Summer Romance

This was my first book by Anabel Monaghan and it was light, summery and simple but it didn't check all the boxes for what I expect in a romance.

It started off with a cute (if wet) meet cute and I thought "I'm gonna love this book!" as I hunkered down on my flight. And sure, the story touches on emotional topics: grief, new relationships after a break-up, self-discovery and juggling all that life throws at newly divorced moms, but it didn't explore any of these issues with nearly enough depth. There's no tension, no drama! It felt repetitive and awkward - especially with so much time spent listening to Ali talk to her dead mom.

The main characters were ... fine at best with the stand-out being Phyllis, Ali's elderly neighbour who was a very tertiary character. (Petty moment: Ali's son Cliffy's name made me cringe every time I saw it on the page).

I appreciated that this book centres around a middle-aged woman finding herself, but the third act break-up wasn't needed, the story was boringly predictable and while it had a decent premise, it lacked depth and won't be a story or couple that will stick with me long.  

I'm in the vast minority on this one. There are a lot of rave reviews, but I just don't get it.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Author: Anabel Monaghan

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: ebook, personal copy

Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons

First Published: June 4, 2024

Read: Aug 16-19, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: Benefits of a summer romance: It’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.

Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember.

No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her...by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. He looks at her like she’s a younger, braver version of herself. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?