First of all, once again a big thank you to NetGalley and publisher William Morrow for the ARC of this copy. An honest review was requested but not required.

This didn't do it for me. Too "lite."

It wasn't a [real] romance, since there was no actual romance whatsoever between the two protagonists, nor was there any love. Just some lust, and a bunch of mismatching sets of values and communication skills.

It wasn't a [real] mystery, since there WAS no mystery, since Sheriff John knew *from the beginning, and with no proof* who the culprit was, since he's been out for this one guy since forever. HAS to be the punk kid that got away from justice the last time, right? How convenient for him that he was right. Plus, if Marilyn the Librarian I mean Mary Sue the Librarian I mean MOLLY the Librarian can figure it all out faster, then what kind of real mystery could it possibly be?

Giving two stars instead of one solely for Katie, whom I enjoyed very much. And for the encounter with the drunk dad and the ruined $25 children's book, which I can relate to on a personal AND professional level, since that's happened to me many times. (Maybe not with a DRUNK dad, tho.)

This author has a charming, breezy, fluffy beach-read style writing voice, but I think I was looking for a little more depth in this book.

A love letter to librarians. Other than that it was pretty meh.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced release copy.

I have enjoyed Meg Cabot since I was in middle school reading The Princess Diaries, so of course I was thrilled to get an eARC of her newest book from NetGalley! Although, I haven't gotten the chance to read the first in the series, they don't need to be read in order as they follow different characters.

It was a cute read. Working in a library myself, I related to Molly and some of the situations she found herself in. It was fun to be able to relate to a character.

I wish we could have gotten more relationship development with Molly and John. They annoyed each other, but were simultaneously drawn to each other, without too much explanation.

Either way, if you like cute romance with some crime hunting elements, you will enjoy this book!

Thank you to Meg Cabot, HarperCollins Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I have read a few romantic comedies lately, because the best ones are perfect pandemic antidotes -- light-hearted, humorous, with people you want to see have a happy ending.

No Offense seemed to have the ingredients: a handsome sheriff single dad, an appealing librarian, and a Florida Keys setting. But somehow, the story was never compelling, the romantic sparks never flew, and the whole thing had a cursory and rushed feel to it.

Not a terrible read, but less than memorable. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Molly Montgomery is the recently hired children’s librarian in the idyllic Florida keys community on Little Bridge Island.. Recovering from a broken engagement, she has thrown herself enthusiastically into her job. She has a great work ethic and strong opinions. Finding a newborn baby in the library bathroom sets her on a collision course with the handsome divorced town sheriff investigating the incident. Throw in a series of unsolved home break-ins and you have the makings of a mystery and romance with lots of zany characters and situations.
The best way to describe this book is that it is comparable to the plots and characters of the sitcoms of the ‘60’s and 70’s. Imagine “That Girl” transported from NYC to the Florida Keys. As a children’s librarian, I have a personal interest in this latest Meg Cabot story. I can see that if might fulfill the expectations of the general reading public as to what motivates a librarian, and I am grateful that at least Molly wasn’t portrayed as the typical shushing keeper of the books with no life beyond the walls of the library. No doubt the gradually escalating romance between love-starved Molly and Bill will increase the circulation of this book. Cabot is a very canny writer who clearly knows what she is doing. I have read this is to be the beginning of a series set in Little Bridge Island. I’m sure she will be successful.
For me, the best thing I can say about No Offense is that it was a fast read.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

I always love a good Meg Cabot novel, and this was no exception. "No Offense" has some Heather Wells vibes, keeping you on the edge of your seat with will they/won't they and a mystery to boot!

Molly recently moved to Little Bridge Island to work as the Library’s Children’s Librarian. When she isn’t at the Library, she’s working at the Lazy Parrot, helping her landlords with their bed and breakfast. Then she discovers something shocking in the Library’s restroom, and the sheriff walks in.

No Offense is the first Meg Cabot novel I’ve read. She writes well, leading the reader through with the right amount of typical in most romances, and of course, it’s a page-turner. In fact, I was surprised when I looked at my eReader and discovered I was 75% finished! It’s a quick, spunky, delightful novel perfect for summer reading.

I always love Meg Cabot! This second installment of her Little Bridge series is another breezy, feel good romance novel with a dash of cozy mystery thrown in.

Molly Montgomery is the new children's librarian in Little Bridge, Florida. She is passionate about her career, and Cabot has really done her research as far as what the life of a librarian looks like - it is not just checking out and shelving books! A modern day librarian wears many hats. Molly is faced with an abandoned new born baby in the bathroom, the home break-in and burglary of one of the library's wealthiest benefactors, and a young woman left for dead in the new library. Each of these encounters brings her in contact with Sheriff John Hartwell. John is immediately attracted to Molly, but can't seem to get it right whenever they cross each other's paths, and Molly can't quite stop meddling in his investigations.

I think YA is more to Cabot's strength, but in consideration of the genre, this book (and also the first in the series) can earn a '5' rating. As mentioned earlier, she did a good job portraying the role of libraries and librarians in communities (what good ones should look like) and I like how she included a response to the respect of women in the dating world in this day and age.

Meg Cabot weaves a tile of mystery and blossoming love throughout this book. Two unlikely people who on first meeting are not quite sure what to think about each other are able to come together to solve a mystery that plagues the town.

Little Bridge is one of the smallest islands in the Florida Keys. It’s also seen a strange spike in crime- which just so happens to bring the sheriff and children’s librarian together on more than one occasion when Molly keeps finding crime scenes.

I found this idea to be absolutely charming, an adorable take on a romance. I did find myself bored at times in areas where the book dragged, or where the characters maybe could’ve used a little more dimension because they didn’t towel life-like which made them uninteresting to read about. Overall: such a charming idea!

I tried to read this one, but I can’t get into the series. I ended up not finishing it. Meg Cabot is usually a favorite of mine so I’m not sure what’s going on.

Oh HI 2020, welcome to my most anticipated read of the entire year! It’s time to go back home to Little Bridge Island. *warm hugs*

This time last year I just finished Bridal Boot Camp and No Judgments and I was enamored with Little Bridge Island and this stunning world Meg Cabot created for us. The characters and their quirks, the landmarks, the history, the scenery. I loved it so much, you can even find my review of it in the first few pages of No Offense (I’m not screaming, you are) as “LibraryReads” stating “I don’t know if Little Bridge Island is a real place or not but it officially has a place in my heart.” And oh boy, does it.

Our newest story takes us right back to the heart of the matter, in Little Bridge, where we meet our new heroine Molly, the new town children’s librarian, and the new sheriff John. While I personally felt their spark-meter was not off the charts, I was still charmed by their chemistry and definitely rooted for them. Individually, I enjoyed their characters. Molly definitely is a woman who speaks her mind and does not allow snide comments to go unchecked by anyone, even the sheriff. John is a hard-ass who has seen some things due to his line of work but meeting Molly creates a new, more thoughtful, process of thinking for him which softens him in an attractive way without making him seem like a love-sick puppy.

We got to meet a few new characters in this story which I hope (and I am not to proud to beg for this!) means we will get more from this series. Pretty much all of Meg’s other adult series were three or more books with the exception of Insatiable because ya know, vampires. But the Boy series was four, Queen of Babble was three, Heather Wells mysteries made it to five! I’m saying there’s hope. Really I’m just telling myself that because I love these books so much. If dreams came true, Meg would write a full 12 book series from Little Bridge like she did the Princess Diaries but somehow I feel like that’s a long shot even for me.

All in all, No Offense wrapped up neatly in a pretty little bow at the end and I loved it. HEA is where it’s at. No shame.

Oh HI 2020, welcome to my most anticipated read of the entire year! It’s time to go back home to Little Bridge Island. *warm hugs*

This time last year I just finished Bridal Boot Camp and No Judgments and I was enamored with Little Bridge Island and this stunning world Meg Cabot created for us. The characters and their quirks, the landmarks, the history, the scenery. I loved it so much, you can even find my review of it in the first few pages of No Offense (I’m not screaming, you are) as “LibraryReads” stating “I don’t know if Little Bridge Island is a real place or not but it officially has a place in my heart.” And oh boy, does it.

Our newest story takes us right back to the heart of the matter, in Little Bridge, where we meet our new heroine Molly, the new town children’s librarian, and the new sheriff John. While I personally felt their spark-meter was not off the charts, I was still charmed by their chemistry and definitely rooted for them. Individually, I enjoyed their characters. Molly definitely is a woman who speaks her mind and does not allow snide comments to go unchecked by anyone, even the sheriff. John is a hard-ass who has seen some things due to his line of work but meeting Molly creates a new, more thoughtful, process of thinking for him which softens him in an attractive way without making him seem like a love-sick puppy.

We got to meet a few new characters in this story which I hope (and I am not to proud to beg for this!) means we will get more from this series. Pretty much all of Meg’s other adult series were three or more books with the exception of Insatiable because ya know, vampires. But the Boy series was four, Queen of Babble was three, Heather Wells mysteries made it to five! I’m saying there’s hope. Really I’m just telling myself that because I love these books so much. If dreams came true, Meg would write a full 12 book series from Little Bridge like she did the Princess Diaries but somehow I feel like that’s a long shot even for me.

All in all, No Offense wrapped up neatly in a pretty little bow at the end and I loved it. HEA is where it’s at. No shame.

When the new local children’s librarian finds a baby abandoned in the bathroom she must call the local sheriff. When he arrives at the library not only does an investigation into the incident begin, but the sparks do too between the handsome sheriff and Miss Molly the librarian. I was originally intrigued by the premise of the novel, especially with the main character being a librarian. The action at the beginning immediately pulled me in, however, it was just lacking something for me. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, but liked the alternating viewpoints of each chapter which helped the novel flow more. It read more like a very light, cozy mystery with some romance thrown in and could be a fun beach read.

No offense by Meg Cabot was a light and fluffy read. Just the book if you're looking for something a bit basic and lovely. While it can be a bit bland, No Offense, was still delightful to read. Short and sweet. Perfect if you already enjoyed the first in the series!

I think I may no longer be a Meg Cabot fan.

No Offense is the second installment in the Little Bridge Island series and while I did enjoy this one more than the first one, it just lacks something I can’t quite put my finger on. I did appreciate that the story was told in alternating points of view — for some reason, I’m finding contemporary romances with that dual format even more enjoyable recently!

Molly is a small town librarian, new to Little Bridge Island, and responsible for organizing the library’s transition into a new bigger building. She’s also totally avoiding her ex-fiancé on social media. But then she finds a big surprise at the library when she least expects it — soon the sheriff is involved and Molly can’t help but want to solve this mystery herself. And it doesn’t hurt that the sheriff makes her heart beat just a bit faster.

I was intrigued by the mystery and it was really what kept me turning the pages, because I didn’t feel particularly convinced by the romance between our two protagonists (also, fair warning, there are some steamy moments if that’s not your scene) or connected to the characters in any way. I also wanted more from the resolution of the story quite honestly! I realize this is a tad vague but I’m trying not to spoil the mystery plot, just in case this book is right for you.

A cute read, but while there seemed to be a lot of potential conflicts (the High School Thief, the bathroom baby and mother, Dylan Dakota), everything seemed to boil down to "two attractive people find each other attractive." The development of the romance felt a little rushed, and they sorted things out pretty quickly.

However, I have two stupid niggling points about Molly and John's jobs: first, Molly is the children's librarian/youth department head at the library. We meet Henry, the reference librarian. Where is the library director or manager? And do they have any library assistants working under them, or just volunteers? I couldn't quite make out the organizational structure here.

Second, John is the sheriff on Little Bridge Island. In Florida, at least, sheriffs are usually elected, and occasionally appointed. I'm guessing since the last sheriff left in disgrace that he was appointed? But more importantly, he seems to be the sheriff for one key, but I thought that the sheriff's department covered the whole Keys? (Google tells me that I'm correct.) Having to patrol 800(!) keys wouldn't give this book that small town feel, though.

If you are looking for a sweet, easy to read love story, this book is for you! Available August 11, 2020. Molly is the new children's media specialist in the very small island town of Little Bridge, and when she finds an abandoned baby in one of the bathroom stalls, she finds herself in the middle of a gossip/rumor mill that only small towns can provide. She manages to wiggle her way into the middle of this small town mystery which causes her to become closer to the sheriff who seems to be slowly capturing her heart and driving her crazy at the same time. Fun, light, easy read, and the second in Meg Cabot's Little Bridge series (which do not need to be read in order). #NoOffense #NetGalley

A lovely resort town is being plagued by a crime spree, but the local Sheriff is on the case. The thefts are a thorn in his side because he is sure that they are being committed by the same no good group of drifters that eluded prosecution last time he caught the ring leader. Then there is a baby found in the local library by a lovely new librarian. Then another incident occurs while the local benefactor is touring the new library and who is there to smooth it over - Molly, the new librarian. She's always there lately and he is always making mistakes where she's concerned. Then at the biggest social event of the year, when it looks like Molly and the Sheriff might be setting things straight the "High School Thief" strikes again. This time though it's at the home of the library's benefactor, Mrs. Tifton, so Molly once again is involved and once again Molly and the Sheriff are at odds. Molly and the Sheriff find a way to solve the crimes and find a way to work things out between each other even with the whole small town looking on! It's a sweet read that will hold your attention and you'll find yourself wanting to be there for the local benefit performance at the end of the book!!!

I’ve never read a Meg Cabot book before. I think I remember thumbing through one back in the early 2000s and not being interested. And then last year I received NO JUDGMENTS but I still haven’t got ‘round to it. But for some reason I picked up NO OFFENSE to other day and just dove in. It’s actually the follow up to No Judgements but can be read as a stand-alone romance.

Anyway, I enjoyed it. It wasn’t great but wasn’t horrible either. It’s sort of a “cruiser”. A bit of a lazy read when your brain wants to be “checked out”. An easy chick-lit story with a couple bits of suspense/mystery and a tiny touch of drama. Very tiny.

It starts with a very interesting plot point, an abandoned newborn in a library bathroom. The librarian and the sheriff meet and there’s a delightful, though head-butting, attraction. It’s a strong start but quickly dwindled into a very mellow story.

I loved the setting and many of the characters, most especially the Sheriff. I think his was the more interesting and rounded-out character. He wasn’t perfect and his age and physique fell on the more realistic side which is a nice change from the usual. And his daughter Katie was great, both as her own character, and as an addition to John’s.

I wasn’t a big fan of Molly though, which was a shame. She just came across as too self-entitled and judgmental. It started slow but just built and built until I had this full realization that she was unlikeable. So perhaps it’s just me and my thoughts on Molly, but the romance was a bit flat.

Overall, the book was just okay. It wasn’t particularly punchy or memorable, but it made for a relaxing and lazy weekend of reading.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.