
If the covers of every romance book ever published hadn’t convinced librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection—even if it’s not her own.
Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian does the same thing and believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book—or each other—by the cover.
My Review:
‘An Overdue Match’ will definitely make my ‘Top 10 in 2025’ list. It’s funny and flirty but hard-hitting too. I experienced a mash-up of emotions from snort laughing to teary-eyed and everything in between. I love feeling my way through a story and Monzon always delivers that for me.
Evangeline is a heroine after my own heart. She’s a kindred book nerd – “a book doesn’t have feelings but it has a soul.” This is one passionate librarian who ferociously guards her charges (aka books) from the perils of careless borrowers. Enter tattoo artist Tai and their tumultuous meet cute sets the stage for rom/com delight.
Loved the bantering, Tai’s teasing. He takes such pleasure in pushing Evangeline’s buttons. And when he starts trying out nicknames for her…be still my heart. I was constantly swooning into a puddle the rest of the read. He has this bad boy persona that is completely opposite to what he’s really like. Judged by a few youthful indiscretions, there are plenty of folks in town who see his return ( to open a tattoo parlour no less!) as Bad News. Of course Evangeline isn’t as immune to Tai’s rakish charms as she claims to be and a delightful game of cat and mouse ensues. Highly entertaining!
But while the comedic beats are measured out to perfection, it is the deeper inspirational threads that elevate Evangeline and Tai’s story to the ‘memorable, rereadable, keeper shelf’ status. So touching and poignant . And inspiring. I appreciate the autoimmune rep and the role it played in the drama and conflict…and ultimately triumph.
I listened to the audible edition of ‘An Overdue Match’ (cute title that totally fits!) narrated by Allyson Morgan. Loved the way she portrayed these characters and delivered dialogue. Listening to the story added to its emotional impact. I so appreciate these talented performers who bring beloved stories to life.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Overdue Match, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 8 2025.
I definitely need to read this… I usually read historical, but I’m trying to branch out to contemporary more. This sounds like a great read!
angieadams306(AT)gmail(DOT)com
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This is.a great book and author to branch out with! Good luck, Angie!
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I bought this last week but and there it sits on my kindle while I finish up a few KU books. I can’t wait to get to it! I’ve been a Sarah Monzon fan since her very first book, but this one sounds like it’s going to be one of her best books. I told her years ago when she first started as an indie author she should submit to a traditional publisher but she was happy at that time doing it indie style. Fast forward a few years and here she is in the big time. Very well deserved!
I don’t know if you follow her on Instagram, but you can search her name, she did a cover reveal for book two, Hearts in Circulation. and it is the cutest thing. Happy reading Thursday!
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Yay! You’re going to love it. I think I’m all caught up with her books I need to check though to make sure. I might have missed one or two. Eeeeepppp, Hearts in Circulation ( love the title ) carries on the library theme and involves a bookmobile!!!!!! Happy Reading indeed! Thanks, Tracey!
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First off, I have to say cute cover on AN OVERDUE MATCH that would have me stopping to take a look. And then ANY book you rate as “rereadable, keeper shelf” means it’s a must read for me. Then add to it that the main character is a librarian had me immediately adding it to my TBR list. Can’t wait for the opportunity to dive into Tai and Evangeline’s story.
Thank you so much for the fabulous chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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It’s sooooooo fabulous, Kay. You have to read it! Good luck, Kay!
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I have this on my wish list and your review definitely made me want to read. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Yay! Good luck, Lucy!
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I really want to read this one!!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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Yes you do! 🙂 Good luck, Kimmy!
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Eek! I have wanted to read this so bad! And did you see the cover reveal this week for book 2? It’s so awesome ❤️ I can tell this is going to be a great series! Thnx Kav! sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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I just checked it out. I love that the series is library themed. Good luck, Sarah!
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I loved this one and it’s definitely a top read for me too. The sneak peek of book two about our next librarian sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read it. This book would love to be added to my keeper shelf! Thanks. Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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Oooh, yes, definitely belongs on everybody’s keeper shelf! Good luck, Sandy!
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Sounds good.
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Good luck, Kim!
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I loved the exact same things about this book! It was escapadingly fun (I can use escapadingly as a word if I want to, right?😂) and spot-on with the humor, but also soooo heart-meltingly romantic and with such emotional depth. What an expertly swirled mixture of feelings the author delivered with this story🥰
And hey! Your post coincides beautifully with my own timing😅 I just posted the cover-reveal for the second Checking Out Love book all over my social medias today! Great minds and all that, as they say, lol.
(Don’t enter me. I’ve got a copy, having read and reviewed just recently myself😉)
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Ooooh, yes, I approve of creative word building 🙂 I might have to steal escapadingly some time. Love, love, love the cover for book two! So excited for that release day! Happy Reading, Elly!
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Well, such a fantastic review of Sarah’s book deserves another add to my TBR shelf! I already had this book on my radar, but now I find I must read it! I’m way behind on Sarah’s books. This one sounds like a winner, and her next one looks and sounds so fun!
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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Definitely a must read. Good luck, Winnie!
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I finally finished her SoCal series and can’t wait to read this one! Great review, Kav!
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Thanks, Cindy. I LOVED the SolCal series! This is going to be another good one. Good luck, Cindy!
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I enjoy Sarah Monzon’s books and like the cover of this one.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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Good luck, Pam!
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So many are raving about this book so yes, please! Lol! Thanks.
tam – appletamoATyahooDOTca
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It’s a book worthy of all that raving! Good luck, Tammy!
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This sounds like it will be a fun book to read!
bookgurl60 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Elizabeth!
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