Thanks to her husband leaving her and their two kids, romance channel screenwriter Nora Hamilton writes her best script yet. It’s going to be made into a big picture film and star Leo Vance, actor, and former sexiest man alive. It doesn’t take long for Leo to fall in long with Nora’s life and home, and he asks to stay for a week and pay her a thousand dollars a day.

I am happy I did not DNF this book. It took a while for things to pick up, which is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. However, I was hooked about 40% of the way through. This story is really endearing and I love how a single mom made her own way and got everything she deserved. There was a twist I was not expecting, but it made me excited I didn’t figure it out halfway through. The ending was sweet and heart-warming. I would recommend reading this lighthearted romance.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice easy read a little predictable and the ending was a bit unrealistic. But I still enjoyed it and really enjoyed the children and the friend dynamic.

Oh, this gave me all the butterflies. I loved the pacing of it, the family behind it, the messages, it all. Nora's kids were absolutely delightful and fully fleshed out, not like other books where the kids are just cute and quirky. Bernadette and Arthur were full human beings, which makes sense when their mom was the coolest. Nora was refreshingly self-aware and knew how to take care of herself. She was clever and ambitious and had a brilliant group of friends, and I loved moments when she was unabashedly ridiculous too <spoiler>like when she tucked Oscar in!</spoiler>. Brilliant from start to finish.

Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nora Hamilton is a screenwriter for The Romance Channel (aka the Hallmark Channel) who is recently divorced and writes a drama about her and her husband's breakup called The Tea House which is a building on their property that the ex never approved of. The movie is picked up by a major studio starting a Hollywood hunk named Leo Vance, and filmed on location at her house.

Leo ends up staying at her house in the suburbs about a 90 minute drive from Manhattan and one thing leads to another. I found the descriptions of her home very vivid and cozy, and wanted to visit there myself. Nora's two children, Arthur and Bernadette were charming as supportive characters. The banter between the characters was great and I liked the mention of the "Romance Channel" formula of movies and how it's like mad libs.

The book reminded me a bit of "Waiting For Tom Hanks" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a quick read that I finished in about 24 hours.

This was such a unique read! Though I found myself quickly attached to the characters, I did question where the author was taking the storyline in the beginning.

When Nora, a newly separated mom and screenwriter ends up having a seemingly fast affair with Hollywood’s biggest star, it almost seemed a little too easy to me.

As the story went on, I was as puzzled as Nora about what was happening. The ending definitely surprised me and it was the perfect one. I highly recommend this fun and engaging book!

Thank you to Putnam Books for my gifted review copy.

This book put me threw so many emotions, I am sorry if this review is all over the place. I am going to write it in sections so it is clear.
First half thought: honestly I didn’t enjoy reading the beginning of the book. It was way out of my comfort zone especially since the main character Nora was a divorced mother of too. It was difficult to relate to her. I also did not like Leo at first, he seemed like a bad guy.
Middle: My initial thoughts were then thrown out the window because the angst is so amazing. What I thought was going to be a meet-cute had me sobbing in my bed.
Last thoughts: The ending is very satisfying. I loved it.
I am definitely recommending this book to my mom, but I also would recommend it to everyone who loves romance movies because it feels like you are watching one when reading this.
Thank you Net Gallery for this arc!!

This book was so much fun. It was exactly the book you want when you’re looking for a story that will boost your belief in happily ever after & good surprises. I loved Nora’s frank attitude about her divorce, her embrace of life without her deadbeat ex husband, and that her devotion to her children didn’t mean she wasn’t a full person in her own right. The love story was fun, as was Nora’s professional life, which was fully realized and a character in its own right. I’ll be honest, 2/3 of the way in, I had NO IDEA how the author was going to stick the landing on the end of the book. I couldn’t see a way through the path she’d taken us down. No spoilers here, but I’ll say this: she nailed it. Highly recommend this feel good read, and looking forward to more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

I am a proud romance reader, a tried and true trope lover, and a sucker for a happy ending. I can enjoy a book even when I find myself knowing exactly what will happen plotwise. It's hard to trick a romance reader.

But trick me Annabel Monaghan did.

I LOVED "Nora Goes Off Script" and am happy to report that I had NO IDEA what was coming... This book had me guessing in the best way. Beyond "willthey/won't they" it was more like HOW DARE THEY and WHAT IS HAPPENING?

The first couple chapters are a little slow but DO NOT let them fool you. Once this love story gets going, it doesn't hit the brakes. If you like Emily Henry's books (or, if you're like me, are a total EH fan girl), you'll love this book.

I've got a lot of thoughts about this one, a lot of thoughts. Women's fiction lovers are likely to enjoy this more than romance readers, though even telling you if this is ultimately a romance feels like a spoiler. I was really loving this for the first 30% or so - the laidback, emotional feel and unique storyline definitely kept my interest, and it just flew by. It had the potential to be a great read, and unlike any story I've read before. And then things kinda spiraled, and they continued spiraling for the entire second half. Perhaps if the "before" had been around 100 pages longer (this is a SHORT book), then the "after" would've worked better, but it felt like the romance was so fast and then so disjointed. And it was all resolved so quickly that I had whiplash. So... yeah. Lots of thoughts on this.

The story follows Nora, a newly divorced mom who turned everything she felt after the end of her marriage into a screenplay - and the movie is now being made. The film crew is on location at her family home for a few days, and it's quite the experience to watch the demise of her relationship through the lens. The actor who plays her ex-husband, Leo, is also a drunken mess, so it's been an interesting experience all around. When the film crew leaves, Leo ends up staying behind. He's loved the slice of normalcy Nora's family home provides, and he wants to bask in it a little longer. As the two get to know each other better, they realize that they have a connection neither one anticipated, but their vastly different lifestyles are sure to get in the way.

Let's talk about the good for a minute, because I really was loving this for quite awhile. I loved the exploration of family, home, and what's important in life. Nora is so down on herself, and it was interesting to see how Leo coveted everything she has. Sure, he's got money and fame, but he doesn't have those quieter moments or close connections. That part of the book was great. I also appreciated how much growth Nora has throughout the book, which gives this a definite women's fiction feel. Unfortunately, the romance felt like it happened at lightning speed, and then it was just... over. The reader was as confused as the characters, and the level of miscommunication was endlessly frustrating. Then to wrap everything up so quickly, well, it just didn't work. It was quite the twist, sure, but the book ended with so many questions. It's told exclusively from Nora's point of view, so we have no idea what Leo experienced during the "after." The pacing issues are a MAJOR problem, but there's a lot of good in the book, so I'm really not sure what to think. I would read another book by the author though, because there are some intriguing concepts at play. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this emotional story.

Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars.

This is a classic example of "Don't judge a book by its cover." I kept putting off reading this book because everything else in my TBR pile had more enticing covers and titles. Well let's just say that my judgmental self was proven very, very wrong. Lesson learned.

This sweet book was nearly impossible to put down and I read it in two sittings, with only a break to sleep. We meet Nora as film crews invade her property to finish shooting a screenplay she wrote about her terrible ex-husband and divorce. Deviating from her usual recipe of happily ever afters she writes for The Romance Channel, this movie is a raw testament to Nora's survival and just happens to be her first major motion picture.

What Nora doesn't see coming is that while writing the ending to her story, she was opening herself up to new beginnings. Relishing her freedom as a single mom to two adorably wonderful kids, Nora wasn't looking for romance or love for that matter. After all, she had recently been from the shackles of a verbally and emotionally abusive narcissist.

When Leo, the lead actor of the movie (who is also the country's top actor and "sexiest man alive",) asks to stay at her house for a week, Nora reluctantly agrees because she desperately needs the money he is offering. It turns out that Leo was looking for more than just a place to rest and regroup. He starts to follow Nora through her daily routines in a desperate attempt to see what it's like to live a "normal" life and to be part of a town and family, rather than floating amongst his three residences.

I'm going to stop here so I don't give away to much, but you need to know that this is quick and sweet read with numerous laugh out loud moments, well developed characters and all the feels. I knocked off half a star just because of how quickly and tidily the book wraps up in the end. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by the author.

Newly divorced, single mom Nora is a writer of those formulaic Hallmark channel romance movies. When she writes the true story of her marriage and break-up, her life takes a turn. She sold the script for hopefully enough money to keep her beloved old farmhouse and the film crew shows up for a few days of filming. Hollywood's biggest star, Leo Vance walks into her life and disrupts her tightly scheduled days. The film crew leaves, but Leo stays behind looking for a break from Hollywood. Nora isn't sure what to do with this man who disrupts her morning sunrise ritual, drinks her booze and delights in buying bananas at the local grocery store. Leo doesn't fit into her plans, but maybe he is worth adjusting for.

I absolutely adored this book. I have been reading a lot of romance books lately and this is not your typical romance. The writing is so smart and contains some of the truest, most beautiful lines about the loneliness of being in an unhappy marriage and how to survive on the other side. As a newly divorced mom myself, I connected with Nora and her feeling about protecting her kids and herself from getting hurt again.

The relationship between Nora and Leo was sweet, tender and funny. I loved the scenes where Nora takes him on her daily routine of grocery shopping, school pick up and soccer games. A Hollywood star in her small town is ripe for gossip and some very funny interactions.

I truly did not know how this book was going to end, right up until the final chapter. The author, Annabel Monaghen has hit it out of the park with this book and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR. This book comes out on June 7, 2022.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I loved this book! It was fun, and different at least for me. I enjoyed the characters, but definitely did not understand the ex (Ben). I enjoyed the humor, the whimsy, that Nora had inner strength. I would highly recommend this read. 4.5 stars!! A rare rating from me.

Nora Goes Off Script was exceptional. I devoured this book in a day and felt like I went on a rollercoaster ride. The beginning had me anticipating the middle; the middle had me giddy and worried for the ending; and the ending made me devastated before wrapping up with the grand finale that left me happy. Nora and Leo’s relationship started so tenderly. It felt like a quiet sort of romance that was firmly rooted in friendship. I loved the descriptions of the setting, the people, and the emotions each character was going through. The romance was amazing, but what really struck me was all of the other relationships in this book. We have Nora’s relationship with her ex, her children, her family, and her town. I really appreciated how the author made Nora’s family like a united anchor despite the differences of each member. This book was literally perfect.

One of my favorite things about romance books is that they aren’t surprising. Sure, I don’t always know what will happen along the way, but I’m rarely shocked by a “plot-twist.” This book was different. At one point, information was revealed that truly made me gasp and my eyes widen. It’s was so unelected, somewhat unwelcome, and totally brilliant.

Overall, would highly recommend this read! Great for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over.

I really loved this story! It took me a little while to get into it, but about a quarter of the way through I found myself saying “just one more page, just one more page” while trying to force myself to go to bed.

The story has a lot of funny and heartfelt moments, tons of wit, and even a little twist ending! I loved the bond between Nora and her children and the picturesque description of her home and the tea house, it definitely gave me house envy.

The writing style was a tiny bit too cut and dry for me, but I appreciated how there wasn’t too much “fluff”. Everything was straight to the point and it kept the plot moving along at a great pace.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and cozy romance read!

Thank you to NetGalley, GP Putnam’s Sons, and Annabel Monaghan for this ARC!

3.5/5 (rounded up) -

This was a cute story. I liked Nora as a single mom that lives by her plans. The relationship with Leo was not majorly believable/ the chemistry wasn’t as readable for me as other stories, but hey I still liked it. I liked the “separation” and how that leads to Nora’s growth both emotionally and the impact it all had on her career. Overall, I think the book could have been longer, and given more in depth focus at times, but it was good and I’d recommend to readers that like fiction, with some romance and not heavy in the steam/spice side.

Nora is the Screenwriter for a movie of her husband leaving her and her two children. When chemistry starts to brew with the lead actor, Nora is lead to find if this is just another Hallmark -esque love story, or a could have been brief romance.

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for an eARC copy of Nora Goes Off Script, in exchange for my honest review!

This was the cutest little chick lit book! I loved it. Although it was generally pretty predictable, main character Nora is a romance movie writer (think the Hallmark channel), and so she is constantly poking fun at the cliches in her story. This book had so much heart, was so sweet, and funny!

I loved everything about Monaghan's first adult rom-com--a relatable, down-to-earth female protagonist, a tinge of "fractured fairy tale," and a twist I didn't see coming.

Nora makes a meager living writing screenplays for The Romance Channel and has been abandoned by her entitled ex-husband, who clearly didn't deserve her. When she fictionalizes their breakup in a new screenplay, it's so much heavier than her usual style that her agent thinks she can sell it as a feature film. Soon there is a camera crew at Nora's home (one of the movie's venues), and her ex is being played by the hottest American movie star, whose trailer is parked on her front lawn. Any further details about the plot would be spoilers, so I encourage you to experience it for yourself.

The characters of Nora's young son and daughter are so refreshing. They aren't spoiled and troublesome--they really love their mom--and Nora's parents provide emotional support (no dysfunctional family here!) Nora's struggle to cope with past disappointments and get on with her life kept me rooting for her throughout the book. And I enjoyed the literary and show business references. I hope Monaghan is writing her next book right now!

My thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for affording me the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Nora is a recently divorced romance screenwriter who just landed a deal on her new screenplay she wrote about her real-life breakup with her ex-husband. Additionally, the film will be shot at her own house, in her backyard "Tea House" - a small building in the back of her 100-year-old house. Her ex-husband has been cast by the former Sexiest Man Alive, Leo Vance. 

After the film wraps, Leo offers Nora $1,000 per day for seven days to stay in The Tea House. She agrees, and quickly Nora, Leo, and Nora’s two kids fall into an easy routine. Nora’s daughter Bernadette was smitten and starstruck from day one, but her son Arthur (still hurt from his dad’s abandonment) needs more bonding. Arthur is cast in his school play as a lead role, and Leo offers to help him with his lines. When he comes to play practice, he’s roped into helping direct the play, and his original 7-day agreement is extended. Nora and Leo fall for each other.

Before the play, Leo is offered a role and has to fly out to get everything sorted, but promises he will be back for the play, and promises he will be back. The kids and Nora are cautiously optimistic, and then heartbroken when he doesn’t return…

What I really like about this book is that it’s primarily fiction with a touch of romance. Nora is a regular mother who has daily routines and duties, and has a great relationship with her two children. She works through her feelings and channels them into her writing (again). Nora has no clue why Leo never returned, and they both avoid talking directly about it (if you’re not a fan of the miscommunication trope, you might get really frustrated at times).

Overall, I think this was a sweet book and the inclusion of the children made it special and different from other books. They are an integral part of the story and really brought life to the story. I also just really liked the screenwriting aspect to the novel, especially as a channel for her feelings as she processes. While the miscommunication trope can be a drag, I think the way this plays out has a unique twist to it, and let’s be real, kids make everything cuter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
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OH MY GOSH. I read this book in one sitting and literally devoured it. The story & emotions are so real and raw and while the plot may seem unbelievable, reading it felt like LIVING it. You meet our main gal, Nora, as she's welcoming a Hollywood crew into her home to film a movie that she wrote based on her experience with her divorce. I would literally watch that movie right now, it was so compelling. Nora and her two adorable kids open up their home to the cast & crew and Hollywood stud, Leo, soon becomes pretty comfortable in their historic home in a tiny town. The book simply takes off in a dazzling story about love, life, and family. I’m seriously obsessed with Nora & her kids and obviously have a mega (😉) crush on Leo. It's not too spicy and it does fade to black - so it's not the style of romance I normally read but I found myself loving it just as much!
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Yes, it’s a romance (with the forced proximity trope!), but it’s also a telling of perseverance & the importance of family, both given and chosen. It’s sure to put a smile on your face! what a foray into adult fiction for Annabel - I can’t wait to see what else she writes!

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan was such a great read. I don't usually read a lot of romance novels, probably due to being quite cynical of how it all wraps up. Ms. Monaghan tackles the commercial aspects of love with Nora being a script writer that sells to the Romance Movie Channel. Nora's character is easy to love and to root for. Her romantic interest seems to good to be true , until he isn't.
Even if you don't love romance novels, you will love this one.