Tag: Monzon Sarah

Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Haley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touch from the vibrant librarian leaves him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book.

Sarah Monzon pens a charming story for fans of books about books, the forced-proximity and grumpy-sunshine tropes, and pen-pal romances.

My Review:

Sigh. This book was so stupendiforously good that’s it’s impossible to write a coherent review. I’ve been trying for a week but every time I think of Levi, I spiral into a swoonalicious state of ‘best book boyfriend ever’ euphoria and all common sense is lost.

Let’s just say there’s something to be said for the strong, silent type. And…gasp…he’s a reader! So I can forgive him the awkward meet-cute and his tendency to converse in grunts. Such a contrast to Haley’s exuberant chattiness. She’s full of charm with a librarian’s font of eclectic knowledge and she isn’t afraid to wield words.

This opposites attracts, forced proximity rom/com is hilariously grin-inducing. He’s the troll to her sprite and the bookish puns and references are delightful. As is the camaraderie between Haley and her librarian friends who are only a group text away when things get dire or confusing …even intriguing. And Levi’s family! Well, best to meet them cold turkey. They’ll make more of an impact that way. Bwahahaha!

However, there is so much more to Levi and Haley’s story than rom/com perfection. Like the kind of emotional depth that steal’s a reader’s breath away. And phenomenal character growth! This is where I get all tongue-tied because I don’t know how to describe the kind of impact these characters had on me without giving specifics which would mean spoilers. What I need is to go all gushing fan girl with someone who has read this book!

Sigh…let’s just say I was completely invested in these characters and their story and I might have ugly cried at the end due to an overload of uncontrollable emotions. Which means, this was definitely the perfect read for me!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hearts in Circulation‘ (very clever title!) narrated by Allyson Morgan who did a truly amazing job of bringing these characters to life. I especially love the way she portrayed Haley — definitely captured her vibrancy and zest for life. I would definitely recommend the audio book to discerning listeners everywhere!

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 audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hearts in Circulation,  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 November 22 2025

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.