
When children’s librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library’s children’s programs, she’s determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library’s behalf. The bad news? She swore she’d never step foot in his office again.
Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family’s publishing empire, and now he must prove he’s ready to take the helm by turning around the company’s languishing children’s imprint. That wouldn’t be a problem, except he doesn’t know the first thing about children’s literature. But when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can’t refuse. He’ll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a best-selling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they’re forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.
In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon presents a story that will delight fans of bookish-themed reads and forced-proximity romance.
My Review:
“Happily Ever After isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.” Isn’t that the absolute bookish truth! And I love taking that journey with Sarah Monzon’s characters! Guaranteed to be a rewarding read – the perfect mix of humour and emotion with the kind of dialogue that switches back and forth from banter to heartfelt soul sharing which keeps a reader compulsively engaged.
And in a Sarah book, setting is just as important as characterization. I mean, yes, Martha and Julien are clearly at the heart of the story, but what’s happening in the background, and evolving around them, plays such an integral role in their personal lives and that journey towards their HEA.
Absolutely loved getting a glimpse into the publishing world and authorship in this third ‘Checking Out Love’ novel, particularly one phenomenal aspect that plays a huge part in their story but I can’t say what exactly that is because it isn’t mentioned in the book blurb and I don’t want to post a spoiler. But, oh my goodness, eeeeeppppp, I was as enamoured with that setting as I was with Martha and Julien. All kinds of giddy bibliophile goodness. 🙂
I listened to the audio edition of “Bookmarked for Love” (kudos for the clever title! – the whole series is brilliant) and really enjoyed Allyson Morgan’s narration. Her ability to enhance these characters’ personalities through her performance brought the whole story to life in a different way. Monzon’s words and phrasing, especially her dialogue, is amazing, but being able to hear it directly from Julien and Martha really added to my ‘reading’ .
My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice
Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Bookmarked for Love, 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 July 25, 2026.
Thank you for your review on BOOKMARKED FOR LOVE, which is already on my TBR list. It just confirms that this book would be an awesome read and amps up my desire to read Martha and Julien’s story. Love that she is a “full sized” woman who are seldom featured.
Greatly appreciate the fabulous chance to win a copy!
After feels like temperatures of 120, I’m sure hoping that tomorrow’s promise of being only in the 90’s becomes a reality. Hope your staying cool and settled in nicely now.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Kay, ‘only in the 90’s’ does not sound promising to me, though I agree it’s better than 120!!!!! We’ve had another change in temp so there’s a cool breeze coming in my window which I am so grateful for! Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m excited for Martha’s book–this series has been so good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops…forgot my email! 😀
bookgurl60 at gmail dot com
LikeLike
Hasn’t this been a great series?! Definitely one for the keeper shelf, especially with all the gorgeous covers. Good luck, Elizabeth!
LikeLike
I’d love to read this one. Been reading too many suspense novels lately that it’s time to insert a different genre already. This one seems like a good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bwahahaha! Sounds like it’s time to switch it up a bit and this rom/com with heart is just the right fit. Good luck, Becky!
LikeLike
oh my goodness but this is a wonderful post. I love to read about people that are older in life or not skinny. They have so much to give as the others do. This sounds like such a fun read. I would love to dig into her books. Library?? Oh yes. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sarah Monzon is so good about including representation in her novels and I love that! Good luck, Lori!
LikeLike
I need to catch up on this series because I’ve only read the first one. But I absolutely LOVE Sarah Monzon books, they’re funny, witty and written with a lot of depth of heart ❤
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
LikeLiked by 1 person
P.S. You just inspired me to borrow the ebook of “Hearts in Circulation” from my library…..I really need something lighthearted and witty to read and this will help keep me up on the series! Win/ win in my book *wink* 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
P.P.S. I’m going on vacation next week so you know what I’ll have my nose buried in….lol!! Nothing better than time away by myself to whittle the day away in the pages of a good book I say. I always look for a light read (or two) to bring with me ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Psstttt….I’ll let you in on a little secret, Trixi, while I love this series to pieces ‘Hearts in Circulation’ is my favourite! The awesome meet-cute, the comedic miscommunications in the beginning…snort laughing good! Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy the read! Good luck, Trixi!
LikeLike
This one’s on my list, love the other books in the series!
Thanks. Sandyavery at comcast dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s one of my favourite contemporary romance series. Good luck, Sandy!
LikeLike
My pre-order arrived a few days ago, I am looking forward to diving in. Fantastic review, Kav! No need to enter me, just joining the conversation 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cindy, always happy to keep the bookish conversation going. Enjoy the read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bought this one yesterday when it released and I’m reading it right now. I’m on page 119, they just finished their meal at the restaurant.
Sarah is a read to zero author for me. I’ve read all her books and will continue to. I used to review for her back when she started out, and I told her way back then she could write for traditional publishers. At that time, she was happy as an indie author because she had control of her release dates and had little people to raise. But here we are 10 years and 20 books later, she’s flying! It’s good to see a wonderful author grow and succeed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely one of my favourite authors. I don’t even have to read the book blurb before buying the book. lol Love that you’re in the middle of it right now, savour every second of your read! I love that you have been an encourager to Sarah from way back! I’m sure she appreciated your support and insight…after all, what you said came true. Bwahahaha! Happy Reading, Tracey!
LikeLike
Oh I am drooling…..I do want to take this journey! Please count me in! Thanks Kav! jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Counted! Good luck, Jackie!
LikeLike
I so enjoyed the other books in this series so have been impatiently waiting for Bookmarked for Love.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s as good as the first two books! Good luck, Pam!
LikeLike
Confession time: I’ve never read a Sarah Monzon book! I LOVE the catchy title. My library has it on order and it’s already on my hold list thanks to your fabulous review. So, no entry but thank you for reviewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gasp!!!!!!! Woohoo, you are in for a treat! And three cheers for your library! Happy Reading, Perrianne!
LikeLike
I just recently read Hearts in Circulation the second book in this series! I really enjoyed it and look forward to this one and also going back and reading book one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, Patty!
LikeLike
Great review! I need to read this entire series about librarians!
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the librarian theme for sure. Good luck, Connie!
LikeLike
Love the first two books in this series. Can’t wait to read this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must complete the series! Good luck, Shea!
LikeLike
Sounds lighthearted & a fun read. Blessings leliamae54hat)aol(dot)com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, Lucy!
LikeLike
Ooh, want to read this one!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, Kimmy!
LikeLike