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Dolly All the Time
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Expected 26 May 26'Beautiful, sexy, and escapist, DOLLY ALL THE TIME is my new favourite Annabel Monaghan book. I adored it!' - Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare
A hardworking single mom returns to her seaside hometown and stumbles into a fake dating situationship with a wealthy, workaholic scion, from the New York Times bestselling author of It's a Love Story
If they begin by pretending, can they end with something real?
Dolly Brick is a woman you can rely on. She's never met a problem she couldn't solve. Not when her mom left when she was ten, and not at thirty-nine when she returns to her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to help her dad and brother from losing the family home.
So when she sees 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 what Stewart asks of Dolly ends up being more than either of them bargained for. As public dinners and high society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and kisses that give her butterflies, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She's never relied on anyone besides herself, can she really start now?
'This book is like a spicy margarita or a magic ice cream cone, the way it's sweet and a little salty and tart and hot... I have fallen in love with Dolly. And with love itself!' - Catherine Newman, NYT bestselling author of Sandwich
A hardworking single mom returns to her seaside hometown and stumbles into a fake dating situationship with a wealthy, workaholic scion, from the New York Times bestselling author of It's a Love Story
If they begin by pretending, can they end with something real?
Dolly Brick is a woman you can rely on. She's never met a problem she couldn't solve. Not when her mom left when she was ten, and not at thirty-nine when she returns to her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to help her dad and brother from losing the family home.
So when she sees 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 what Stewart asks of Dolly ends up being more than either of them bargained for. As public dinners and high society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and kisses that give her butterflies, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She's never relied on anyone besides herself, can she really start now?
'This book is like a spicy margarita or a magic ice cream cone, the way it's sweet and a little salty and tart and hot... I have fallen in love with Dolly. And with love itself!' - Catherine Newman, NYT bestselling author of Sandwich
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
14517 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Monaghan
14 books9,653 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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November 30, 2025
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:
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January 6, 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).
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!!
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.
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
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!
December 16, 2025
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).
Want to read
November 15, 2025Been meaning to give this author a try!
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
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!
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 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW TO COME!
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!
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!!
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.
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!
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!
December 28, 2025
** thank you NetGalley for the ARC**
This was such a warm, feel good read, perfect for spring or summer. I really loved Dolly, and it was refreshing to read about a more mature FMC. The romance was great, but I also appreciated that there were other plotlines happening alongside it, which made the story more interesting and well rounded. Overall, it was an easy, enjoyable read.
This was such a warm, feel good read, perfect for spring or summer. I really loved Dolly, and it was refreshing to read about a more mature FMC. The romance was great, but I also appreciated that there were other plotlines happening alongside it, which made the story more interesting and well rounded. Overall, it was an easy, enjoyable read.
tbr
November 19, 2025Thanks to Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 16, 2025
Absolutely adored and loved this excellent beach read. Add it to your TBR ASAP! No notes, Annabel Monaghan. I’ll be ready for my reread when I get my preordered physical copy! 😍
❤️ mostly closed-door. Some minor details
🙉 occasional curse word
***Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy. All thoughts are my own. 🫶🏻
❤️ mostly closed-door. Some minor details
🙉 occasional curse word
***Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy. All thoughts are my own. 🫶🏻
November 26, 2025
A warm-hearted fake dating rom-com that finds us with a "knight in shining armor" type workaholic handsome man that buys a roof and helps a struggling single mom kindergarten teacher. Absolutely classic Annabelle Monaghan- there are few romance authors that can blend fade-to-black romance with deeply developed characters and wildly funny dialogue. I loved the family dynamics with Dolly and her family, her son and father, and the way she changes over the course of the story. It is a beautiful character arc for Dolly, from being fiercely and stubbornly independent to learning to be a part of a community and allow herself to be helped. Stewart is so driven by working, not being seen as weak, and controlling how his family views his place in the company and in the family.
Dolly is a real spit fire. She is flawed but very likable. I also appreciated the incorporation of the gig economy since she is a single mom and teacher she needs to supplement her income in all kinds of ways. Dolly and Stewart are in different economic brackets- but both of them don't have a lot of room in their life for a partner because they work so much.
I was pretty angry with Stewart in the third act, Dolly is a bit more forgiving than myself. I enjoyed her son being a young teenager (13), his voice was authentic and loving towards his mom. I can certainly relate to Dolly's independence and desire to do anything to make her kid happy.
One of the top romances of 2026!
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC. Book to be published May 26, 2026.
Dolly is a real spit fire. She is flawed but very likable. I also appreciated the incorporation of the gig economy since she is a single mom and teacher she needs to supplement her income in all kinds of ways. Dolly and Stewart are in different economic brackets- but both of them don't have a lot of room in their life for a partner because they work so much.
I was pretty angry with Stewart in the third act, Dolly is a bit more forgiving than myself. I enjoyed her son being a young teenager (13), his voice was authentic and loving towards his mom. I can certainly relate to Dolly's independence and desire to do anything to make her kid happy.
One of the top romances of 2026!
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC. Book to be published May 26, 2026.
December 30, 2025
Annabel Monaghan, you can’t keep getting away with this!! (You can and you will.)
Every single book of Annabel’s has been a five-star read for me. They’re all different, but equally amazing, and I truly treasure getting to dive into another of her stories. It’s a privilege.
As far as incredible books go, DOLLY ALL THE TIME was no exception. I absolutely loved it this story of single mom Dolly Brick and wealthy, workaholic Stewart Whitfield, who stumble into a fake dating situationship where pretend feelings become genuine, despite their from-different-worlds situations.
I’ve read hundreds of fake dating stories, but Annabel manages to breathe such swoony, smart life into the trope and I completely fell in love with the characters, the town, and the HEA. Truly, as a reader, all I want is to be neck-deep in an Annabel Monaghan story. We’re so lucky to exist in her world. <3
Thank you SO much to Putnam and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. DOLLY ALL THE TIME is out 05/26/26.
Every single book of Annabel’s has been a five-star read for me. They’re all different, but equally amazing, and I truly treasure getting to dive into another of her stories. It’s a privilege.
As far as incredible books go, DOLLY ALL THE TIME was no exception. I absolutely loved it this story of single mom Dolly Brick and wealthy, workaholic Stewart Whitfield, who stumble into a fake dating situationship where pretend feelings become genuine, despite their from-different-worlds situations.
I’ve read hundreds of fake dating stories, but Annabel manages to breathe such swoony, smart life into the trope and I completely fell in love with the characters, the town, and the HEA. Truly, as a reader, all I want is to be neck-deep in an Annabel Monaghan story. We’re so lucky to exist in her world. <3
Thank you SO much to Putnam and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. DOLLY ALL THE TIME is out 05/26/26.
November 12, 2025
YOU GUYS STOP IT THIS WAS SO CUTE. FULL REVIEW TO COME BUT 4.5 STARS!!!!!!
ANNABEL MONAGHAN, WHERE YOU LEAD I WILL FOLLOW.
Dolly All the Time, more like DOLLY WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE! I didn’t know I was in a book slump until I positively binged this one in a true “can’t put this down” kind of way.
Annabel Monaghan regularly writes stories that feel like a hug to me and this was no exception. In this one, we meet Dolly, who has been solving other people’s problems and holding their worlds together from a young age. When she finds herself helping Stewart Whitfield (of THE elite Whitfield family) with a flat tire, a fake dating (yay!) arrangement is proposed and then OFF! WE! GO!
Y’all this was a certified delight (I certified it, and I have that authority in all fifty states). Dolly and Stewart were such well-developed characters, and I loved the supporting characters as well. The dialogue was natural and hilarious and sweet and earnest and just so REAL that I found myself holding my breath multiple times.
My teeny tiny itty bitty (non)-issue is that I don’t FEEL like these characters were a Dolly and a Stewart to me…but that is truly neither here nor there because at the end of the day I was ALL IN on them and their fake dating and eventual love story.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pick this one up when it is out in May and my apologies that I simply couldn’t wait to read it and had to tell you all about it RIGHT! NOW!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
ANNABEL MONAGHAN, WHERE YOU LEAD I WILL FOLLOW.
Dolly All the Time, more like DOLLY WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE! I didn’t know I was in a book slump until I positively binged this one in a true “can’t put this down” kind of way.
Annabel Monaghan regularly writes stories that feel like a hug to me and this was no exception. In this one, we meet Dolly, who has been solving other people’s problems and holding their worlds together from a young age. When she finds herself helping Stewart Whitfield (of THE elite Whitfield family) with a flat tire, a fake dating (yay!) arrangement is proposed and then OFF! WE! GO!
Y’all this was a certified delight (I certified it, and I have that authority in all fifty states). Dolly and Stewart were such well-developed characters, and I loved the supporting characters as well. The dialogue was natural and hilarious and sweet and earnest and just so REAL that I found myself holding my breath multiple times.
My teeny tiny itty bitty (non)-issue is that I don’t FEEL like these characters were a Dolly and a Stewart to me…but that is truly neither here nor there because at the end of the day I was ALL IN on them and their fake dating and eventual love story.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pick this one up when it is out in May and my apologies that I simply couldn’t wait to read it and had to tell you all about it RIGHT! NOW!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
remind-me-once-out
October 31, 2025Sneaky sneaky Annabel! When did you announce this one, huh?
January 10, 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
• 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
December 12, 2025
Nostalgic, heart-soothing, and beautifully tender.
A charming, tender story about a woman who’s spent her whole life holding everything together... until one unexpected summer forces her to slow down, open up, and let someone take care of her for once. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and full of that soft, quiet magic that sneaks up on you.
Dolly All the Time completely wrapped me up in its warmth. Dolly is the kind of heroine you root for instantly... strong, selfless, and so used to carrying everyone else that she’s forgotten what it feels like to be supported herself. Her dynamic with Stewart is effortless and deeply sweet, full of chemistry but also emotional safety and genuine tenderness. I loved the cozy coastal setting, the family ties, the porch swings and boat rides, and the way their “pretend” relationship slowly becomes something neither can ignore. It’s the kind of story that leaves your heart full, your cheeks smiling, and your soul a little softer.
A huge thanks for this ARC. All views are my own.
A charming, tender story about a woman who’s spent her whole life holding everything together... until one unexpected summer forces her to slow down, open up, and let someone take care of her for once. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and full of that soft, quiet magic that sneaks up on you.
Dolly All the Time completely wrapped me up in its warmth. Dolly is the kind of heroine you root for instantly... strong, selfless, and so used to carrying everyone else that she’s forgotten what it feels like to be supported herself. Her dynamic with Stewart is effortless and deeply sweet, full of chemistry but also emotional safety and genuine tenderness. I loved the cozy coastal setting, the family ties, the porch swings and boat rides, and the way their “pretend” relationship slowly becomes something neither can ignore. It’s the kind of story that leaves your heart full, your cheeks smiling, and your soul a little softer.
A huge thanks for this ARC. All views are my own.
November 16, 2025
5 stars 🌟 oh. my. god.
when annabel said this was her most romantic book yet she was NOT lying 🥹 stewartdolly MY BABIES ☹️ god i loved them and this so much. i kid you not my stomach started to hurt from how sweet these two were 😭 i cried (multiple times) and it was 100% worth it 🍤⛵️🦞 i have so much love for dolly, she literally deserves the whole entire world and i am so happy she got her happy endings on her own terms ❤️🩹
stewart was so in love and it made me sick ugh this couple was so so perfect! i also loved naomi, christopher and gus 🥲 just the sweetest family and supporters dolly could possibly have. annabel has done it again and i cannot wait for everyone to love this couple as much as i do!!!
a special thank you to netgally and gp putnam and sons for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
when annabel said this was her most romantic book yet she was NOT lying 🥹 stewartdolly MY BABIES ☹️ god i loved them and this so much. i kid you not my stomach started to hurt from how sweet these two were 😭 i cried (multiple times) and it was 100% worth it 🍤⛵️🦞 i have so much love for dolly, she literally deserves the whole entire world and i am so happy she got her happy endings on her own terms ❤️🩹
stewart was so in love and it made me sick ugh this couple was so so perfect! i also loved naomi, christopher and gus 🥲 just the sweetest family and supporters dolly could possibly have. annabel has done it again and i cannot wait for everyone to love this couple as much as i do!!!
a special thank you to netgally and gp putnam and sons for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 17, 2025
Oh, this book hit me right in the feels. Going to give this book 4.25 since tears were shed. I loved Dolly as the FMC and liked Stewart as the MMC, they were both such good humans. Dolly's journey, outside of the fake dating (Pretty Woman vibes), felt so dang real and relatable: her daily struggles, her family and parenting hardships, and her money issues. Dolly and Stewart's relationship was sweet and wholesome, and I enjoyed their story so much.
*Fake dating
*Single parenting
*Self-discovery
*Single POV, 1st POV - Dolly
*Friendship
Format: ebook
Thank you so much NetGalley, Annbel Monaghan, and Putnam for the ARC!
*Fake dating
*Single parenting
*Self-discovery
*Single POV, 1st POV - Dolly
*Friendship
Format: ebook
Thank you so much NetGalley, Annbel Monaghan, and Putnam for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
Annabel Monaghan is one of my favorite authors and this book just became my favorite book by her!! I devoured it with in about 12 hours of receiving the ARC and i absolutely have no regrets!! It will make you laugh, cry and really think about life. This happens on most of the 360 pages!! I loved it!!!
Dolly puts everyone else first and when there is a small fire at her father’s house, she packs up and goes there for the summer. Her brother, Christopher needs special attention after being in a car accident when he was 8. Their mother left them when they were young so Dolly takes care of everybody in the family. Her father runs BRICK FISH HOUSE and Dolly and her son Gus help out.
When the house is being inspected after the fire, it is determined that a new roof is needed and it will cost $50k. No one has that kind of money but the house will be condemned if they don’t get the roof fixed.
Stewart Whitfield comes along and needs a fake girlfriend. Dolly is hesitant at first but needs the money. After a contract is signed, they start to go out. Stewart’s family is very wealthy and Dolly even gets to go get a new wardrobe for events. After they start spending a lot of time together, will there be feelings for each other?
This book is definitely the most romantic book that Annabel has written. It is also funny and so true to real life. I loved how Dolly finally became strong and that allowed her to be so much happier!!
This will be a huge winner in 2026! It is available on 5/26/26 so get those preorders in now!! I have several preordered for friends and my favorite LFLs. Happy Reading!!!
Dolly puts everyone else first and when there is a small fire at her father’s house, she packs up and goes there for the summer. Her brother, Christopher needs special attention after being in a car accident when he was 8. Their mother left them when they were young so Dolly takes care of everybody in the family. Her father runs BRICK FISH HOUSE and Dolly and her son Gus help out.
When the house is being inspected after the fire, it is determined that a new roof is needed and it will cost $50k. No one has that kind of money but the house will be condemned if they don’t get the roof fixed.
Stewart Whitfield comes along and needs a fake girlfriend. Dolly is hesitant at first but needs the money. After a contract is signed, they start to go out. Stewart’s family is very wealthy and Dolly even gets to go get a new wardrobe for events. After they start spending a lot of time together, will there be feelings for each other?
This book is definitely the most romantic book that Annabel has written. It is also funny and so true to real life. I loved how Dolly finally became strong and that allowed her to be so much happier!!
This will be a huge winner in 2026! It is available on 5/26/26 so get those preorders in now!! I have several preordered for friends and my favorite LFLs. Happy Reading!!!
November 16, 2025
4.5✨
I discovered Annabel’s books last year and it was one of the best things that happened to me in 2024; her writing style and how she tells stories hooked me right away.
This one in particular filled me with so much happiness, giggles and love 🩷 I couldn’t put it down and I’m forever in love with Stewart.
I discovered Annabel’s books last year and it was one of the best things that happened to me in 2024; her writing style and how she tells stories hooked me right away.
This one in particular filled me with so much happiness, giggles and love 🩷 I couldn’t put it down and I’m forever in love with Stewart.
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