I saw a lot of hype around this book, and I ended up liking it a lot. I really enjoyed both of the main characters in this story and thought this was a cute rom-com overall.

Nora Hamilton writes television romances. The formulaic ones that take place in a small town, where the big city woman has to come to the small down and falls in love with the local baker/vet/bookseller/fireman. And then she has to go back to the big city, but finds herself dram back to the small town, to the fireman/bookseller/vet/baker. Nora’s made a good life for herself and her family writing these movies.

Those television movies paid for the house where Nora lives with her two kids, Bernadette and Arthur. She bought the house when she was still married, and her husband Ben hadn’t fallen in love with it like she had. It has a tea house out back, which Nora uses as her writing nook. That’s where she wrote her latest movie, The Tea House. The script is basically the story of her marriage ending. Her agent had loved it and sold it not to the television production company Nora usually wrote for, but to a major studio. And hey decided to film it at Nora’s, in the actual Tea House.

And that’s how Hollywood heartthrob Leo Vance came to live in her tea house.

Leo was the male lead in the movie, and he and Nora struck up a friendship during the filming. She would get up every morning to see the sunrise, and when he found out, he would join her. He was fascinated at how she would go to the grocery store and make meatloaf and help her kids with their homework. He likes the quiet country life and Nora and her family, so when the movie wraps, he offers her some money if she’ll let him stay on in her tea house. They spend the next weeks watching the sunrises and going to Bernadette's soccer games and Arthur’s baseball games and talking about the price of bananas. And when Arthur gets a role in Oliver Twist, Leo gives him some pointers. And Leo stays on, helping direct the middle school production.

But then, Hollywood calls, and Leo has to leave. He’s up for a part in a big movie and has to go to Hollywood for a week. He promises he’ll be back. But he doesn’t come back. And Nora doesn’t know why.

As the weeks go by, then months, with no contact, Nora tries to figure out what went wrong. She knew what went wrong with Ben. That’s what she wrote The Tea House about. So she decides to try it again, and puts all her pain and confusion on the page. But is there any way this movie can have a happy ending?

Nora Goes Off Script is a smart take on romance, about a real woman and her ability to stay grounded when Hollywood drives up and parks in her front yard. It’s about falling in love without losing yourself. It’s about taking your heartache and making it into at. And it just makes you feel good. Nora is strong and devoted to her children, down to earth and hard-working, good-natured but flawed. She is very easy to root for, and I was rooting for her and her kids through the whole story.

I listened to this on audio, narrated by Hillary Huber, and I thought she was amazing. She voices Nora as a little dry, a little knowing, and it fits exactly with who I pictured Nora being. She made Nora sound smart and strong and determined but also vulnerable and emotional and honest. It’s a stellar performance, and I recommend listening to Nora Goes Off Script on audio, or listening to anything else Huber narrates.

I absolutely loved this novel. It was exactly the kind of romance I wanted. It was lovely and warm but also true to Meatloaf Wednesdays and kids with homework and having to pay the bills. It may not a typical romance, but I think it’s exactly the sophisticated romance I need in my life, and I will be watching for more books by Annabel Monaghan.

Egalleys for Nora Goes Off Script were provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley, with many thanks, but I bought the audio myself through Chirpbooks.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel. It's a cute concept but I just couldn't stay engaged with it. Hope to pick it up again someday.

Such a great read… Norah Hamilton knows how to write a romance script. She is a romance screenwriter and she is great at it. But when her husband leaves her and her two children.. she is at a loss. How can she pick herself up and start writing again. But Nora rallies and writes the best story of her life. It is so good that it has been picked up to be a film. How can things get any better.. well it does.. the Sexiest Man Alive gets picked to be the lead and Norah couldn’t be happier. Leo Vance is a blessing in disguise.. he will make her movie a tremendous success and he actually wants to stay at her house ($1000 a day for a week) to hide out from the world. Nora can’t believe her luck.. this money will help ensure she pays her mortgage and has some breathing room. Seven days can break you or make you and Norah handles it like a pro. This is such a cute love story. I read it so fast, I had to see how Nora makes out. This was a 4 1/2 star read for me. I want to thank Netgalley and Annabel Monaghan for my copy of Nora Goes Off Script, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review this story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

What a fun story. A hot Hollywood star, Leo, is called to the home of Nora, a writer that wrote a screenplay of her divorce. He is to star as the now ex husband. Nora asks writes screenplays equivalent to Hallmark movies that don’t really get much credit. Leo and Nora find love and Leo prefers the quiet quaint life that Nora leads. He becomes part of her family and her children fall in love with him too. But as all stories goes-Leo is called away for another film and Nora is left wondering if she will ever hear from him again. This was a feel good read with lots of love. Great story. I definitely recommend this one.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! It had some pretty standard romance tropes but overall it had decent character development and pacing.

Very endearing and charming story. I loved the family dynamic and enjoyed the story overall. It was an easy story to get lost in, fast and fun read.

From the publisher: Filled with warmth, wit, and wisdom, Nora Goes Off Script is the best kind of love story—the real kind where love is complicated by work, kids, and the emotional baggage that comes with life. For Nora and Leo, this kind of love is bigger than the big screen.

I loved every page of this book! I am a Hallmark movie kind of a person and this was the perfect Summer read for me. If you are as well, this story of Nora finding her second act is a fit. The characters were relatable, the tone light, and the ending happy. It will leave you with a smile on your face and in your heart.

This was delightful! It reads (somewhat purposely) like a Hallmark movie, and I loved the main character, Nora. I loved the depth Annabel Monaghan gave to the characters, namely Nora, outside of the romance plot line.

It took me a bit to really settle into this story, but I’m glad I stuck with it. I’m not sure I would’ve chosen to categorize this book as romance, but I do think it will be perfect for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over. I found the central love story very realistic and I appreciated how it spoke to the ways everyday actions make up a loving relationship.

Thank you Putnam Books and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy.

I have to say, Nora Goes Off Script caught me off guard in the best way possible. It blended cleverness and lightheartedness to create a truly charming romantic comedy that felt personal and enjoyable. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Nora's world as she navigated the unexpected twists and turns of her life. As a writer for TRC (The Romance Channel), her own dark story unexpectedly becomes a movie, with her quaint New York home serving as a picturesque backdrop. And that's when things get interesting, as she crosses paths with the film's star, Leo, and their chemistry sparks into something truly heartwarming and, at times, downright hilarious.

What struck me the most about this book was its feel-good nature. It had this undeniable charm that made it impossible not to get caught up in the romantic storyline. Even when there was a minor misunderstanding towards the end that could have easily been resolved with a simple phone call, it surprisingly didn't frustrate me as much as it usually would in other stories. The author somehow made it feel believable, and I found myself fully invested, going along with the flow and simply enjoying the ride.

Nora, as a character, quickly won me over with her unwavering determination and her deep love for her family. It added a layer of depth and relatability that made her journey all the more engaging. And Leo, oh Leo, he brought so much laughter into the story with his fascination for the little joys of everyday life. I found myself bursting out in laughter on more than one occasion at his clever remarks and hilarious antics. The comedic elements were skillfully woven into the narrative, making the book an absolute joy to read.

While Nora Goes Off Script had its strengths, there were a few areas that held it back from earning a higher rating in my book. I couldn't help but feel that there was untapped potential within the story, especially in terms of exploring deeper themes and emotions. The initial promise of depth at the beginning left me craving for more, and I wished it had been further developed throughout. Additionally, the use of a common misunderstanding as a plot device felt somewhat predictable, taking away from the book's overall freshness and originality.

In the end, Nora Goes Off Script is a charming romantic comedy that took me on a surprising journey. It effortlessly blended cleverness with lightheartedness, delivering a personal and enjoyable reading experience. Nora's determination and Leo's infectious humor made them endearing characters that I couldn't help but root for. While I wished for a bit more depth and a plot device that strayed from the norm, these minor flaws didn't overshadow the book's appeal. If you're looking for a heartwarming read with a dash of laughter, this book is definitely worth considering.

I have been wanting to read this book a long time and finally did after reading this Author’s newest.

I really enjoyed this one! I thought it had a fresh & fun storyline, and Nora was super likable as a hard working mom / screenwriter rebuilding her life post divorce.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced review copy.

I loved this story so much. Nora and Leo are so good together and the relationship he develops with her children is charming and adorable. There's humor, romance, real life problems, and misunderstandings. The setting sounds so peaceful and beautiful and I love how laid back Nora is as the movie is filmed at her garden house. Also, the rescue performed by an unexpected character toward the end is so emotionally satisfying. It's a feel good book that I listened to and can't wait to listen to again. Hillary Huber does a fantastic job with the narration!

This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved it. It is a witty and fun rom com with the best characters.

Being divorced is hard. Being divorced with kids is even harder. Now, imagine being a screenwriter of romance made for TV movies and being divorced with kids. Nora Hamilton's life is complicated. It comes with an ex-husband that is super self-absorbed, two kids, and a career that barely pays the bills....until she writes "The Tea House". The script that is based off of her crumbled marriage. AND, they choose her 100-year-old home to film on location!

Enter Leo Vance, heart throb actor that will play her ex-husband, in the movie. Everyone who meets Leo is instantly in love. He makes himself at home during the three-day shoot, but to Nora's surprise, Leo appears the day after the shoot is finished offering her $7,000 to stay for a week. She needs the cash and he needs some normalcy.

This book is sweet, warm, full of wit and reminded me of the perfect Hallmark movie. Grab this book if you're a hopeless romantic.

This was my first book by Annabel Monaghan, and it will not be my last. I just purchased "Same Time Next Summer" and I cannot wait to read it!

*I was given an advanced readers copy of this book for my unbiased opinion. Thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this opportunity.

Nora Goes Off Script is a cute book. I really enjoyed reading it - it was easy, fast paced, and great writing. Nora is a great lead and has such a good storyline. However, it was a little too surface level for me as I would've liked to see what actually happened between Nora and Ben at the beginning of the book and gotten to know Leo better. I just felt like it could've been flushed out more! Overall, I did like this book and I would recommend it.

A bit late to the game but this was such a great summery rom com! I really enjoyed it and it made my heart happy!!! I definitely think its a book everyone needs to read. The characters were great and I didn't want it to end.

"Nora Goes Off Script" is a delightful and heartfelt love story that explores the complexities of relationships amidst the backdrop of Hollywood glamour. Nora Hamilton, a screenwriter for a romance channel, finds herself facing a crumbling marriage and a newfound opportunity when her script is picked up for a film adaptation. What follows is a captivating tale of unexpected twists and the transformative power of love.

Annabel Monaghan weaves a narrative that effortlessly blends romance, humor, and introspection. Nora's journey from a broken marriage to a place of self-discovery is relatable and compelling. As she navigates the challenges of being a single mother and a successful writer, readers are treated to an authentic portrayal of the intricacies of balancing love and career.

The introduction of Leo Vance, a former Sexiest Man Alive cast as Nora's on-screen husband, adds an intriguing dynamic to the story. Leo's character brings a mix of charm, vulnerability, and emotional depth, which gradually draws Nora out of her shell. The chemistry between Nora and Leo is palpable, and their journey together is filled with both tender moments and unexpected obstacles.

What sets "Nora Goes Off Script" apart is its portrayal of love in a realistic manner. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring the challenges of blending personal and professional lives. The emotional baggage both Nora and Leo carry adds depth and authenticity to their connection, reminding readers that love is not always a smooth, fairytale romance.

The supporting characters in the book, including Nora's children and her quirky friends, bring an additional layer of warmth and humor to the story. Their presence adds depth to Nora's world and further highlights the challenges she faces as she tries to navigate her newfound romance while juggling her responsibilities.

With warmth, wit, and wisdom, "Nora Goes Off Script" captures the essence of real love—the kind that is tested by life's obstacles and requires compromise and understanding. The author's prose is engaging and immersive, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives and rooting for their happiness.

Overall, "Nora Goes Off Script" is a captivating and uplifting read that will resonate with fans of romance and those seeking stories that reflect the complexities of modern love. Through Nora's journey, readers are reminded that love is not confined to the silver screen—it's messy, challenging, and ultimately worth fighting for.

📖 BOOK REVIEW

BOOK: Nora Goes Off Script
AUTHOR: Annabel Monaghan
FORMAT: Audiobook
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
DID I CRY: No
PUB DATE: 6/7/22
RATING: 5/10
⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you @putnambooks for my #gifted advanced copy of #NoraGoesOffScript

MY THOUGHTS

This book is very well loved & for its unique storyline & themes that go beyond relationship love, I can see why. Unfortunately for me it was a little bit of a miss. I was really invested for the first 25-30% ish of this book. I felt like the MC being a divorced, newly single mom of 2 living in a small town was refreshing and had a lot of potential. The writing was great, causing the story to flow and move right along.

The book kinda lost me about 1/3 of the way in. I felt like all of a sudden we were hit with random, out-of-place instalove and the story got super unrealistic. The love story felt rushed, which then led to it feeling disjointed as a whole. I felt like 40% of the book they weren’t even together, to the point where I didn’t think they’d even end up together in the end. I didn’t really enjoy the male MC, and the female MC started to irritate me about halfway through🤣. The conflict was bothersome (miscommunication trope, sigh) but combined with a GHOSTING TROPE… ain’t no way. Not for me. And then the ending as a whole felt outrageous after the course of the relationship throughout the book. I think if the pacing had been better, this could’ve been executed to fill in some of the plot holes. Otherwise, a miss for me.

3/5 Stars

This was just okay for me. While I enjoyed the overall book, I found myself getting frustrated with the characters for jumping to conclusions and I felt like the book went on a little longer than needed. I wanted more from this couple, there needed to be more chemistry. This did give some hallmark vibes which I'm always down for and I'm a sucker for most romance books that make me warm and fuzzy inside. I would still recommend giving it a read as I still had a good time.

What a wonderful book! I really enjoyed the main character and honestly didn't want the book to end!