Angie Cox's Reviews > Summer Romance

4.5 ⭐️ A heartfelt romance that took me by surprise


"Come on, Ali. I'm pretty sure every guy at Beechwood High thought you were the one."
"Not even close."
"Maybe it was just me then."

This book had me giggling and smiling like an idiot!!! 😍


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ almost-divorced, single mom
✨ best friend’s younger brother
✨ dog park meet-cute
✨ he falls first
✨ slow burn
✨ charming, flirty banter
✨ fade to black / closed door romance
✨ healing journey
✨ MCs in their late 30s
✨ single POV
✨ TW: death of parent/loved one, grief, divorce


My Thoughts:

This book was an absolute delight. Reading it felt like a breath of fresh air. It was so well-crafted with a captivating plot, relatable characters, and a sweet, believable romance. And overall, it had that kind of depth I always crave in a contemporary romance novel that tends to be elusive in this genre.

Summer Romance isn’t like the usual light and sexy romances I tend to read. It deals with some heavier topics i.e. loss of parent, grief, divorce, motherhood, rediscovering yourself. Yet, somehow, even with the challenges the characters face, there are plenty of lighthearted and beautiful moments that make this story so heartwarming. Basically, if you want to read a book where the characters feel real, and you get easily attached to them and the beautiful journey they embark on, read Summer Romance.

To elaborate on some of my points above:

I loved the MCs, Ali and Ethan. Their chemistry is off the charts, their flirty banter is amazing, and the love they have for each other is so gentle and kind - I just felt like my heart was going to burst! Both are wonderful people that you immediately fall in love with. However, they also are flawed and throughout this story, you watch as they navigate life and their budding relationship while also looking inward to grow and change for the better. Nothing about them or their journey felt contrived, and their transformations felt natural.

Even though the romance was closed door, I honestly found I didn’t really miss the spice, which is saying something because I LOVE me some spice. Ali and Ethan have a relationship that can stand on its own without explicit scenes, and I think that’s a testament to Annabel Monaghan’s amazing writing. However, just know that there are quite a few sexually tense moments that had my heart fluttering with anticipation, and we definitely get some PG-13 action, so there’s definitely something sexiness to look forward to.

I absolutely do not have similar life experiences that make me relate to the MCs. I’ve never been close to my parents, nor have I lost one. I’m happily married aka no divorce. I’m not a mother. I’m not in my late-30s. And I’ve never ‘lost’ myself and been on a journey of self discovery. Yet, somehow, Annabel Monaghan had me so emotionally invested in the characters and this story that I could not put this book down. Again, a testament to the charming and accessible writing. I genuinely want everyone to read this book. 🫶


Overall, Summer Romance is a fantastic book that should immediately be on your TBR! It’s perfect for readers who are fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez.


Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for providing an e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.