Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a unique premise and I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I am excited to see what the author does next.

DNF at 41%. I was interested by the premise of this story from the synopsis, but unfortunately was not able to get invested in either the characters or the plot, as the story progressed.

When I finished this book I gave it a hug. It's a fun, lighthearted read perfect for summer. All the characters were believable, especially Nora. Nora's personality was a perfect combination of humor, wit, and practicality. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves rom com.

When Nora Hamilton’s husband walks out on her and her kids, she does what she does best, writes the screenplay and sells it to Hollywood. As filming on her property wraps, the star of the movie, Leo Vance, decides to stick around. After offering Nora $1,000/day to stay for a week, what begins as a simple arrangement leads to an unexpected relationship between Leo and Nora, and Leo and her kids, Arthur and Bernadette.

I’m adding a new category at the top of my reviews. 😭💰 represents whether or not the book and characters led me to make an emotional investment, which to me, is an indicator of a very good book. And my goodness was I emotionally invested in this book, almost from the get-go. When Nora swooned, I swooned. When Leo felt his heart break, I felt my own.

The main characters in this story are incredibly well developed with really interesting interpersonal dynamics between them, Leo and Arthur. The plot moved at a good clip, with clear and concise dialogue, and I loved the way the author uses Nora’s movie script ideas to parallel her own love stories.

This was a solid 5 stars for me, and have already gone on to pre-order this book to add to my collection upon its official release. Highly, highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

(3.5 stars)

I liked this book! But it will take you on an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I will say— this is a book written for a specific audience. It follows a woman named Nora, who writes a bestselling novel about her whirlwind romance (and then divorce) with her ex-husband and father of her two young children. Nora sells the film rights to the novel and just like that, a whole crew of Hollywood actors and producers roll into her house and disrupt her routine life to begin filming. And what do you know? The lead actor, Leo, happens to be our dark and mysterious new love interest. Leo and Nora’s romance blossoms over the course of the filming… and then shit happens (no spoilers here).

Honestly, this book confused the hell out of me. I suppose that was the intention, since we only see the story from Nora’s POV and she’s left with no answers when the relationship encounters some problems. The 60-80% mark was a bit hard to get through because of this. But stay until the end— because this book has a redeemable ending. It gave me ‘Hallmark movie’ vibes without all of the cheesiness. It was more real and relatable and I found myself rooting for Nora and her kids.

All in all, this book is a 3.5 stars for me, rounded up to 4 since Goodreads doesn’t do half stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book!

Will post on my IG @bookatthebeach closer to Pub Date!

Nora, single mother and romance movie writer, writes a bestseller about her failed marriage that turns into one of the hottest movies in Hollywood, being filmed in none other than her very own backyard. When the handsome hunk, Vance, set to star in the film, decides he’s not ready to leave after filming, he suddenly takes interest in Nora’s suburban life and offers to pay her to let him stay. But after that time is up what will happen to the rhythm and routine these two are in? And is this something worth letting go of?

As a longtime Hallmark Movie lover, I knew I would love this one! I loved the relationship that Nora had with her kids, and I loved that this opportunity was open to her after her marriage ended. The relationship that she and Vance had was one that you’d dream about. I also loved the twists and turns along the way, that literally make you gasp out loud. You’ll fall in love with this new little family in no time!

Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book didn’t come right out and tell you what it was. At first, I was skeptical of the writing style. It felt a little too relaxed, a little surface-level at first. Then, as the story went on, I fell in love with Monaghan’s writing choices. Her use of brutal honesty and mom humor were a breath of fresh air. Nora was all the things a truly relatable character is – she was a mom first and a woman second, a lover who wouldn’t let herself be scorned even in the face of heartbreak. I was pulling for Nora and Leo’s love story as they got to know each other – and when things take a turn in the 3rd act I was pleasantly left not knowing what was going to happen. A rare treat in a romance novel. I loved how things came together in the end. Such a sweet and fun read, while also telling a very real story. I feel like I’ve known a lot of Noras in my life, and while I would love to know a Leo in real life, even though he was a larger-than-life character, he too felt real. I would definitely recommend this book, especially for people wanting something a little out of the norm for the romance genre. Thank you to Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam, and Netgalley for allowing me this read in exchange for my honest review.

Pub date: 6/7/22
Genre: romance, women's fiction
In one sentence: Romance screenwriter Nora finds herself in a romance plot of her own when superstar actor Leo offers her $7,000 to relax at her house for a week.

This synopsis and bright cover had me so excited for this book! I liked Nora a lot - so many romcom protagonists seem to live on another planet with no responsibilities and endless choices. Here we have a woman with debt from her lazy ex-husband, a house in need of repairs, and two children to take care of. And Leo may be a movie star, but being sexiest man alive doesn't mean he's got it all figured out (it's the exact opposite really). Their romance was unexpected but natural and refreshing - I loved seeing these two do "real life" together. Do they get a happy ending despite their differences? Well, you'll have to read the book to find that out.

Also, Nora's kids are adorable - they reminded me a bit of Maisie and Grant from The Guncle. Heartwarming but grounded, I think readers will enjoy this story of love, family, and personal growth.

Thank you to Putnam Books for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Posted to Goodreads 1/27/22, to be posted to Instagram closer to pub date.

I absolutely adored this book. The writing was superb. My attention was kept throughout. Great concept and great execution.

My only issue was that I really grew to dislike Leo during their big misunderstanding. It was just a lot of pages of me really mad at him (ten months worth of pages to be exact) that by the time he came back into the picture it took a bit for me to get back on board with shipping them. I think the misunderstanding just went on too long.

Everything else though was exquisite. Bravo.

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the chance to read an ARC of Nora Goes Off Script. I am sharing a review voluntarily.

From the first page, I was curious. I’d been drawn to a story of a woman experiencing love closer to my demographics and experiences than I often read. I loved the rawness of this story. I was worried we’d have to get through her first break-up to get to the real story, the new romance with Leo. I was relieved to learn that the story starts after the break-up and in the middle of a new space. I enjoyed the flashbacks and retrospective on Nora’s relationship with Ben, though it did feel a bit suffocating at points. I had this overhanging sense that Nora needed to stop the comparison to fully let go and move on. I’m sure that’s easier said than done after a long relationship.

The romance with Leo felt both unexpected and predictable and I liked how it unfolded. He had an air of chaos to his decisions and movements and it was totally plausible though baffling that he’d just evaporate. I didn’t see the twist/resolution coming at all and was satisfied by it.

The dialogue was punchy and sarcastic and I enjoyed it so much. Sometimes some of the narrative was a bit dry but I think that reflected Nora’s affect. I also love that the kids were age appropriate and had personalities. They weren’t schmaltzy caricatures of children, much like a made for tv romance.

This story really was a delight to read and reflect on. I am so glad I read it.

A cozy and fun romance read!

Nora is a screenplay writer -- not just any screenplays though -- Nora writes the made-for-TV romances that we all know and love (sometimes guiltily love!) Nora jokes about the formulaic nature of her screenplays, until life inspires her to write something more serious -- The Tea Room. Not only does The Tea Room get a feature film opportunity, but it will star heart throb Leo Vance. Oh, and did I mention they will be filming a portion of the film at her home?!

When Leo Vance arrives at screenplay writer Nora's home, he is initially enchanted with the small-town way of life. After his own personal struggles, he feels this lifestyle may be exactly what he needs. And as he gets to know Nora, maybe there is something else he has been longing for too...

This was a super cute and enjoyable romance novel. I loved the film set and celebrity setting, while still blended with a small-town atmosphere. In this story we are presented with the fact that people's lives may not always be as they seem, and the struggles that lurk beneath.

This is a story of the lasting impressions relationships can leave on us, even as we enter new ones. A story of new opportunities and second chances. A great romantic read to add to your collection.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons & NetGalley for a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book in exchange for review.
I loved this book. It is the perfect romance / start over with what you have. Nora never gave up and continued to be a great Mom in her situation. The character developments were awesome! Will recommend to all my book clubs!

A twist on the standard romance novel in that Nora is a screenwriter herself usually writing formulaic, sappy, predictable romance movies for a romance network. Only this time Nora writes a blockbuster script about her husband abruptly leaving and how happy she is he’s gone and it becomes a major movie. Enter the lead, Leo and the romance begins but just as it’s all going so well their love crashes and devastated Nora is left to wonder how did this happen all over again?
I really enjoyed the authors style of writing, the plot, and her well developed characters. But as I was reading I couldn’t figure out how there could be a happy ending to a love story that ended with Nora being so suddenly and irrevocably ghosted. And when the reason is revealed at the end of the book, a reason that allows them their happy ending, I found it to be somewhat implausible. After all this is the technology age, one or the other should have demanded an explanation, or Weezie the assistant who likes and knows of Nora’s feelings would have told Leo he’s made a mistake. Still this did not take away from my total enjoyment of the novel.

Nora, recently divorced with two children, has written a movie that is being filmed at her tea house at her rural home. Leo is the superstar actor starring as lead in the film. When the three day filming is over and all the Hollywood folks have left everyone is worried because Leo has disappeared. Of course, he was hiding out at Nora’s house and talks her into letting him stay for a week. And over the course of that week, which morphs into several weeks, they slowly fall in love. He is called away for another film and promises to come back. Instead he ghosts her after a few days. What follows is the best part of the book: her coming to terms with the affair, what it meant to her, how she can protect her children and how she can move ahead with her writing and her life. In the end they find that her young son had told Leo that Nora’s husband has come back and the family is back together. That is why Leo ghosted her, he was protecting her. Now they can be together.
This was a fabulous book. It was not a hackneyed average-woman-meets-star, fireworks ensue then HOA. It was a good look at real people, their actions and emotions. Well, as real as anyone could imagine reality for a movie star. It was also quite fun and funny, especially the game they play where she asks him for 3 ingredients (name, place, profession, I think) and she’ll come up with a romance plot. As a frequent romance reader I loved it and I think my patrons will love that, and the whole book, too.

4.5 rounded up

The description of the book had me intrigued and this book absolutely did not disappoint! I was expecting this to be a casual read, but I was just not able to put it down and ended up finishing this at 2:30 in the morning.

There was great chemistry (romantically or otherwise) between the characters. I loved Nora and her family.

The narrative was clean and clear. I really felt like I was breathing in the fresh air of the home atmosphere.

The very casual progression and use of "we" was making my heart full. However, even though there was a present of butterflies, this book also caused deep pain.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to read women's fiction or a romance book!

I adored the whimsical And yet captivatingly serious flow of this book. It reminds me heavily of Beach Read by Emily Henry, and is perfect for the rising romantic comedy fan base!

This book is amazing. I love Nora as a person. She’s trying to make the best for herself and her kids. I love that she’s learning to stop pleasing and apologizing to others for being herself.
I’m in love with Leo. The way he acted with Nora’s kids melted my heart. I like that he just jumped into their daily lifestyle.
I really liked Nora’s kids. A lot of people don’t like that in romance books the kids are always perfect and this book is not like those. I like that the author portrayed the kids as those who would act when their parents got divorced.
The story is perfectly paced and I loved watching Nora grow in life. I also really liked that the celebrity romance was believable.
The only thing I didn’t like was that the major conflict. Leo promises to return but yet never answered Nora’s calls or texts. How is she supposed to be reassured when he isn’t talking to her. Other than that this book is beautiful.

Read if you like:
Heroine’s POV
Single mom trope
Celebrity trope
Small town trope
Closed door romance

I thought this was a delightful read! The writing was witty, funny, engaging. The cast of characters were a hoot. It had a bit of a Hallmark movie type of feel, but considering Nora is a romance movie screenwriter that was appropriate. I usually avoid Hallmark as being too sappy, but this was not that. I would read more from Monaghan!

I think this book will appeal to those who are looking for a woman’s fiction novel. This is quick and enjoyable. This one fell flat for me as I felt that I was not the right audience for this novel.