happy right now. Not only did it have it's swoony moments, there was so many things that were represented in this: single mom, disability rep, older MC’s (40’s) , panic attacks, childhood cancer, AMAZING banter, COMMUNICATION, being transported to summer. I would classify this a more than just a romance which I love in my books. I had really high expectations with this book and was hesitant about the ages of the MC’s but this book met if not exceeded all I could have imagined. ILY Annabel Monaghan
What I loved is that attraction is there BUT not lustful.
This book was WRITTEN SO WELL I COULD CRY.
Sometimes when you read so much of something like romance, stories flow as if they were made up just to serve the plot and often times gets repetitive. However this book is the definition of real life. The mess, the joy, the sadness, and the hope.
We read to know that we are not alone - CS Lewis
Content: low spice, vague foreplay (middle of chapter 25, something you will see in the great alone by Kristian Hannah or things you save in the fire by katherine center or bridge to haven by francine rivers) , few f-bombs (4)
I will say the word sex is used 22 times but not in a gross way or lustful way so just be prepared going in . The main charecters are in their 40’s.
What I loved is that attraction is there BUT not lustful.
This book was WRITTEN SO WELL I COULD CRY.
Sometimes when you read so much of something like romance, stories flow as if they were made up just to serve the plot and often times gets repetitive. However this book is the definition of real life. The mess, the joy, the sadness, and the hope.
We read to know that we are not alone - CS Lewis
Content: low spice, vague foreplay (middle of chapter 25, something you will see in the great alone by Kristian Hannah or things you save in the fire by katherine center or bridge to haven by francine rivers) , few f-bombs (4)
I will say the word sex is used 22 times but not in a gross way or lustful way so just be prepared going in . The main charecters are in their 40’s.
December 15, 2025
Rom-coms need a few key elements to be successful:
They need to be believable characters, have likable main characters who change and grow, and have undeniable chemistry. And don’t forget the cute city/town where the story takes place!
Dolly All the Time manages to encapsulate all three.
Dolly Brick, and I love the name, finds herself in a Pretty Woman type of situation when she helps Stewart Whitfield change his tire on the side of the road. Stewart also happens to be the town billionaire, and the town itself is even called Whitfield.
Dolly can do just about anything. She lays tile in kitchens, works part time as an Uber driver, raises her teenage son Gus on her own, and helps support her family and their struggling fish store. When the roof of her family’s house begins to cave in, she needs sixty thousand dollars fast to make the repairs. Stewart steps in and offers to cover the cost if Dolly pretends to be his girlfriend, a move that helps him secure his path to becoming CEO of the family business in a classic PR stunt.
While I expected Dolly All the Time to be super cheesy and far too predictable, I ended up loving the characters and Dolly’s growth as she navigates motherhood, caring for her family, and finding her own happiness. Of course there is chemistry between Dolly and Stewart, but while their relationship is the foundation of the story, it is Dolly’s personal growth and life changes that truly make this book stand out.
I honestly didn’t care for Annabel Monaghan’s last two books, but this reverses my stance. Monaghan has cemented herself as a top contemporary women’s fiction writer and I’m happy I read this.
Dolly All the Time will be a big hit once released on 5.26.26. Thanks G.P. Putnam for the ARC!
They need to be believable characters, have likable main characters who change and grow, and have undeniable chemistry. And don’t forget the cute city/town where the story takes place!
Dolly All the Time manages to encapsulate all three.
Dolly Brick, and I love the name, finds herself in a Pretty Woman type of situation when she helps Stewart Whitfield change his tire on the side of the road. Stewart also happens to be the town billionaire, and the town itself is even called Whitfield.
Dolly can do just about anything. She lays tile in kitchens, works part time as an Uber driver, raises her teenage son Gus on her own, and helps support her family and their struggling fish store. When the roof of her family’s house begins to cave in, she needs sixty thousand dollars fast to make the repairs. Stewart steps in and offers to cover the cost if Dolly pretends to be his girlfriend, a move that helps him secure his path to becoming CEO of the family business in a classic PR stunt.
While I expected Dolly All the Time to be super cheesy and far too predictable, I ended up loving the characters and Dolly’s growth as she navigates motherhood, caring for her family, and finding her own happiness. Of course there is chemistry between Dolly and Stewart, but while their relationship is the foundation of the story, it is Dolly’s personal growth and life changes that truly make this book stand out.
I honestly didn’t care for Annabel Monaghan’s last two books, but this reverses my stance. Monaghan has cemented herself as a top contemporary women’s fiction writer and I’m happy I read this.
Dolly All the Time will be a big hit once released on 5.26.26. Thanks G.P. Putnam for the ARC!
December 27, 2025
Absolutely perfect! Dolly is a force you’ll love, along with her young teen son, Gus and her hard but soft father.
She meets the richest bachelor in town and changes his tire on his Range Rover! He’s smitten and she’s, not sure what happened!
A love story that gets messed up but eventually, and I mean eventually, gets repaired.
Endearing, frustrating, funny and wistful. A must read for 2026!
Thanks Edelweiss and GP Putnam.
She meets the richest bachelor in town and changes his tire on his Range Rover! He’s smitten and she’s, not sure what happened!
A love story that gets messed up but eventually, and I mean eventually, gets repaired.
Endearing, frustrating, funny and wistful. A must read for 2026!
Thanks Edelweiss and GP Putnam.
December 26, 2025
Thanks to Putnam Books for the free advanced review copy. I'm so grateful!
This is it - my new favorite contemporary romance and 5 of the easiest stars I've given all year. I'll try my best to explain why. In a nutshell, Annabel Monaghan has taken tropes like billionaire romance and fake dating and woven them into a beautiful, heartfelt, feel-good story. All the pieces are there and as a whole, it sings.
Dolly, our 39-year-old FMC, is a down-to-earth, independent woman. She is the perpetual caretaker. She has been ever since her mother left her family when she was a child. She's a single mom and kindergarten teacher in Boston who also takes care of her dad and her adult brother in addition to her 13 year old son. Annabel Monaghan always does "side" characters so well and this is no exception. I loved Dolly's relationships with her son, her dad and brother, and her best friend Naomi, who I also just loved as a character.
That brings us to Stewart. Dolly is spending the summer in her coastal Rhode Island hometown of Whitfield, which is literally named after Stewart's wealthy family. Stewart is handsome but also adorably awkward. He and Dolly are from different worlds but they happen upon each other one day. Watching their connection grow from there was the best experience. Perfectly paced, full of emotional and physical connection and fun outings on yachts, etc. What more could you want??
I really did love everything about this, from the setup to the execution. It had Annabel's trademark heart and sense of humor - both elements that really set her apart as a romance author for everyone, but especially for us women (often moms) in our 30s, 40s, and above. I will be enthusiastically recommending this book for the next year, from the leadup to release, to summer 2026, and beyond!
This is it - my new favorite contemporary romance and 5 of the easiest stars I've given all year. I'll try my best to explain why. In a nutshell, Annabel Monaghan has taken tropes like billionaire romance and fake dating and woven them into a beautiful, heartfelt, feel-good story. All the pieces are there and as a whole, it sings.
Dolly, our 39-year-old FMC, is a down-to-earth, independent woman. She is the perpetual caretaker. She has been ever since her mother left her family when she was a child. She's a single mom and kindergarten teacher in Boston who also takes care of her dad and her adult brother in addition to her 13 year old son. Annabel Monaghan always does "side" characters so well and this is no exception. I loved Dolly's relationships with her son, her dad and brother, and her best friend Naomi, who I also just loved as a character.
That brings us to Stewart. Dolly is spending the summer in her coastal Rhode Island hometown of Whitfield, which is literally named after Stewart's wealthy family. Stewart is handsome but also adorably awkward. He and Dolly are from different worlds but they happen upon each other one day. Watching their connection grow from there was the best experience. Perfectly paced, full of emotional and physical connection and fun outings on yachts, etc. What more could you want??
I really did love everything about this, from the setup to the execution. It had Annabel's trademark heart and sense of humor - both elements that really set her apart as a romance author for everyone, but especially for us women (often moms) in our 30s, 40s, and above. I will be enthusiastically recommending this book for the next year, from the leadup to release, to summer 2026, and beyond!
January 12, 2026
Sending a huge thank you Annabel Monaghan and her publisher for the E ARC.
No one and I mean absolutely no one does chemistry quite like Annabel Monaghan. The romantic tension in her books is always spot on. She creates such beautifully complex and realistic characters and her stories suck me in every single time. Dolly All The Time is no exception, it is a MUST read summer romance. I cannot recommend it enough. Almost every time she writes a book I wonder how she could top the last, and then I read said book and declare it my favorite and the cycle never ends.
No one and I mean absolutely no one does chemistry quite like Annabel Monaghan. The romantic tension in her books is always spot on. She creates such beautifully complex and realistic characters and her stories suck me in every single time. Dolly All The Time is no exception, it is a MUST read summer romance. I cannot recommend it enough. Almost every time she writes a book I wonder how she could top the last, and then I read said book and declare it my favorite and the cycle never ends.
March 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for not making me wait for this highly anticipated romance book from one of the top fun romances writers!
If you're looking for a classically fun summer romcom, look no further! This is a classic fake dating romance with some billionaire/normie cross troping. ;)
This was a fun read; I loved Dolly's relationship with her son, Gus! Gus was a really well written teenage character that didn't fall into that crazy "teenagers are grumpy and crazy all the time" that I feel like a lot of authors write. Stewart was an incredibly lovable MMC and even the 3rd act conflict was a little predictable but you knew how it was going to resolve.
Just becuase a story might be predictable and follow common tropes; it doesn't make it any less fun! This was another great read from Annabel Monaghan; I love the FMCs that she writes & Dolly was no exception. I feel like she really learned a lot about herself over the year that this book takes place and made a lot of positive changes in her own life for herself -- loved that!
In the end, I wished that the coflict in the last 20% of the book didn't last quite so long chronilogically as it did in the story. It seemed a bit far-fetched that it would have went down that way and then lasted that long without either one reaching out.
If a sexy millionaire wants to buy someone thousands of dollars worth of clothes and pay for their home repairs and be incredibly thoughtful and sweet; who isn't going to fall in love with that man?!
If you're looking for a classically fun summer romcom, look no further! This is a classic fake dating romance with some billionaire/normie cross troping. ;)
This was a fun read; I loved Dolly's relationship with her son, Gus! Gus was a really well written teenage character that didn't fall into that crazy "teenagers are grumpy and crazy all the time" that I feel like a lot of authors write. Stewart was an incredibly lovable MMC and even the 3rd act conflict was a little predictable but you knew how it was going to resolve.
Just becuase a story might be predictable and follow common tropes; it doesn't make it any less fun! This was another great read from Annabel Monaghan; I love the FMCs that she writes & Dolly was no exception. I feel like she really learned a lot about herself over the year that this book takes place and made a lot of positive changes in her own life for herself -- loved that!
In the end, I wished that the coflict in the last 20% of the book didn't last quite so long chronilogically as it did in the story. It seemed a bit far-fetched that it would have went down that way and then lasted that long without either one reaching out.
If a sexy millionaire wants to buy someone thousands of dollars worth of clothes and pay for their home repairs and be incredibly thoughtful and sweet; who isn't going to fall in love with that man?!
December 29, 2025
i am just absolutely obsessed with annabel’s writing style!!! it is so easy, simple & clever i just love it so much!! this was so sweet & i just had such a great time reading it!! i loved dolly & stewart together so much!! the setting was gorgeous & all the background characters were perfect for the story!!! i highly recommend this one!!!
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!
January 7, 2026
Monaghan romances are always so charming, sweet, humerous, and swooney- this one was no exception to that and I got what I expected. Dolly is a single mom who moves back to her small town to help her dad run his business for the summer. Dolly has the misfortune of striking a bargain with one of the local rich boys (well now grown up!) who never gave her the time of day until now.... can their fake dating actually become the fresh start they both desparately need?
Very cute and sweet, always a good read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam books for the ARC!
Very cute and sweet, always a good read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam books for the ARC!
November 8, 2025
So, um, that took a turn.
I was obsessed with this up until the 65% mark when, something I knew was going to happen, happened and I still said what the actual fuck are we doing right now?
We spent the whole book saying “don’t do this. It’s very important we don’t do this.”
And then said, “yeah, you know what? Let’s do this. At this very big event. In front of everyone. Where everything could go wrong.”
I mean what could go possibly wrong, right?
Slight spoiler:
I’m sorry, at 40 years old, if a man (who is also 40) straight up ghosts me and my kid, I’m not going to his office unannounced with my one-dimensional best friend who acts like she’s still a sophomore in high school to essentially say, “talk to the hand.”
I’d say read up until the grand ball at 65% and then call it quits. Because before that point, it’s a lovely five star book with amazing coastal summertime vibes.
I was obsessed with this up until the 65% mark when, something I knew was going to happen, happened and I still said what the actual fuck are we doing right now?
We spent the whole book saying “don’t do this. It’s very important we don’t do this.”
And then said, “yeah, you know what? Let’s do this. At this very big event. In front of everyone. Where everything could go wrong.”
I mean what could go possibly wrong, right?
Slight spoiler:
I’m sorry, at 40 years old, if a man (who is also 40) straight up ghosts me and my kid, I’m not going to his office unannounced with my one-dimensional best friend who acts like she’s still a sophomore in high school to essentially say, “talk to the hand.”
I’d say read up until the grand ball at 65% and then call it quits. Because before that point, it’s a lovely five star book with amazing coastal summertime vibes.
Read
December 31, 2025Easily one of my favorite reads of 2025 -- keep this one on your radar for its May 2026 release!
Dolly Brick is back in her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to take care of her dad and brother after a (small) fire in her childhood home. That's typical for Dolly--always helping, always giving. She and her teenage son are assisting her dad at the family fish shop and generally making themselves useful. While delivering for the shop, she comes across Stewart Whitfield--one of those wealthy Whitfields whom the town is named after--floundering while trying to change a tire. Dolly does it for him, leading to him asking her to pose as his girlfriend to convince his family that he's serious both about taking over the family business and settling down.
What's so great about this book is that it allows you to completely embrace a fantasy come to life: a weary mom wined and dined by the handsome, rich guy. You know it's fake, but Monaghan writes so convincingly that you find yourself wishing it was real. The characters just pop off the page--written as vibrant, realistic, flawed, and funny humans. I truly wanted what was best for Dolly and Stewart.
Nothing about this story feels forced or silly, as so many fake dating tropes can. Their reasons to pull away aren't contrived, but based on actual motivations. We meet Stewart's family, including his sister, Busy, and his doctor Mom and learn about his need to be the absolute best for his family. And then there's the charming Dolly, attempting to do it all after her mom left when she was a child. Her sweet son, Gus, is a wonderful character as well.
This is a romance, but also a story of growth and the strength of family. It's a vulnerable story but also funny. I found it hard to put down and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this story from Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons in return for an unbiased review. Look for this one 5/26/2026!
Dolly Brick is back in her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to take care of her dad and brother after a (small) fire in her childhood home. That's typical for Dolly--always helping, always giving. She and her teenage son are assisting her dad at the family fish shop and generally making themselves useful. While delivering for the shop, she comes across Stewart Whitfield--one of those wealthy Whitfields whom the town is named after--floundering while trying to change a tire. Dolly does it for him, leading to him asking her to pose as his girlfriend to convince his family that he's serious both about taking over the family business and settling down.
What's so great about this book is that it allows you to completely embrace a fantasy come to life: a weary mom wined and dined by the handsome, rich guy. You know it's fake, but Monaghan writes so convincingly that you find yourself wishing it was real. The characters just pop off the page--written as vibrant, realistic, flawed, and funny humans. I truly wanted what was best for Dolly and Stewart.
Nothing about this story feels forced or silly, as so many fake dating tropes can. Their reasons to pull away aren't contrived, but based on actual motivations. We meet Stewart's family, including his sister, Busy, and his doctor Mom and learn about his need to be the absolute best for his family. And then there's the charming Dolly, attempting to do it all after her mom left when she was a child. Her sweet son, Gus, is a wonderful character as well.
This is a romance, but also a story of growth and the strength of family. It's a vulnerable story but also funny. I found it hard to put down and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this story from Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons in return for an unbiased review. Look for this one 5/26/2026!
March 5, 2026
I’ve come to look forward to this time of year and a new book from Monaghan. They are such a treat! I decided to take it on vacation with me and it was the absolute best decision!
We were on a cruise with many things to do, and I did not want to stop reading. I took every chance I could to read, and I finished it in a couple of days. It was the perfect location to read the book. 🛳️
Dolly Brick is a single mom who comes home to Whitfield, RI for the summer to help her dad with the family business, Brick Fish House. She happens to run into the town's most eligible and handsome bachelor, Stewart Whitfield. She helps him change a flat tire, because he doesn’t know how to. Lol, Someone takes their photo, which makes headlines, and soon she gets a visit from Stewart with a proposal that she can’t resist.
This book put a smile on my face. I laughed, and I cried as I felt a myriad of emotions along with the characters. I have to admit one part made me mad, but it didn’t diminish my love for the story. Although they come from vastly different worlds, I love that Dolly taught Stewart how to treat her.
Things I loved |
❤️ Swoon worthy chemistry
❤️ The Perfect best friend
❤️ Fake dating
❤️ Summer romance
❤️ Family
Dolly is one of my favorite FMC’s. I loved her spunk and how self-sufficient she was. And I think that everyone should have a best friend like Naomi. I thought that her relationship with her son Gus was really heartwarming too. She always wanted to be honest with him.
Dolly has a special link with her brother Christopher, and I felt it added to the nuanced story. Don’t miss out on this sure-fire hit. Highly recommend!
[Thanks to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the advance eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]
CA | Contains a few instances of strong language and a vague love scene.
We were on a cruise with many things to do, and I did not want to stop reading. I took every chance I could to read, and I finished it in a couple of days. It was the perfect location to read the book. 🛳️
Dolly Brick is a single mom who comes home to Whitfield, RI for the summer to help her dad with the family business, Brick Fish House. She happens to run into the town's most eligible and handsome bachelor, Stewart Whitfield. She helps him change a flat tire, because he doesn’t know how to. Lol, Someone takes their photo, which makes headlines, and soon she gets a visit from Stewart with a proposal that she can’t resist.
This book put a smile on my face. I laughed, and I cried as I felt a myriad of emotions along with the characters. I have to admit one part made me mad, but it didn’t diminish my love for the story. Although they come from vastly different worlds, I love that Dolly taught Stewart how to treat her.
Things I loved |
❤️ Swoon worthy chemistry
❤️ The Perfect best friend
❤️ Fake dating
❤️ Summer romance
❤️ Family
Dolly is one of my favorite FMC’s. I loved her spunk and how self-sufficient she was. And I think that everyone should have a best friend like Naomi. I thought that her relationship with her son Gus was really heartwarming too. She always wanted to be honest with him.
Dolly has a special link with her brother Christopher, and I felt it added to the nuanced story. Don’t miss out on this sure-fire hit. Highly recommend!
[Thanks to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the advance eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]
CA | Contains a few instances of strong language and a vague love scene.
January 13, 2026
• Adjusted Rating: 4.75 stars!!!
• POV: 1st Person / Single
• Book Spice: Level 1
• Content Thoughts:
😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩
Annabel Monaghan is officially back in her bag. I love, love, loved this book. I did not even realize she had a new release coming until I stumbled across it while browsing ARCs on NetGalley, and I am so glad I did.
I truly think, actually no, I know, this is my favorite book of hers so far. The yearning, the desire, the restraint. The way the romantic interest is shown through character interactions. This is exactly the kind of subtle, slow-burn energy I want more of.
I have said many times that I dislike when the setup for a specific trope feels forced or contrived. That was absolutely not the case here. The progression of the main characters’ connection felt natural and intentional, with each stage building smoothly on the last. Nothing felt rushed or artificial, and that made the emotional payoff hit so much harder.
My only small issue was the pacing in certain sections. Some conversations felt like they ended too quickly, and there were moments where the story jumped into summary rather than letting scenes fully play out. Those transitions made a few parts feel slightly choppy, but it did not take away from how much I genuinely enjoyed the story overall.
🫰🏽 YAAAASSS Annabel, welcome back. I will happily take more of this exact energy, please and thank you. 😍
Thank you G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
• POV: 1st Person / Single
• Book Spice: Level 1
• Content Thoughts:
😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩
Annabel Monaghan is officially back in her bag. I love, love, loved this book. I did not even realize she had a new release coming until I stumbled across it while browsing ARCs on NetGalley, and I am so glad I did.
I truly think, actually no, I know, this is my favorite book of hers so far. The yearning, the desire, the restraint. The way the romantic interest is shown through character interactions. This is exactly the kind of subtle, slow-burn energy I want more of.
I have said many times that I dislike when the setup for a specific trope feels forced or contrived. That was absolutely not the case here. The progression of the main characters’ connection felt natural and intentional, with each stage building smoothly on the last. Nothing felt rushed or artificial, and that made the emotional payoff hit so much harder.
My only small issue was the pacing in certain sections. Some conversations felt like they ended too quickly, and there were moments where the story jumped into summary rather than letting scenes fully play out. Those transitions made a few parts feel slightly choppy, but it did not take away from how much I genuinely enjoyed the story overall.
🫰🏽 YAAAASSS Annabel, welcome back. I will happily take more of this exact energy, please and thank you. 😍
Thank you G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
February 1, 2026
"If you let me love you, l'll never leave you again. If I have to leave, I'll take you with me."
Annabel Monaghan writes with such tenderness—it’s soulful, romantic, and heavy with feeling. This book is pure oxytocin.
✨ THINGS AND STUFF✨
-small town summer
-millionaire 🤝🏼 single mom
-fake dating
-a contract
-Pretty Woman
-his desire to make her tea 😭
-salting butter & hidden grottos
-Boston & RI
-#IsThisAKissingBook open door, non explicit
Thank you G P Putnam’s Sons for the advanced copy!
Annabel Monaghan writes with such tenderness—it’s soulful, romantic, and heavy with feeling. This book is pure oxytocin.
✨ THINGS AND STUFF✨
-small town summer
-millionaire 🤝🏼 single mom
-fake dating
-a contract
-Pretty Woman
-his desire to make her tea 😭
-salting butter & hidden grottos
-Boston & RI
-#IsThisAKissingBook open door, non explicit
Thank you G P Putnam’s Sons for the advanced copy!
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