Summer Romance was deliciously delightful! 

4.5. 

It’s the two-year anniversary since Ali Morris lost her mother to cancer, and exactly one year later her husband Pete announced he was leaving her. (Yes, you heard that right, he asked for a divorce on the anniversary of her mum’s death. Pete’s a tool!) 

Understandably, Ali’s been struggling to cope, she’s still grieving both losses, and at thirty-eight years old is now a single mum to three kids and a dog. But what starts as a ‘meet ugly’ in the dog park turns out to be a surprise ‘meet cute’ – new-guy-in-town-for the-summer Ethan not only appears to find her attractive but also seems genuinely interested in her. Maybe a summer fling is just what Ali needs? And there’s something familiar about Ethan? 

My favourite contemporary romances are those that are light, fun, sweet, and amusing with a side of serious real-world issues and Summer Romance delivered on all counts. I appreciated that Ali and Ethan didn't exist in a vacuum and faced many internal and external obstacles - were constantly interrupted by children, animals, neighbours, family, friends, ex’s and professional and personal obligations. One of my favourite romantic tropes is the toxic ex or ex’s as I like knowing that the characters are going to get their happily ever after this time around and get to experience how they deserve to be treated and loved. Another romantic trope I enjoy is a first person single POV, as I like not knowing what the romantic interest is feeling, and in this case, whether Ethan would stay or leave at the end of the summer. This small New York town sounded amazing - what with the beach, and the family-owned inn and diner - love a small-town, close-knit, ‘everyone-up-in-each-others-business’ romance. 

Kristen DiMercurio narrated the novel in a lively, vibrant way, and used a wide range of emotions for Ali’s voice. She nailed every note - my kind of audio listen. 

I’ll definitely be hunting down Annabel Monaghan’s backlist.