Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants? Not to mention my winning personality (snort) and my curves-have-curves figure (eyeroll) don’t exactly attract the opposite sex. Unfortunately, none of these reasons have stopped my best friends and SoCal sewing sisters from taking on the archaic role of matchmakers, and they’re not beneath a little bribery if that’s what it takes to get my cooperation. This was a great book and thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. An overall great read.

Super quick, easy read! I flew through this in a day, and if it weren’t for having to go to work I would have finished it in one sitting!

Loved all the characters, Nicole especially, she made me laugh a lot. Her whole friend group was a hoot. Also loved the part with her daughter playing football, that was great. I was mainly drawn to this by the cover and I’m glad I got to read it!!! Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

This book was a fun fast read. This is a new to me author and I can't wait to read the first two books in this series. I loved it!! Thank you BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I came for the cover honestly but loved the story. It was a super fun, easy book and had me smiling too much.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very cute and easy to read. An adult love story but appropriate for young adults as well. This book is very straightforward with no plot twist. Great storyline but also somewhat basic and easy to guess what will happen next.

I love real women empowerment in books! Not the kind that tells us we are not weak at all, but rather the one that encourages us to seek the power within our weaknesses. This book is all that!
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I'm already curious about the bad reviews this book will get, because I know people will not like Nicole Applegate! She's strong, independent, resilient, and has a heart of gold, but she's all the way into her passions.
As a believer who's been struggling with the teachings, social views and practices of modern Christianity, I was completely stoked by Nicole's approach to it. It's not about me, it's about others. It's about loving your neighbor, being a good steward of God's creation, caring for others, caring for animals, caring for the earth. The fact that she was passing that onto her daughter with her example and not just with her words was incredibly touching. I was happy and touched by how the author approached so many different topics that would be labeled as “political” or “controversial” for modern Christians but that in the end are areas where Christianity has a responsibility and should take action! That alone would've made the book so good to me! But as a Romance, it had to check other boxes too, and it did, all the way!
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First and foremost, this book just crowned the Single Parent trope as one of my favorites. It’s one of the most realistic ones ─in my opinion─ since it requires so much respect, patience, and acceptance to make that kind of relationship work, and maybe that’s why books with this trope can get very emotional. This book wasn’t an exception.
​Drew and Nicole were genuinely hilarious! I laughed out loud from the opening line to the last page. Drew and Nicole's sarcasm was flirtatious but not insulting nor objectifying way. The dialogue flowed naturally and it didn't feel as though the author was trying too hard to sound funny, making the chemistry between them so intriguing that made me keep turning the pages.
​Now Drew! The guy had me smiling from start to finish. He didn’t crumble her walls, he melted them with the reassurance she didn’t get too often. Although he made many mistakes trying to win her trust, he always had the best intentions at heart. He never diminished her works and efforts, he encouraged her and admired her for being such a great mom and loving human being. He never implied Nicole’s efforts for advocacy were ridiculous or pointless, he just wanted her to have a safe place to rest when it became too much. I loved how he always put Sierra in the first place. He loved and admired both of them equally and fell in love with them as a family and wanted to be part of the team, because he also had a giving heart in his own way. He might’ve not been so vocal about what he was doing for others as Nicole, but he sure knew how to pour out love to others. That’s the point of advocating for change after all… Love on your neighbor, love for animals, love for the earth.
I can’t wrap up this review without talking about Sierra! A lovely girl and a warrior! I believe moms like Nicole deserve daughters like Sierra. She was obedient and respectful but also knew exactly what she was capable of and what she wanted. She is an example of what this society needs to be teaching little girls. We can do everything but sometimes we need a little help! I loved how she looked up to her mom and wanted her to be happy. Her relationship with Drew was exactly what she needed to cope with all the issues with her absent dad and I loved how in the end Drew stood up for her.
This sweet romantic comedy was all that and more! I haven’t read the rest of the series but every single second character was appealing to me, so I know I will definitely be reading more of this author.

Slightly religious book. This is a 2.75% rating for one reason she took the political to far. Every other sentence was pro liberal but there comes a point where enough is enough. This isn't marketed as a political book but should be. There is some romance thrown in. Otherwise its a good book with humor.


*******************I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.******************************

Nicole is a strong heroine who can come across as mean or insensitive in the beginning. By the end of the book she softened up a bit. I appreciate how she stayed true to her character and once I viewed the book from that lens, Nicole is a good rom-com.

When I first met the character Nicole (way back when I was reading Molly)  she struck me as a crusader. She was always on some cause lambasting those who did not feel, or react, as passionately as she did.  But then I read this book...

Sarah Monzon did a great job fleshing out Nicole's character. She was more than a woman passionate about many causes. She had hurts, fears, and insecurities like every woman. She second-guessed some of the choices she made and had wrong views about people.

What started as a clash of wills between her and Drew, mellowed into something sweet and true and you couldn't help smiling as you watched their relationship turn into something that looks as though it could stand the test of time.

One of the themes explored in Nicole is our social responsibility.  As stewards of God's creation what have we done to protect--or destroy--this earth? How have we made life better for someone else?

Nicole is book 3 in the Sewing in SoCal series. It may be read as a standalone but is better in sequence as each book builds on the ones before. I look forward to reading the rest of the series (please let there be other books in the series) as I thoroughly enjoy the characters and their stories.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

I requested this book because I was attracted to the cover, frankly. And the blurb.
I am glad to say that the book didn't let me down.

Nicole is a single mother and trying her best to raise her daughter the right way while managing her business. I loved Nicole. She is a total badass woman but not without her vulnerabilities.

The writing is awesome with some humor sprinkled at all the right places.

This book seems to be a part of a series that I didn't know earlier. But now I will pick up the first book ASAP.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC.

Environmentalist, single mom, Nicole, has always done things a certain way and is fine on her own. Drew is a fun, goofy guy who knows how important it is to enjoy life and have a little fun every once in a while. He thinks Nicole and her daughter need some fun in their lives. And if Drew and Nicole end up falling in love then that is okay, too.

This is a cute story! A fun cast of characters that make me want to read the previous books in this series and curious about the next ones. Nicole and Drew have really fun banter and I love how he gets her to loosen up and have some fun. Their love grows in a realistic way and still satisfies your romantic heart while not making you roll your eyes at the impossibility of it all. There are a few kids in this story and I’m not always a fan of kids in my romance stories, but all these kids were great. This book has a Christian element to it, but it’s not in your face or too much. It’s part of their lives and Nicole’s life mission to save our planet.

If you like spunky characters and a sweet single mom romance then this is a book for you.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions are all my own.

This one is a little "different" than a traditional romcom, but I loved it. If you're looking for something G rated and wholesome, definitely check this one out. I love a good enemies to lovers storyline and I loved how Drew always supported Nicole from the very beginning, even when she didn't realize it. I LOVED that Nicole is portrayed as she is - she is a woman who is self-conscious in her body, passionate about her views, and passionate about her daughter!


*Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Monzon, and BooksGoSocial for my free ereader ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!*

Sarah Monzon's Sewing in SoCal series has enough laugh-out-loud moments to qualify it as comedy fiction, and enough depth in the characters to qualify it as women's fiction, AND enough swoony moments to qualify it as romance. Whatever you call it, I'm glad I picked this up.

The opening scene in Nicole is worth the price of the book! Nicole Applegate is a curvy, tree-hugging activist whose friends have bribed her into a blind date. IF she makes it through without walking out, they will contribute to one of her favorite causes. How hard can it be? The ensuing mayhem is hilariously funny, and yet, Nicole's hurting heart shines through. She's been judged for her size, for the causes she supports - you name it - but when her "date" orders extra fries (because he's SURE the chubby girl will be stealing some from his plate) she lets fly and takes no prisoners.

Enter Dr. Drew Bauer. Handsome, hunky Dr. Drew could have any woman he wants with no more than a wink their way. Why then, does he show up to rescue her "date" from the dumpster? He's the best friend of her friend Molly's fiancé and will be best man in their wedding. When she discovers he's also her daughter's football coach, Nicole begins to look at him with a bit more respect. He's always been the "life of the party" but is there a more serious side that he hides from everyone?

Drew has had a thing for Nicole since he met her. He LIKES the curves. He LIKES her passionate activism for causes most would deem nuts. Her "Save the Chubby Unicorns" bumper sticker makes him smile. Unfortunately, he can't get her to take him seriously. He's been badly hurt in the past so it's hard to trust another woman with his heart, but if anyone could protect it, it's the fierce Nicole. His pain hides behind his smile. Can he get Nicole to see past her own hurt to the man who just might be her match?

I. LOVED. THIS. STORY!! I can't recommend this series enough.

This third book in the Sewing in SoCal series centers around Nicole, mother of Sierra, and outspoken environmentalist vegan. She's just trying to raise her daughter well and to convince others that her passionate stances are valid, and maybe use her friends' insistence on matchmaking to her causes' benefits. However, when Drew continues to show up in her life and push her buttons repeatedly, she may find that her passion has other outlets as well.

Nicole was definitely my favorite of this series so far! While I enjoyed Molly and Jocelyn, Nicole herself is so relatable - between her passion for God's creation, which comes off as radical environmentalism to some, and her vulnerability about her size, she is a well-crafted, deeply engaging character. Drew was also an easy character to love, as the reader gets to watch him enjoy Nicole for every bit of who she is, and as he draws out what some see as her weaknesses, he frames them as strengths, and complements them with his own personality. The multiple viewpoint format of this book really helps highlight the growth in the characters and their growing feelings for each other.

I also enjoyed getting to keep in touch with the Sewing Circle of friends, as well as the men they've been adding to their group along the way. They're such an eclectic collection, and I can't wait to see what happens with Amanda's and Betsy's stories!

I give this quirky, yet deep story 5 stars.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Hilarious, adorable and socially conscious!

Nicole is the 3rd book in this series and having not read the first two, I know I will be purchasing them after this!
A single mother with a bad track record with guys, and a passion for saving the world meets a guy who likes to push her buttons... Typical playground behaviour, he obviously likes her. The story follows the pair of them as they develop in their friendship, leading to more, perhaps?

Almost every chapter brought up a different social issue, from racism, to the environment, to body shaming, to childhood cancer and so on. Its all covered! It might have been overwhelming but I think it was balanced just right with the humour and emotion of the story. The relationships are lovely and I'm looking forward to more of the same from the authors other books in the series.

One of my favourite books this year!

The cover of this book is what truly made me pick it.. The illustration are amazing! Simply love it!
For about 90% of the book I personally didn't like Nicole. I found her holier then thou, judgemental and honestly super close-minded.. She's supposed to be this super environmentally consensus... but I find she's more so the type to push her views and make you feel bad for not being on her level with arguments.. It wasn't until she accepted her relationship with Drew did I start to like her a bit...
Now I appreciate Drew's laid back attitude.. And i understand the opposites between the two. And how that's part of the romance and conflict.. Drew is more then meets the eye and a lessons in judging for Nicole .. I get it and i understand but Nicole couldn't be fully liked in my eyes even with the turn around in attitude happened. I'm not a expert on kids but the kids sounded way older then they were but I'm not a expert.
I loved the fact that Nicole was a curvy women who dressed vintage.. I appreciate the look of it all..

'Nicole' by Sarah Monzon is the latest in her series about a group of girlfriends and the ups and downs of their lives and relationships . It's not a series I have read previously, and given how this latest story played out I am unlikely to either pick up previous books or await the next installment.

This book centers on the relationship of single mom Nicole and a guy who has somewhat joined their circle by proxy: Drew is friends with Ben who is marrying one of Nicole's friends. From the first encounter and throughout most of the book, the two protagonists spend the bulk of their time together on the page bickering. Or, at least Drew seems to get his laughs out of being extraordinarily antagonistic to Nicole (his white knight performance during Nicole's disastrous date aside). A doctor with his own heart-tugging backstory, Drew came off as more like his young nephew than a mature man falling for his one-time nemesis.

As for Nicole, I found her shrewish and sharp with pretty much everyone. The upshot for me was I couldn't find much evidence of chemistry between the two. Obviously, I don't buy that utter tripe that "there's a thin line between hate and love." They sniped at each other constantly, then suddenly they found common ground. It just felt odd and rushed, especially with how emphatic Nicole was about 'hating' Drew.

Now the tricky part: This was labeled as a 'humor romance' and 'sweet' which I understand as "no sex on the page." Well, imagine my surprise when one of the leads drops "I am a Christian." into the conversation. Bible verses and good deeds are sprinkled liberally throughout. (Although I did get a kick out of Nicole thinking extremely judgey thoughts about people shopping at a store without "throwing on a bra or changing from their pajamas to shop." Not very Christian. Here's a verse -- Matthew 7:1. "Judge not, that ye be not judged.") In all seriousness, I wouldn't have selected this book had it been correctly labeled. It's not my jam. (Also, some references to some charged socio-political issues in the U.S will definitely bring out the flamethrowers too. Ironically, most of whom call themselves Christians.)

Ultimately, I found the romance rushed and the characters thin - the antagonists were barely drawn (another father who left his wife for a younger, thinner model. But no real effort to make him stand out for all the other cardboard characters drawn along the same lines.). Even Nicole's story wasn't really fleshed out in her own book. I was left with more questions about her than answers. And the happily ever after was a total head-scratcher.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this work for my honest review.

I've appreciated the writings of this author somewhat because of a previous work, and so I jumped at the chance to read this book in exchange for a review! A budding romance between two opposites is a familiar but loved trope, and it was a special draw for me that the female protagonist, Nicole, loves sewing, as do I.

The characters are well-written as far as personality and depth, and I appreciate the author's light comic relief, often in the form of children. Some tough subjects are tackled, such as divorce.

Unfortunately, this book was nothing like I had hoped it to be, from the standpoint of genre. It is supposed to be Christian fiction but barely qualifies. The characters are very worldly and the references to God seem as though they have been added as an afterthought simply to appease the Christian market, because there's relatively no application of Christianity in the character's lives. And, it is a very sexually charged book!
After they acknowledge their feelings for each other, the characters seem to always be consumed with hot looks, feeling the heat to their core, things like that. You kind of want to tell them to keep their hands to themselves, they're not married! Also, some make-or-break current political issues are mentioned, and for me, it was a "break" because I believe it landed on the wrong perspective.
Maybe if it hadn't been labeled "Christian fiction" I would be more forgiving, but for me, some things just can't be overlooked. BUT I would give the author another try!

I’m not going to lie, I wanted to read this book simply because of its title. I love when I get to read about characters who have my name. I know that’s goofy, but I’m a goof! The fact that it’s a Sarah Monzon novel just guaranteed it was going to be a great read. Nicole was the super-fun, highly engaging read I needed to escape into this past Thanksgiving. It has everything I’ve come to love in Monzon’s writing — a fast-paced plot that kept me turning pages voraciously, well-crafted characters who are equal parts endearing, unique, and realistic, witty banter between the hero and heroine, and discussions on timely themes and ideas. Nicole is a great Contemporary Romance that I recommend wholeheartedly.

What I enjoyed the most about this story is the discussion on perception. Why are we humans SO quick to judge before getting to know someone? Why do we focus on physicality and skin color and hairstyle and fashion sense and sex appeal when we first meet others? There is a fantastic scene at the very beginning of the story where Nicole is judged immediately for her sex appeal and is found wanting. It is such an angry-making scene I wanted to jump into the novel and throat-punch the jerk-face judger. Of course, I didn’t jump into the book, I just forced my husband to listen to me as I discoursed on the fate of shallow, ignorant, self-focused men. He was thrilled to listen, I’m sure of it. Don’t stress about Nicole — she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself and adequately putting this meanie-head into his proper place. But what I love about this scene is who is watching. Dr. Drew Bauer just so happens to be at this restaurant when this awful encounter ensues. He sees and hears everything and wants to pummel the guy for being so shallow and rude. Instead, Drew decides to be Nicole’s “date” once the rude man leaves her before their date ever really began. Drew and Nicole appear to be nemeses. Drew drives Nicole crazy because he loves to push her buttons. Drew is a doctor. Doctors observe, listen, test, and diagnose. Drew has discovered that what Nicole really needs is to lighten up and allow some fun into her life. But he didn’t come at this conclusion because of initial encounters. No, Drew took the time to get to know Nicole and realize that she needs her buttons pushed to get her out of her comfort zone — being serious ALL the time. Drew’s actions are a great reminder for all of us — we need to stop judging by initial meetings and shallow dictates and instead judge by the content of the whole package. Especially in today’s age, I feel this is a lesson we all must take to heart immediately. Our shallow perceptions are doing some really bad things to our society.

Nicole is a really fun and easy-going Contemporary Romance that will leave readers feeling satisfied and smiley. There’s introspection, reflection, and discussion on serious things. There’s laughter and button pushing and banter. And there is friendship and romance. Nicole has it all and I HIGHLY recommend this read.

Note: While Nicole is the third story in the Sewing in SoCal series, it is a stand-alone story and can be read easily without having to read books 1 and 2. However, I do recommend reading the books in order because Nicole and Drew’s at-odds-with-one-another relationship begins in book 1. At the very least, understand that when Drew sits down at Nicole’s table in chapter 1 it is not the first time they have met.

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Sarah Monzon, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When I got this book I was expecting a full hilarious romcon but what I got was a zero chemistry between the main characters, a female lead who apparently her whole personality was that she was a -sometimes immature- vegan environmentalist and a main guy who apparently thought romance was bully the girl you like (you know the whole kindergarten "pulling the girl's pigtails" mentality). I cringed many times while reading this to the point I ended up skimming big chunks of it. Overall it was not what I expected it.

Ps. This is a Christian book (eventhough it doesn't say anywhere it is otherwise i probably wouldn't pick it up because i like some steam) so besides a kiss there is no intimacy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.