Genre: Romance/Contemporary Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️️/5

I have unintentionally read every book Annabel Monaghan has released since 2022. I’ve also accidentally loved almost every single one…and then promptly forgotten that fact until the next release. Case in point: when I spotted this book at Target last week, I hesitated, despite the fact that I spent all of last summer telling everyone and their mom (including my own mom) to read Summer Romance by Monaghan.

I digress, Libby came to the rescue, and I absolutely loved It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan. This book is a beautiful blend of enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance. What I really appreciated was that the “second chance” wasn’t some big dramatic rift—it was something smaller, more believable. The growth came from the characters actually getting to know each other, realizing their differences were mostly just assumptions.

Both characters had strengths and weaknesses, and, thankfully, neither was insufferable (always a win in romance). They each had growing up to do, just in different ways, and ended up helping each other in that capacity. Dan had all the confidence in the world, but not much of the adult-level responsibility to back up his art. Jane, on the other hand, had zero confidence. By expecting things to end poorly and hiding her true self, she actually fueled others’ lack of respect for her and her work. It wasn’t really her making the messes, it was the version of herself she thought she had to present.

I have mixed, maybe even unpopular, feelings about third-act breakups. If they’re rooted in miscommunication or sheer stupidity, I can’t stand them. But when they’re done well? I eat them up. I love the drama, and think the little bit of “will they, wont they?” is great to build suspense, and this one was done so well. It felt believable, it felt raw, and honestly, I loved it. Rarely do I think a woman in these kinds of romances should apologize with her chest, but here it fit perfectly. Watching their relationship bloom again after that moment was so satisfying.

My main critique is the lack of acknowledgment of everything Jane had gone through that led her to run when she was hurt. She never actually told Dan what Jack had said to spark such a drastic reaction, and I wish that had been addressed more directly. I think her going to apologize the way that she did was fitting, but he also would have been more understanding if she was more open.

Also… I absolutely hated that it took place on Long Island. And I say this as someone from Long Island. I swear I get hives every time someone says “in Long Island.” Every time an author uses that phrase, or throws in a lazy descriptor that doesn’t fit the area, a local bagel shop die/

Monaghan’s writing is funny and refreshing, with just the right amount of depth. It never feels too heavy, but it still gives you a glimpse of the real relationship issues people actually work through. My favorite kind of rom-com is the kind that plays like the montage in Starstruck, where the couple does a mix of fun and mundane little things, and you actually see them fall in love. This book hit that note beautifully.

I loved it. I hopefully think you will too. And now I want to re-read Summer Romance (which you should 1000% read). This feels like my last summer read, time to dive into the cozy fall novels.