If, like me, you loved Nora Goes Off Script , I’m happy to report that Monaghan’s latest, Summer Romance, is just as wonderful! The story is set in Beechwood, NY and has rescue dogs, sweet kids, skateboarding, beach time and so much more. It’s a gem.

The story begins when Ali takes her dog, Ferris, to the dog park and spots a handsome guy with his dog. She is horrified when Ferris runs over and pees on this man’s shoe, though he, Ethan, is very sweet about it. The next day, they see each other at the skateboard park where Ali is dropping her son’s lunch off at rec camp and Ethan asks her out. Their date is epic – he takes her to a baseball game by boat!

Ali has been grieving her mother’s death for two years. She and her husband have been separated for a year and are mediating through a divorce and Ali is struggling. She works as a professional organizer and while she loves working on other people’s homes, her own home is pretty messy. She is a loving and caring mother and always comes up with creative things for her and her three kids to do that are ‘fun-tastic’ (like her mother did before she passed). Her ex, Pete coaches the girls’ soccer teams but isn’t good about committing to when he will be picking up and dropping off the kids and often changes his plans at the last minute which is hard on Ali and their kids.

Ethan is just in Beechwood for the summer, to clear out his parents’ home after they moved to FL. He moved to Devon, CT a few years ago because his family couldn’t see past the boy of his misspent youth to the man he is now. They think he is unreliable and still call him Scooter, his childhood nickname. Ethan has built a new life that he finds rewarding. I don’t want to give too much away but he is such a delight and the things he is doing are impressive. Ethan has a way of bringing joy into Ali’s life – when she’s having a bad day, he teaches her to skateboard! They are both attracted to each other and jump at the chance for a summer romance together.

When Ali’s ex tells her he is getting a bigger apartment and they need to juggle some expenses, she realizes she needs a lawyer. Luckily for Ali, Ethan is a lawyer. I loved seeing Ethan in action at the mediation with Pete – there are some hilarious moments and I found myself rooting for Ali and Ethan. There are entertaining secondary characters like Ali’s kids, Ethan’s family, and their dogs. They have some hurdles to work through as they adjust to life after the divorce and the death of Ali’s mom so it’s wonderful to see them be there for each other.

The beginning of the story is sad and a little slow, but not for long. Ali and Ethan are so good together as they enjoy their summer romance and realize that maybe they don’t ever want summer to end.

This story is sweet, tender and funny and would make a great beach read. It’s a romcom with heart and I loved it.