What do you think?
Rate this book
Nora Goes Off Script
Nora's life is about to get a rewrite...
Nora Hamilton knows the formula for love better than anyone. As a romance channel screenwriter, it's her job. But when her too-good-to work husband leaves her and their two kids, Nora turns her marriage's collapse into cash and writes the best script of her life. No one is more surprised than her when it's picked up for the big screen and set to film on location at her 100-year-old-home. When former Sexiest Man Alive, Leo Vance, is cast as her ne'er-do-well husband Nora's life will never be the same.
The morning after shooting wraps and the crew leaves, Nora finds Leo on her porch with a half-empty bottle of tequila and a proposition. He'll pay a thousand dollars a day to stay for a week. The extra seven grand would give Nora breathing room, but it's the need in his eyes that makes her say yes. Seven days: it's the blink of an eye or an eternity depending on how you look at it. Enough time to fall in love. Enough time to break your heart.
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.
Nora Hamilton knows the formula for love better than anyone. As a romance channel screenwriter, it's her job. But when her too-good-to work husband leaves her and their two kids, Nora turns her marriage's collapse into cash and writes the best script of her life. No one is more surprised than her when it's picked up for the big screen and set to film on location at her 100-year-old-home. When former Sexiest Man Alive, Leo Vance, is cast as her ne'er-do-well husband Nora's life will never be the same.
The morning after shooting wraps and the crew leaves, Nora finds Leo on her porch with a half-empty bottle of tequila and a proposition. He'll pay a thousand dollars a day to stay for a week. The extra seven grand would give Nora breathing room, but it's the need in his eyes that makes her say yes. Seven days: it's the blink of an eye or an eternity depending on how you look at it. Enough time to fall in love. Enough time to break your heart.
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.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2022
About the author
Annabel Monaghan
10 books4,808 followersAnnabel Monaghan is the bestselling author of SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER and NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT. She is also the author of two novels for young adults, A Girl Named Digit and Double Digit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 18,118 reviews
June 18, 2022
I need to let this simmer more, but I think 4.5 stars!!! For some reason I feel like people who liked Book Lovers by Emily Henry would like this.
May 13, 2024
4.5! ⭐️
June 25, 2023
I loved it, loved it, loved it, loved it, loved it, LOVED IT!
A love story blooming between middle aged romance screenwriter, with two kids and a highest paid-actor, 40, deliciously charismatic with his famous smoldering who loses the meaning of his life, suffering from grief.
Nora is dumped by her self absorbed, narcissistic husband Ben , who doesn’t have proper job to assist his family so he sharpens his over spending skills to buy himself for more unnecessary merchandises because HE CAN and it makes him feel SO GOOD! Finally he leaves his wife and his children to travel around Asia without offering alimony or any financial support!
Nora accepts this situation: she gets relieved because she’s better without him! She is famous with her special formula to write heartfelt- sweet-swoon TV romance movies! She changes the location, occupations, switching genders and write the same screenplays over and over again : conclusions are exactly same: one of the parties always come back- grand gesture and happy ending seal the entire deal!
But when she decides to write about her marriage, things get darker and instead of her TV channel, her agents pitches the script to the higher authorities and guess what ? a major studio buys the script. She’s not gonna only paid for her writing services, the production team will also use her home as one of the locations of the movie!
This means the leading actor- sexiest man alive- best smoldering hottie Leo Vance will be at her backyard with his trailer!
But she realizes Leo starts to invade more of her space than she expected. He’s at the her patio for watching the sunset with her, appearing in her kitchen to criticize her turkey meatball cooking skills, befriending her daughter Bernadette, giving advises her son not to chase his acting dreams when he becomes adult!
When the filming is over, he has no intention to leave. He even offers her to pay for one week for renting her tea house to stay!
Of course Nora has no power to resist this man’s charm, drooling over and daydreaming when he insists to join her run errands including grocery shopping, directing elementary school theater play, cheering for Bernadette at her soccer matches!
Nora thinks she finally finds something to hold on in her life! Could Leo be her forever? Could a movie star and an ordinary woman asking the boy to love her relationship last forever?
Well, at some parts, I truly bang Nora and Leo’s heads together! They acted a little stubborn to lose their chance for happiness! But overall , this is epic, lovable and Sooooooooo romantic to skip!
I’m still angry at myself for not reading this amazing book before! One of the best romances and women’s fiction of the year I highly recommend you to read!
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
A love story blooming between middle aged romance screenwriter, with two kids and a highest paid-actor, 40, deliciously charismatic with his famous smoldering who loses the meaning of his life, suffering from grief.
Nora is dumped by her self absorbed, narcissistic husband Ben , who doesn’t have proper job to assist his family so he sharpens his over spending skills to buy himself for more unnecessary merchandises because HE CAN and it makes him feel SO GOOD! Finally he leaves his wife and his children to travel around Asia without offering alimony or any financial support!
Nora accepts this situation: she gets relieved because she’s better without him! She is famous with her special formula to write heartfelt- sweet-swoon TV romance movies! She changes the location, occupations, switching genders and write the same screenplays over and over again : conclusions are exactly same: one of the parties always come back- grand gesture and happy ending seal the entire deal!
But when she decides to write about her marriage, things get darker and instead of her TV channel, her agents pitches the script to the higher authorities and guess what ? a major studio buys the script. She’s not gonna only paid for her writing services, the production team will also use her home as one of the locations of the movie!
This means the leading actor- sexiest man alive- best smoldering hottie Leo Vance will be at her backyard with his trailer!
But she realizes Leo starts to invade more of her space than she expected. He’s at the her patio for watching the sunset with her, appearing in her kitchen to criticize her turkey meatball cooking skills, befriending her daughter Bernadette, giving advises her son not to chase his acting dreams when he becomes adult!
When the filming is over, he has no intention to leave. He even offers her to pay for one week for renting her tea house to stay!
Of course Nora has no power to resist this man’s charm, drooling over and daydreaming when he insists to join her run errands including grocery shopping, directing elementary school theater play, cheering for Bernadette at her soccer matches!
Nora thinks she finally finds something to hold on in her life! Could Leo be her forever? Could a movie star and an ordinary woman asking the boy to love her relationship last forever?
Well, at some parts, I truly bang Nora and Leo’s heads together! They acted a little stubborn to lose their chance for happiness! But overall , this is epic, lovable and Sooooooooo romantic to skip!
I’m still angry at myself for not reading this amazing book before! One of the best romances and women’s fiction of the year I highly recommend you to read!
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
June 13, 2022
If you are needing a sweet, fun, rom-com, Nora Goes Off Script fits the bill perfectly!! This book was exactly what I needed right now. The storyline felt fresh and intriguing to me and I loved the characters. As a mother, I found it appealing that this story had children that were heavily involved, which doesn’t seem to be the case with a lot of typical romance novels. I had a hard time putting this book down. Highly recommend!
Thank you, Net Galley, and Penguin Group Putnam, for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
Thank you, Net Galley, and Penguin Group Putnam, for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
April 16, 2023
I must've read an entirely different book than everybody else. I thought I would love this one. I wanted to love it.
For one, I was forced to bury my disbelief so deep it probably suffers from a vitamin D deficiency now. I mean seriously, how realistic is it for THE most famous movie star in the world to fall for a "normal" suburban mom?
But I could've accepted that, I could've even cheered for it. If there had been any chemistry between them whatsoever.
Almost every conversation between them went like:
Leo: So what do we do today?
Nora: Shopping.
Leo: Can I come?
Nora: Okay.
Leo: When do the children come home?
Nora: I'm getting them at five.
Leo: Can I come?
Nora: Okay.
Riveting stuff. And then, out of literal nowhere, they kiss. And then they have the most coldly described sex I've ever read, and I've read my fair share of biology books as a student.
Also I couldn't stand the constant celebrity worship this book was promoting. OMG, Leo Vance is on my disgusting normal-people porch, OMG, Leo Vance held my hand, OMG, his lips touched my lowly peasant lips!
I don't agree with the culture of putting certain chosen humans above others in real life, and apparently I can't stomach it in fiction either.
And then the childish miscommunication that could've been resolved with a single phone call... Sadly not the book for me.
For one, I was forced to bury my disbelief so deep it probably suffers from a vitamin D deficiency now. I mean seriously, how realistic is it for THE most famous movie star in the world to fall for a "normal" suburban mom?
But I could've accepted that, I could've even cheered for it. If there had been any chemistry between them whatsoever.
Almost every conversation between them went like:
Leo: So what do we do today?
Nora: Shopping.
Leo: Can I come?
Nora: Okay.
Leo: When do the children come home?
Nora: I'm getting them at five.
Leo: Can I come?
Nora: Okay.
Riveting stuff. And then, out of literal nowhere, they kiss. And then they have the most coldly described sex I've ever read, and I've read my fair share of biology books as a student.
Also I couldn't stand the constant celebrity worship this book was promoting. OMG, Leo Vance is on my disgusting normal-people porch, OMG, Leo Vance held my hand, OMG, his lips touched my lowly peasant lips!
I don't agree with the culture of putting certain chosen humans above others in real life, and apparently I can't stomach it in fiction either.
And then the childish miscommunication that could've been resolved with a single phone call... Sadly not the book for me.
April 3, 2024
Check out all my reviews on:
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This was an adorable romance about a couple of people of a certain age and it was so refreshing to have middle-aged leading characters. Nora is a single mother and screenwriter for The Romance Channel and gets her big break when she writes a script about her divorce. It becomes a big-time movie with big-time Hollywood stars. Parts of the movie are filmed at the Tea House in her yard and I loved the meet cute of Nora and movie star Leo. Leo realizes he needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities (L.A. and New York) and he wants to stay in Nora's Tea House. Nora lets him hide out there because she can use the rent money. Not only does Leo muscle into Nora's home but he also invades her heart and the hearts of her children.
I loved how sweet this romance was with enough touch of the serious so that it wasn't too schmaltzy or saccharine. I liked the realness of all the characters (especially the kids) and that realness is what makes a great book in my opinion. The way their relationship started and the slow build-up made this a winner in my eyes. It's a fairly short read and did not drag at all. I related to Nora as a single mom with a falling-down house she loves and having to be budget-friendly all the time and I appreciated that she pretty much stayed the same even after her luck changed.
One thing that stops me from giving this four stars is the lack of communication between Leo and Nora when he has to go away for a bit...a simple text or phone call would have prevented the entire problem and that was super annoying. As much as the miscommunication frustrated me I did enjoy this for the most part because it was very charming and heartwarming.
3.5 Stars
This was an adorable romance about a couple of people of a certain age and it was so refreshing to have middle-aged leading characters. Nora is a single mother and screenwriter for The Romance Channel and gets her big break when she writes a script about her divorce. It becomes a big-time movie with big-time Hollywood stars. Parts of the movie are filmed at the Tea House in her yard and I loved the meet cute of Nora and movie star Leo. Leo realizes he needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities (L.A. and New York) and he wants to stay in Nora's Tea House. Nora lets him hide out there because she can use the rent money. Not only does Leo muscle into Nora's home but he also invades her heart and the hearts of her children.
I loved how sweet this romance was with enough touch of the serious so that it wasn't too schmaltzy or saccharine. I liked the realness of all the characters (especially the kids) and that realness is what makes a great book in my opinion. The way their relationship started and the slow build-up made this a winner in my eyes. It's a fairly short read and did not drag at all. I related to Nora as a single mom with a falling-down house she loves and having to be budget-friendly all the time and I appreciated that she pretty much stayed the same even after her luck changed.
One thing that stops me from giving this four stars is the lack of communication between Leo and Nora when he has to go away for a bit...a simple text or phone call would have prevented the entire problem and that was super annoying. As much as the miscommunication frustrated me I did enjoy this for the most part because it was very charming and heartwarming.
July 22, 2022
Looking for a book that will leave you with a full heart and a smile on your face? Look no further, this is the book for you!
Nora is a screenwriter for a romance channel, as well as a single mom to two kids. When her lazy, entitled jerk of a husband left her and the children, she set aside her usual HEA stories and instead wrote a screenplay based on the disaster of her life, which is the opposite of what would be shown on the romance channel (thus, the book’s title). It’s her best yet and is optioned for a movie on the big screen. None other than Leo Vance, perhaps the sexiest man alive, is chosen for the lead. The film location is set in her very own writing studio on her property.
Rom-coms are all about the appeal of the characters, the dialogue, and the journey. Despite familiar themes, this felt fresh and new to me, and was simply delightful. I especially loved Nora’s relatability, her down-to-earth attitude, and her relationship with her kids and extended family.
When filming is complete, Leo asks to stay on for a bit and reflect on his life while experiencing normal simple family things with Nora and her children. Nora hesitates but could use the rent money.
You can guess where this is going…..
I loved the budding relationship between Nora and Leo. Witty banter and snark gets me every time. Nora’s children are adorable, but in a realistic way. Sure, there’s a misunderstanding that a simple conversation would have solved, but what would be the fun in that? Were some things unrealistic? Of course, but who cares?
Meanwhile, Nora finds a measure of peace and happiness and in the process finds herself. I appreciated the deeper message that she wanted love but didn’t NEED it to be happy or complete. Still, I was rooting for Nora and Leo from beginning to end.
This is a perfectly charming and fun uplifting read with a sweet message. The writing was great and the audiobook narrator, Hillary Huber, was terrific. But it was the characters that truly won me over and I was sorry to see the book end.
This is author Annabel Monaghan’s first novel for adults and I’m now officially a fan!
Nora is a screenwriter for a romance channel, as well as a single mom to two kids. When her lazy, entitled jerk of a husband left her and the children, she set aside her usual HEA stories and instead wrote a screenplay based on the disaster of her life, which is the opposite of what would be shown on the romance channel (thus, the book’s title). It’s her best yet and is optioned for a movie on the big screen. None other than Leo Vance, perhaps the sexiest man alive, is chosen for the lead. The film location is set in her very own writing studio on her property.
Rom-coms are all about the appeal of the characters, the dialogue, and the journey. Despite familiar themes, this felt fresh and new to me, and was simply delightful. I especially loved Nora’s relatability, her down-to-earth attitude, and her relationship with her kids and extended family.
When filming is complete, Leo asks to stay on for a bit and reflect on his life while experiencing normal simple family things with Nora and her children. Nora hesitates but could use the rent money.
You can guess where this is going…..
I loved the budding relationship between Nora and Leo. Witty banter and snark gets me every time. Nora’s children are adorable, but in a realistic way. Sure, there’s a misunderstanding that a simple conversation would have solved, but what would be the fun in that? Were some things unrealistic? Of course, but who cares?
Meanwhile, Nora finds a measure of peace and happiness and in the process finds herself. I appreciated the deeper message that she wanted love but didn’t NEED it to be happy or complete. Still, I was rooting for Nora and Leo from beginning to end.
This is a perfectly charming and fun uplifting read with a sweet message. The writing was great and the audiobook narrator, Hillary Huber, was terrific. But it was the characters that truly won me over and I was sorry to see the book end.
This is author Annabel Monaghan’s first novel for adults and I’m now officially a fan!
November 20, 2022
When one phone call could have saved the misery, and people choose to act dumb.
May 23, 2022
Nora is a movie writer for The Romance Channel (TRC). Think Hallmark with all of the recycled plots.
Her pr!ck of a husband recently left her and her two children, and she’s mainly okay with it because, well…he’s a pr!ck.
She recently stepped out of her rom-com box and wrote a screenplay based on their marriage and the ending of it. It is now a full-fledged Hollywood production with none other than the hottest actor of the moment, Leo Vance, playing the role of her ex-hubby. The movie studio decides to film at Nora’s house for a few days. She’s looking forward to that extra money.
All of a sudden, equipment trucks, wardrobe trucks, and Leo’s trailer end up on her front lawn. When he first meets her, he’s quite rude and walks right by her with neary a word. Two days later, when filming has finished at this location, he decides he’d like to stay with her for a week (he’s become quite accustomed to watching the sunrise with her on her front porch). That same day, he charms her children and asks to hang with her while she runs errands. A few days later, they’re in love. A perfect family of four, and it is so realistic…NOT! I wonder if there will be any conflict. 🤔
SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️
.
.
.
Then, out of nowhere, they’re not together for about 40% of the book. Per usual, it turns out to be a ridiculous misunderstanding that any ADULT would have nipped in the bud by sending a simple text or making a phone call. But not here.
.
.
.
END SPOILER
This is a rom-com that is rom for maybe 40%, and very little com…although I smiled once or twice. It’s completely unrealistic, and the ending had my eyes rolling as if on loop. Yet, I did enjoy reading it. I really liked the character of Nora and found her to be very fleshed out. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this has cheese written all over it. Nora could’ve written the story for one of her TRC movies. Did she?
Overall, an enjoyable rom-com with little rom-com, but excellent writing and a great main character to help balance things out.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 6/7/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Her pr!ck of a husband recently left her and her two children, and she’s mainly okay with it because, well…he’s a pr!ck.
She recently stepped out of her rom-com box and wrote a screenplay based on their marriage and the ending of it. It is now a full-fledged Hollywood production with none other than the hottest actor of the moment, Leo Vance, playing the role of her ex-hubby. The movie studio decides to film at Nora’s house for a few days. She’s looking forward to that extra money.
All of a sudden, equipment trucks, wardrobe trucks, and Leo’s trailer end up on her front lawn. When he first meets her, he’s quite rude and walks right by her with neary a word. Two days later, when filming has finished at this location, he decides he’d like to stay with her for a week (he’s become quite accustomed to watching the sunrise with her on her front porch). That same day, he charms her children and asks to hang with her while she runs errands. A few days later, they’re in love. A perfect family of four, and it is so realistic…NOT! I wonder if there will be any conflict. 🤔
SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️
.
.
.
Then, out of nowhere, they’re not together for about 40% of the book. Per usual, it turns out to be a ridiculous misunderstanding that any ADULT would have nipped in the bud by sending a simple text or making a phone call. But not here.
.
.
.
END SPOILER
This is a rom-com that is rom for maybe 40%, and very little com…although I smiled once or twice. It’s completely unrealistic, and the ending had my eyes rolling as if on loop. Yet, I did enjoy reading it. I really liked the character of Nora and found her to be very fleshed out. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this has cheese written all over it. Nora could’ve written the story for one of her TRC movies. Did she?
Overall, an enjoyable rom-com with little rom-com, but excellent writing and a great main character to help balance things out.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 6/7/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
August 28, 2023
A Charming Escape!
I loved so many things about this novel, but I have to say I almost gave up after the first three pages. Glad I pushed through, lol!
Skipping the summary--many wonderful reviews cover it.
Nora Goes Off Script was such a fun and much-needed escape read. While the novel doesn't go off script regarding women's fiction, Nora's character makes it stand out.
I loved Nora's character. She was a little much to take at first, but I quickly adapted and found myself rooting for her early. Nora is quick-witted, intelligent, quirky, and honest--she felt very real to me.
I also loved Arthur, Bernadette, Leo, and many side characters who add depth and humor to the plot.
The setting is charming, the characters are lovable and witty, and the plot is smart and swoony. This is the perfect, lighthearted, feel-good read that served as a nice distraction from reality!
I loved so many things about this novel, but I have to say I almost gave up after the first three pages. Glad I pushed through, lol!
Skipping the summary--many wonderful reviews cover it.
Nora Goes Off Script was such a fun and much-needed escape read. While the novel doesn't go off script regarding women's fiction, Nora's character makes it stand out.
I loved Nora's character. She was a little much to take at first, but I quickly adapted and found myself rooting for her early. Nora is quick-witted, intelligent, quirky, and honest--she felt very real to me.
I also loved Arthur, Bernadette, Leo, and many side characters who add depth and humor to the plot.
The setting is charming, the characters are lovable and witty, and the plot is smart and swoony. This is the perfect, lighthearted, feel-good read that served as a nice distraction from reality!
August 10, 2023
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
Where, oh where, do I begin with this book?
Nora and Leo - they were so bland. There was ZERO chemistry. I felt like I was missing parts because it read very much like “I sat on his bed, we made love, I woke up the next day, then we ate dinner, and I went to bed.” It’s missing so much plot. I just couldn’t understand how these two fell in love. Where was the build up??
When Leo had to leave for another movie, why did Nora freak out? He’s an actor doing actor things and you would think someone who writes movies scripts for a living would understand that. How are you upset at this?
Let’s talk about how when Leo ghosted her Nora went off the rails. Calling him nonstop, texting him constantly, creeping on his Instagram, and then showing up at his apartment like a stalker ex girlfriend. I can’t wrap my head around only after a few weeks with him she was behaving this way, and almost a year later she was still in her feelings about him. Girl. GO DIRECTLY TO THERAPY DO NOT PASS GO. This was insane.
While I’m at it, Leo: go to therapy as well. Instead of either of them actually having an adult conversation about their relationship they acted immaturely. I don’t care that Noras’ son told him a lie because he was hurt Leo left - he’s 10 years old and reacted like a 10 year old would. Nora and Leo are grown ass adults, and both acted like they were the ones that were children. Communication people.
The alcohol consumption was out of control. Listen, I enjoy my drinks as well but sh*t, I’ve never read a book that brings up people drinking every single day and not addressing it. I mean at Thanksgiving Leo drank a whole bottle of scotch. A WHOLE BOTTLE. I thought he had gone to rehab and that’s why he ghosted her. That’s how much drinking took place.
And then at the end he just… proposes?? And they live happily ever after??? They still aren’t talking about their problems with each other. Sigh.
I’m exhausted from this book. If you enjoyed it I’m glad you did, but I had so many issues with it.
Where, oh where, do I begin with this book?
Nora and Leo - they were so bland. There was ZERO chemistry. I felt like I was missing parts because it read very much like “I sat on his bed, we made love, I woke up the next day, then we ate dinner, and I went to bed.” It’s missing so much plot. I just couldn’t understand how these two fell in love. Where was the build up??
When Leo had to leave for another movie, why did Nora freak out? He’s an actor doing actor things and you would think someone who writes movies scripts for a living would understand that. How are you upset at this?
Let’s talk about how when Leo ghosted her Nora went off the rails. Calling him nonstop, texting him constantly, creeping on his Instagram, and then showing up at his apartment like a stalker ex girlfriend. I can’t wrap my head around only after a few weeks with him she was behaving this way, and almost a year later she was still in her feelings about him. Girl. GO DIRECTLY TO THERAPY DO NOT PASS GO. This was insane.
While I’m at it, Leo: go to therapy as well. Instead of either of them actually having an adult conversation about their relationship they acted immaturely. I don’t care that Noras’ son told him a lie because he was hurt Leo left - he’s 10 years old and reacted like a 10 year old would. Nora and Leo are grown ass adults, and both acted like they were the ones that were children. Communication people.
The alcohol consumption was out of control. Listen, I enjoy my drinks as well but sh*t, I’ve never read a book that brings up people drinking every single day and not addressing it. I mean at Thanksgiving Leo drank a whole bottle of scotch. A WHOLE BOTTLE. I thought he had gone to rehab and that’s why he ghosted her. That’s how much drinking took place.
And then at the end he just… proposes?? And they live happily ever after??? They still aren’t talking about their problems with each other. Sigh.
I’m exhausted from this book. If you enjoyed it I’m glad you did, but I had so many issues with it.
April 20, 2023
FRESH, FUN, FANTASTIC!
Nora is a screenwriter for a “romance channel” but despite writing about Happily Ever Afters, her own marriage is ending in divorce.
Instead of letting that get her down-she writes the BEST script of her life-and it’s picked up for the big screen. It will be filmed at her 100 year old home, since it’s called “The Tea House” and why replicate the setting when her house has the real thing-a one room structure in her backyard made of stone with a slate roof, a working fireplace, and gorgeous views of the woods beyond. It was built to honor the ritual of formal tea-but it is now the place where Nora writes.
Even better, when a former “sexiest man alive” Leo Vance, the highest paid leading man in Hollywood, is cast to play the role of her ex husband, the film is destined for success!
When the film wraps, Leo makes Nora an offer she can’t refuse-$1000 a day to stay on for a week. She needs the money-and he needs a place to be anonymous-a place to reset and refresh.
A lot can happen in a week-as the synopsis says…you can fall in love or you can have your heart broken…
Maybe, Nora will get a HEA of her own…
❤️
Nora is a relatable lead, who has imperfect hair, an ex husband and two young children, yet we have FINALLY been given a leading lady who doesn’t need to turn to alcohol to cope because she is FIERCE, FUNNY and FORMIDABLE. And, her kids aren’t baggage-they are a BONUS!
How refreshing is that?
I decided to read this book after LOVING her new one which I received as an ARC from the publisher. It’s called “Same Time Next Summer” and has an expected publication date of June 6, 2023.
See review for the upcoming title here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Annabel Monaghan has just become my latest AUTO READ author! Love her work! ❤️
I can highly recommend BOTH books and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Nora is a screenwriter for a “romance channel” but despite writing about Happily Ever Afters, her own marriage is ending in divorce.
Instead of letting that get her down-she writes the BEST script of her life-and it’s picked up for the big screen. It will be filmed at her 100 year old home, since it’s called “The Tea House” and why replicate the setting when her house has the real thing-a one room structure in her backyard made of stone with a slate roof, a working fireplace, and gorgeous views of the woods beyond. It was built to honor the ritual of formal tea-but it is now the place where Nora writes.
Even better, when a former “sexiest man alive” Leo Vance, the highest paid leading man in Hollywood, is cast to play the role of her ex husband, the film is destined for success!
When the film wraps, Leo makes Nora an offer she can’t refuse-$1000 a day to stay on for a week. She needs the money-and he needs a place to be anonymous-a place to reset and refresh.
A lot can happen in a week-as the synopsis says…you can fall in love or you can have your heart broken…
Maybe, Nora will get a HEA of her own…
❤️
Nora is a relatable lead, who has imperfect hair, an ex husband and two young children, yet we have FINALLY been given a leading lady who doesn’t need to turn to alcohol to cope because she is FIERCE, FUNNY and FORMIDABLE. And, her kids aren’t baggage-they are a BONUS!
How refreshing is that?
I decided to read this book after LOVING her new one which I received as an ARC from the publisher. It’s called “Same Time Next Summer” and has an expected publication date of June 6, 2023.
See review for the upcoming title here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Annabel Monaghan has just become my latest AUTO READ author! Love her work! ❤️
I can highly recommend BOTH books and can’t wait to see what’s next!
April 28, 2022
This book will have you smiling, it’ll have you laughing…and oh yes, you will be crying! The perfect recipe for a five-star rom com!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nora is an up and coming screen writer. Presently she writes formula-driven romance screenplays. Simply switch characters names, locations and boom, you basically have the next movie. Little to no creativity involved. But now she’s spreading her wings and trying something totally different. She’s writing about her own life. The collapse of her marriage. And like a true Hollywood dream, the screenplay has been purchased by a major studio! The filming with an A-list set of stars will even take place in her own backyard. Literally on her property!
As the production trucks and crew arrive, filming gets started. All the while Nora tries to maintain her strictly-set schedules for both she and her two children. School, homework, meals, etc. In other words, a semblance of normalcy.
But issues arise when lead actor Leo keeps showing up every morning on her porch to share the incredible view of the sunrise. It’s not long before he’s slowly working his way into Nora’s life… maybe her heart as well.
I so adored both Nora and Leo! Always pulling for them from the very start. The engaging banter between the characters is both charming and witty. My face nearly cramping from a permanent smile through most of the book. The key word here is “most”!
In the blink of an eye tears started flowing and wouldn’t be held back.
I sobbed, cried, and blubbered my way through the final third of the book. Emotionally exhausted, undone, left in a puddle of tears.
Without any hesitation, this is one of my favorite-rom coms of the year. Hope it’s on your list! Don’t miss out!
A rom-com buddy read with Susanne that we both could not put down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
Nora is an up and coming screen writer. Presently she writes formula-driven romance screenplays. Simply switch characters names, locations and boom, you basically have the next movie. Little to no creativity involved. But now she’s spreading her wings and trying something totally different. She’s writing about her own life. The collapse of her marriage. And like a true Hollywood dream, the screenplay has been purchased by a major studio! The filming with an A-list set of stars will even take place in her own backyard. Literally on her property!
As the production trucks and crew arrive, filming gets started. All the while Nora tries to maintain her strictly-set schedules for both she and her two children. School, homework, meals, etc. In other words, a semblance of normalcy.
But issues arise when lead actor Leo keeps showing up every morning on her porch to share the incredible view of the sunrise. It’s not long before he’s slowly working his way into Nora’s life… maybe her heart as well.
I so adored both Nora and Leo! Always pulling for them from the very start. The engaging banter between the characters is both charming and witty. My face nearly cramping from a permanent smile through most of the book. The key word here is “most”!
In the blink of an eye tears started flowing and wouldn’t be held back.
I sobbed, cried, and blubbered my way through the final third of the book. Emotionally exhausted, undone, left in a puddle of tears.
Without any hesitation, this is one of my favorite-rom coms of the year. Hope it’s on your list! Don’t miss out!
A rom-com buddy read with Susanne that we both could not put down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
July 29, 2022
I liked this one. It ended up being clever and deeper than I had been expecting but at the same time a little bit silly.
Nora, writes for TRC (The Romance Channel) but has recently written a more darker story that mimics her life. It is being made into a movie (on the big screen) and her quaint little home in a small town in New York is being used as the location. She meets up with the star of the movie and sparks fly!
Most of my friends enjoyed this one more than me. I liked it but I don't think it will end up being very memorable. The audio was entertaining and well-done.
Nora, writes for TRC (The Romance Channel) but has recently written a more darker story that mimics her life. It is being made into a movie (on the big screen) and her quaint little home in a small town in New York is being used as the location. She meets up with the star of the movie and sparks fly!
Most of my friends enjoyed this one more than me. I liked it but I don't think it will end up being very memorable. The audio was entertaining and well-done.
Read
February 21, 2024picture this: a movie star tells you he's gonna crash at ur place for a week... week turns into multiple... y'all banging raw day after day. you have a couple kids, he's good with them.
he disappears. it was a misunderstanding. now y'all boning 4 life.
that's this book. it's weird. the premise is wacky. nora has issues to work thru that she clearly doesn't. thankfully i can't bring myself to care enough for a proper roast. not for me, the end.
he disappears. it was a misunderstanding. now y'all boning 4 life.
that's this book. it's weird. the premise is wacky. nora has issues to work thru that she clearly doesn't. thankfully i can't bring myself to care enough for a proper roast. not for me, the end.
June 15, 2022
I really needed to read this palate cleanser after some of the heavier books I've been reading lately.
This is such a cute, feel-good romantic comedy. Yes, looking back at the end there's a misunderstanding that could have been easily remedied with a phone call, but as I was reading it I didn't get mad like I usually would have. It felt really believable to me and I just went with the story. I loved Nora and her grit and love for her family. I thought Leo's fascination with everyday life was hilarious and I laughed out loud more than a few times at some of the things he said and did.
I also really adored the kids and thought they were a great addition to the story. The one thing that gave me slight pause was that I didn't think Nora protected the kids enough from Leo--I would have said "Hey, if you break my heart, fine, but if you mess with my kids' hearts you're dead." Her actions in those moments were what made this not quite a 5-star read.
Overall though, this is totally worth reading, especially if you want a light, humorous romance with a lot of heart.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is such a cute, feel-good romantic comedy. Yes, looking back at the end there's a misunderstanding that could have been easily remedied with a phone call, but as I was reading it I didn't get mad like I usually would have. It felt really believable to me and I just went with the story. I loved Nora and her grit and love for her family. I thought Leo's fascination with everyday life was hilarious and I laughed out loud more than a few times at some of the things he said and did.
I also really adored the kids and thought they were a great addition to the story. The one thing that gave me slight pause was that I didn't think Nora protected the kids enough from Leo--I would have said "Hey, if you break my heart, fine, but if you mess with my kids' hearts you're dead." Her actions in those moments were what made this not quite a 5-star read.
Overall though, this is totally worth reading, especially if you want a light, humorous romance with a lot of heart.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 19, 2023
categorized in the "i wish i’d known how to dnf books back then."
August 28, 2022
4.5⭐
I am grinning big time, ear to ear!
I picked this up after seeing glowing reviews from GR friends so thank you to all the friends who read this book before me. 💞
Thirty-nine-year-old mother of two Nora Hamilton is a screenwriter who writes light and fun TV movies for The Romance Channel. Her most recent script after her husband Ben left them was darker and her agent sold it for a real movie. She hits a jackpot when Hollywood wants to use her property in Laurel Ridge, NY for the production. Nora can kiss her financial debts goodbye. When the movie wraps, Nora is surprised that Leo Vance, the heartthrob lead actor wants to pay her rent and stay on. He's enjoying the simple small-town life and watching the sunrise from her porch.
Nora Goes Off Script is funny with endearing characters. I think it's probably my first single mom rom-com. It is clean. I love Nora and Leo together. I love that their romance was gradual. I love how he criticized her Wednesday Meatloaf. I love that it felt fresh and the ending was a bit of a surprise.
This is my first novel by Annabel Monaghan and I must read more from her. The audio read by Hillary Huber was excellent.
I am grinning big time, ear to ear!
I picked this up after seeing glowing reviews from GR friends so thank you to all the friends who read this book before me. 💞
Thirty-nine-year-old mother of two Nora Hamilton is a screenwriter who writes light and fun TV movies for The Romance Channel. Her most recent script after her husband Ben left them was darker and her agent sold it for a real movie. She hits a jackpot when Hollywood wants to use her property in Laurel Ridge, NY for the production. Nora can kiss her financial debts goodbye. When the movie wraps, Nora is surprised that Leo Vance, the heartthrob lead actor wants to pay her rent and stay on. He's enjoying the simple small-town life and watching the sunrise from her porch.
Nora Goes Off Script is funny with endearing characters. I think it's probably my first single mom rom-com. It is clean. I love Nora and Leo together. I love that their romance was gradual. I love how he criticized her Wednesday Meatloaf. I love that it felt fresh and the ending was a bit of a surprise.
This is my first novel by Annabel Monaghan and I must read more from her. The audio read by Hillary Huber was excellent.
July 31, 2022
Audio Review
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
I also had an ebook, but the audio was so much more enjoyable that I listened to 80% of the novel.
Hillary Huber did an excellent job with all the characters. A nice summer treat that gave me some happy vibes! All I needed to add was some homemade strawberry shortcake topped with fresh berries and a wallop of cream. Yum!
It was nice to read about a "normal mom"! No worries that she would drown herself with pills or murder her neighbor in the foreseeable future, wink wink.
A little sappy, very charming, with a too good to be true "sexiest man alive" (yes, please). It all added up to an uplifting, but unrealistic read!
Released 6/7/2022
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
I also had an ebook, but the audio was so much more enjoyable that I listened to 80% of the novel.
Hillary Huber did an excellent job with all the characters. A nice summer treat that gave me some happy vibes! All I needed to add was some homemade strawberry shortcake topped with fresh berries and a wallop of cream. Yum!
It was nice to read about a "normal mom"! No worries that she would drown herself with pills or murder her neighbor in the foreseeable future, wink wink.
A little sappy, very charming, with a too good to be true "sexiest man alive" (yes, please). It all added up to an uplifting, but unrealistic read!
Released 6/7/2022
June 25, 2022
Thank you GR friend Lisa for giving this a 5 star rating which is a rare occurrence for her. “Nora Goes Off Script” is a fun rom/com that is predictable yet so satisfying! I think it’s author Annabel Monaghan’s ability to create relatable, realistic, and charming characters. Yes, she throws in two adorable children to add some whimsy and cuteness. This is formula driven and it works!
Nora is a recently divorced romance-channel screenwriter. She decides to write a screenplay about her collapsed marriage, and it’s being made into a major motion picture staring the “Sexiest Man Alive”. Part of the movie is being shot in Nora’s home that she shares with her 2 adorable children.
We get to learn Nora’s inner thoughts which is fun. Nora is a normal mom just trying to support her babies and herself. You know how it’s going to end. Monaghan takes the reader on a charming tale of finding love unexpectedly.
I listened to the audio narrated by Hillary Huber. It’s a 7-hour entertaining listen. Highly recommended!
Nora is a recently divorced romance-channel screenwriter. She decides to write a screenplay about her collapsed marriage, and it’s being made into a major motion picture staring the “Sexiest Man Alive”. Part of the movie is being shot in Nora’s home that she shares with her 2 adorable children.
We get to learn Nora’s inner thoughts which is fun. Nora is a normal mom just trying to support her babies and herself. You know how it’s going to end. Monaghan takes the reader on a charming tale of finding love unexpectedly.
I listened to the audio narrated by Hillary Huber. It’s a 7-hour entertaining listen. Highly recommended!
February 12, 2023
If you want a book that warms the cockles of your heart then this is it!,,
Nora is screenwriter for a romance channel she is a mum of two kids single due to her break up of her marriage to a dumbass jerk of a husband, she meets a gorgeous sexy Leo Vance a Hollywood actor who will play the part of her ex.
Things get more cosy between the two as Leo wants to stay longer well this sets Nora’s heart fluttering instead of writing her her Usual HEA stories & writes a screen play on her own love life to that entitled deadbeat of a husband.
Things get interesting when Leo wants to stay longer in the house, this sets Nora’s heart fluttering they become close but a sequence of mixed messages could ruin it all.
LOVED,LOVED,LOVED this book by Annabelle Monaghan it was an uplifting novel that made me smile had plenty of laughs & the characters were wonderful such a joy to read.
Nora is screenwriter for a romance channel she is a mum of two kids single due to her break up of her marriage to a dumbass jerk of a husband, she meets a gorgeous sexy Leo Vance a Hollywood actor who will play the part of her ex.
Things get more cosy between the two as Leo wants to stay longer well this sets Nora’s heart fluttering instead of writing her her Usual HEA stories & writes a screen play on her own love life to that entitled deadbeat of a husband.
Things get interesting when Leo wants to stay longer in the house, this sets Nora’s heart fluttering they become close but a sequence of mixed messages could ruin it all.
LOVED,LOVED,LOVED this book by Annabelle Monaghan it was an uplifting novel that made me smile had plenty of laughs & the characters were wonderful such a joy to read.
May 12, 2022
Nora goes off script when she meets Leo Vance the start of her film “The Tea House’ and Oh boy, does she deserve it. She has the surveyed the wreck of her much loved house and the wreckage of her marriage to useless Ben but looks with pride at the solidly built teahouse in her garden and the subject around which her darker than usual movie script is woven. Hollywood arrives, trundling over her lawns bringing Leo with his smouldering looks and his beautiful co-star Naomi Sanchez. After three days of filming Leo stays on as he rather like being at Nora‘s, of course the path of true love (down to the teahouse) never runs smooth.
This is a really enjoyable glide through read, it’s witty and smart in places sufficient to raise more than a few smiles. The dialogue is great and also has a real feel. The characterisation is excellent, they all feel authentic. Leo is, well, smouldering but also a darn good bloke, Nora is fab and her children Arthur and Bernadette almost steal the show! Nora’s house and the surrounding area make you feel a warm glow, it’s wonderfully described and you definitely want to be there preferably with Leo!
I really like the premise which comes through in several ways not just via the movie. Nora especially is reconnecting to her old self and taking back the power after Ben drains her in more ways than one. Leo also reconnects to his true self not the movie version people expect. There’s also a lovely message about family which is heartwarming.
Overall, is it fantasy or real? Nora deserves the real, she deserves the sunrise and the promise of a good day and you will that to happen! It’s a sweet book but not in a saccharine way. It’s good escapist reading in the company of lovely people. Sighs!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is a really enjoyable glide through read, it’s witty and smart in places sufficient to raise more than a few smiles. The dialogue is great and also has a real feel. The characterisation is excellent, they all feel authentic. Leo is, well, smouldering but also a darn good bloke, Nora is fab and her children Arthur and Bernadette almost steal the show! Nora’s house and the surrounding area make you feel a warm glow, it’s wonderfully described and you definitely want to be there preferably with Leo!
I really like the premise which comes through in several ways not just via the movie. Nora especially is reconnecting to her old self and taking back the power after Ben drains her in more ways than one. Leo also reconnects to his true self not the movie version people expect. There’s also a lovely message about family which is heartwarming.
Overall, is it fantasy or real? Nora deserves the real, she deserves the sunrise and the promise of a good day and you will that to happen! It’s a sweet book but not in a saccharine way. It’s good escapist reading in the company of lovely people. Sighs!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
Hold up. Did I read a different book than everyone else? 😅
Everyone’s an outlier at some point and I guess my time has come again!
Did I hate it? No. Not at all.
Did I like it? Ehhhhh….
I didn’t find it had much depth and that might be due to the fact that it isn’t a very long book with lots of different things happening. So a lot of situations felt rushed.
Everything about this book seemed rom-com to me. (There I go judging books by their covers again. 🙄) However, it was all the rom and no com. I don’t even think there was a line I smiled at. It seemed very serious a lot of the time which made it difficult for me to entirely connect with. I also didn’t think the story was very convincing.
Nora was pretty neurotic and I felt like she focused wayyyyy too much on having a lot of money. Not that she ever came out and said that but just from random comments that seemed a bit avaricious in nature. Those comments didn’t seem like they lined up with her love of small town, easy living and frugal ways. Her sister was a thousand times worse.
I did enjoy the ‘twist’ as I didn’t see it coming, but the trope is very common in these kids of books and definitely not original.
The kids in the book were cute too and I did think they added a good layer to the story.
All in all, not entirely convincing story, but fine enough since it was a pretty quick read. Not my cup of tea though….hah! No pun intended (for anyone who’s read the book)! 😂
Everyone’s an outlier at some point and I guess my time has come again!
Did I hate it? No. Not at all.
Did I like it? Ehhhhh….
I didn’t find it had much depth and that might be due to the fact that it isn’t a very long book with lots of different things happening. So a lot of situations felt rushed.
Everything about this book seemed rom-com to me. (There I go judging books by their covers again. 🙄) However, it was all the rom and no com. I don’t even think there was a line I smiled at. It seemed very serious a lot of the time which made it difficult for me to entirely connect with. I also didn’t think the story was very convincing.
Nora was pretty neurotic and I felt like she focused wayyyyy too much on having a lot of money. Not that she ever came out and said that but just from random comments that seemed a bit avaricious in nature. Those comments didn’t seem like they lined up with her love of small town, easy living and frugal ways. Her sister was a thousand times worse.
I did enjoy the ‘twist’ as I didn’t see it coming, but the trope is very common in these kids of books and definitely not original.
The kids in the book were cute too and I did think they added a good layer to the story.
All in all, not entirely convincing story, but fine enough since it was a pretty quick read. Not my cup of tea though….hah! No pun intended (for anyone who’s read the book)! 😂
June 21, 2023
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan is an Unexpectedly Amazing Rom-Com!
Nora's a screenwriter for The Romance Channel whose good-for-nothing husband leaves her and their two adorable children. Then Nora does what any scorned wife and single mother would do: she writes a screenplay based on her disastrous marriage, sells it as a major motion picture, and allows it to be filmed on location at her 100 year-old home.
It's is about her, after all!
A bit of a problem arises when filming ends and male lead Leo Vance, once known as the Sexiest Man Alive, doesn't want to leave. He offers Nora $1000 a day to spend one week in her guest house.
He looks so fragile, so lost, and Nora could really use the money. $7K would go a long way and it IS hard to say no when he looks the way he looks...at her...after all...
I don't choose Rom-Com's much anymore as they mostly feel similar but when you see many of your GR friends loving this particular Rom-Com, I mean REALLY LOVING it, I had to check it out.
I have to say I DID enjoy Nora Goes Off Script, its characters, and particularly the predictability of the total package. And, who doesn't want to root for a single mother like Nora, I ask you? Heck, I even love Leo!
Nora Goes Off Script is an easy, fun, and quick 7 hour listen. It's witty, cute, sweet, and everything a Rom-Com is supposed to be. The audiobook narrator, Hillary Huber provides an absolutely perfect voice for Nora and her gender voicing is always spot on.
Yes, it was unexpectedly amazing...and yes again, I highly recommend it!
4⭐
Nora's a screenwriter for The Romance Channel whose good-for-nothing husband leaves her and their two adorable children. Then Nora does what any scorned wife and single mother would do: she writes a screenplay based on her disastrous marriage, sells it as a major motion picture, and allows it to be filmed on location at her 100 year-old home.
It's is about her, after all!
A bit of a problem arises when filming ends and male lead Leo Vance, once known as the Sexiest Man Alive, doesn't want to leave. He offers Nora $1000 a day to spend one week in her guest house.
He looks so fragile, so lost, and Nora could really use the money. $7K would go a long way and it IS hard to say no when he looks the way he looks...at her...after all...
I don't choose Rom-Com's much anymore as they mostly feel similar but when you see many of your GR friends loving this particular Rom-Com, I mean REALLY LOVING it, I had to check it out.
I have to say I DID enjoy Nora Goes Off Script, its characters, and particularly the predictability of the total package. And, who doesn't want to root for a single mother like Nora, I ask you? Heck, I even love Leo!
Nora Goes Off Script is an easy, fun, and quick 7 hour listen. It's witty, cute, sweet, and everything a Rom-Com is supposed to be. The audiobook narrator, Hillary Huber provides an absolutely perfect voice for Nora and her gender voicing is always spot on.
Yes, it was unexpectedly amazing...and yes again, I highly recommend it!
4⭐
January 5, 2023
I get it, Nora. It’s not always easy when life goes off script. It’s messy, and it makes you feel as if you’ve lost all control. But sometimes, shaking things up a bit is just what a woman needs ...
Annabel Monaghan has written a winner of a love story. Nora Goes Off Script is absolutely divine.
It’s a breath of fresh air. A standout in a deep, populous sea of romance novels. And I think it’s because for one, as a lead character, Nora skews slightly older and is a divorced mother of two children, and for two, her relationship with Leo reflects her maturity. As she and Leo grow close, realistic concerns about how their love affair will affect her children arise, which is something I typically don’t see in the genre.
But for all Nora’s sensibilities, Monaghan employs a huge no-no in the way of plot devices: a misunderstanding caused by a lack of communication. It’s irritating and unrealistic. (Authors, this is way too easy an out for you to take. Your characters are grown adults; they can, and should, talk to each other.)
This frustration aside, Nora Goes Off Script will charm you and delight you. It will lift your spirits and warm your heart, all while sticking a smile on your face for days.
And the audiobook is terrific. Hillary Huber’s voicing skills are superb. Go that route if you’re in the mood for a good listen.
Annabel Monaghan has written a winner of a love story. Nora Goes Off Script is absolutely divine.
It’s a breath of fresh air. A standout in a deep, populous sea of romance novels. And I think it’s because for one, as a lead character, Nora skews slightly older and is a divorced mother of two children, and for two, her relationship with Leo reflects her maturity. As she and Leo grow close, realistic concerns about how their love affair will affect her children arise, which is something I typically don’t see in the genre.
But for all Nora’s sensibilities, Monaghan employs a huge no-no in the way of plot devices: a misunderstanding caused by a lack of communication. It’s irritating and unrealistic. (Authors, this is way too easy an out for you to take. Your characters are grown adults; they can, and should, talk to each other.)
This frustration aside, Nora Goes Off Script will charm you and delight you. It will lift your spirits and warm your heart, all while sticking a smile on your face for days.
And the audiobook is terrific. Hillary Huber’s voicing skills are superb. Go that route if you’re in the mood for a good listen.
June 6, 2022
Nora makes her living writing romance movies for The Romance Channel but when her jerk husband leaves her she switches things up and trades her happily ever after's with the story of how her marriage ended and much to her surprise it's picked up by a major movie executive. Nora's hit the big time and she could sure use the extra money!
The director wants to film on location and at HER house! Not only that but Luke Vance, voted The Sexiest Man Alive, has been given the role of her ne'er-do-well husband. Nora's life is about to be flipped upside down over the next couple weeks of filming.
When filming wraps and the works crews have packed up Nora can't help but to sigh with relief. She finally has her house and life back. All things normal from here on out. Imagine her surprise when she ventures out on the front porch, cup of coffee in hand, to watch the sunrise and see's Leo Vance wrapped up in a blanket and sleeping soundly. What is he still doing here? Leo offers Nora a thousand dollars a day for the next 7 days if he can stay with her and from here the sparks fly between the pair and my heart was all a pitter patter hoping for the very best for them. Of course no relationship is that easy and an unexpected roadblock comes between them leaving the reader to wonder: will they or won't they?
That's all I'm willing to say about this sweet but completely far-fetched story. This book served as a wonderful escape from the real world so the fact that it's really unbelievable did not hinder my enjoyment and most of my enjoyment stemmed from these wonderful characters. I loved Nora and her two children Arthur and Bernadette and Leo Vance isn't too shabby either with his smoldering good looks! The banter was super cute between Nora and Leo and I appreciated that the bedroom scenes were PG rated. I also imagine that this is EXACLTY what would happen if Leonardo DiCaprio came and stayed with me and don't you dare tell me otherwise! 😉
"Woman pass me in heels I could never stand in. I look down at my peasant top, jeans, and sandals and think, When did I turn into Carole King?"
She just described my exact outfit so she isn't the only one channeling her inner Carole King!
If you want an escape from reality with a side of swoon then this is one I highly recommend! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam for my complimentary copy.
The director wants to film on location and at HER house! Not only that but Luke Vance, voted The Sexiest Man Alive, has been given the role of her ne'er-do-well husband. Nora's life is about to be flipped upside down over the next couple weeks of filming.
When filming wraps and the works crews have packed up Nora can't help but to sigh with relief. She finally has her house and life back. All things normal from here on out. Imagine her surprise when she ventures out on the front porch, cup of coffee in hand, to watch the sunrise and see's Leo Vance wrapped up in a blanket and sleeping soundly. What is he still doing here? Leo offers Nora a thousand dollars a day for the next 7 days if he can stay with her and from here the sparks fly between the pair and my heart was all a pitter patter hoping for the very best for them. Of course no relationship is that easy and an unexpected roadblock comes between them leaving the reader to wonder: will they or won't they?
That's all I'm willing to say about this sweet but completely far-fetched story. This book served as a wonderful escape from the real world so the fact that it's really unbelievable did not hinder my enjoyment and most of my enjoyment stemmed from these wonderful characters. I loved Nora and her two children Arthur and Bernadette and Leo Vance isn't too shabby either with his smoldering good looks! The banter was super cute between Nora and Leo and I appreciated that the bedroom scenes were PG rated. I also imagine that this is EXACLTY what would happen if Leonardo DiCaprio came and stayed with me and don't you dare tell me otherwise! 😉
"Woman pass me in heels I could never stand in. I look down at my peasant top, jeans, and sandals and think, When did I turn into Carole King?"
She just described my exact outfit so she isn't the only one channeling her inner Carole King!
If you want an escape from reality with a side of swoon then this is one I highly recommend! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam for my complimentary copy.
December 21, 2022
This is a Women's Fiction/Romance. I have to say that I was so scared to pick up this book because so many women's fiction/romance fell short for me this year so far, but this book was so great. I loved this book from the beginning to the end. There was nothing I did not like about this book. The characters were not fun and cute characters, but they felt real which I really loved. I loved the slow moving romance in this book, and I really loved the ending. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (G.P. Putnam's Sons) or author (Annabel Monaghan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 1, 2022
Audiobook….read by Hillary Huber
…..6 hours and 57 minutes
“Readers who loved Emily Henry’s “Book Lovers” stand a great chance in loving Annabelle Monaghan’s “Nora Goes off Script” ….(a ‘tad’ less for me)….but definitely enjoyable….
….a fitting beach read with my own beach stay here in ‘Capitola-by
-the-Sea’, this week.
Protagonist Nora Hamilton, a thirty-nine year old divorce women with full custody and full financial responsibility of her two children, is screen writer…..(usually romantic
happily ever after themes)
She has recently written a new script that’s been picked up by Hollywood studios.
Modeling her own situation—[scumbag husband Ben left her and his kids]….her new script doesn’t have a happily ever after ending... [which I presume is where the title of this book comes from] — her script is a little darker than what she usually writes. (if this was dark — I’d drown in her lighter work)….
What does ‘goes off’ actually mean?
Dictionary definition:
“to suddenly become very angry and start shouting or behaving violently …..
or
…..”to enter recklessly on a course”
I suppose the ‘Goes Off’ is ‘partially’ true —but only ‘partially’. Actually, Nora, herself, is rather conservatively reasonable—a ridiculously relatable character acting very appropriately to her new single mom status.
but….
readers can forgive somatics and suspend a little belief…
because….
this wholesome summer rom com is heartwarming addictive.
Part of the deal is that we readers forgive predictably — in exchange for our fantasy Mr. Night and Shining-Amour to passionately and emotionally devours us with all the goodies:
…. luscious steamy storytelling fantasy with ‘you’re the only ‘forever love!
[nobody matters more].
Sex has never felt so good and Leo gets Nora’s down-to-earth greatness.
Leo can financially embellish Nora but neither of them are purposely about the money. Leo owns a plane and can take Nora anywhere, but financial elite frivolous wealth is a minor asset.
And..
our Night-and-Shining- Armor, Leo is an ideal surrogate father to Nora’s children.
The storytelling, it’s plot, narrative, humor, and developing swooning romantic development between Nora Hamilton and Leo Vance is supreme summertime make believe guy-loves-girl fairytale entertainment.
The kids are okay too.
Leo is (of course) the gorgeous sexiest man of the year —puts all other men to shame, and is the popular romantic TV star playing the part of the divorce husband in Nora’s new made for TV movie.
A couple of puzzling surprises—nothing earth shaking shocking—but just enough to keep our minds wondering ‘why’….
All’s well that end’s well.
All in good fun!!!
Alternative Title
“Leo is Top Banana…puts other men to shame”.
…..6 hours and 57 minutes
“Readers who loved Emily Henry’s “Book Lovers” stand a great chance in loving Annabelle Monaghan’s “Nora Goes off Script” ….(a ‘tad’ less for me)….but definitely enjoyable….
….a fitting beach read with my own beach stay here in ‘Capitola-by
-the-Sea’, this week.
Protagonist Nora Hamilton, a thirty-nine year old divorce women with full custody and full financial responsibility of her two children, is screen writer…..(usually romantic
happily ever after themes)
She has recently written a new script that’s been picked up by Hollywood studios.
Modeling her own situation—[scumbag husband Ben left her and his kids]….her new script doesn’t have a happily ever after ending... [which I presume is where the title of this book comes from] — her script is a little darker than what she usually writes. (if this was dark — I’d drown in her lighter work)….
What does ‘goes off’ actually mean?
Dictionary definition:
“to suddenly become very angry and start shouting or behaving violently …..
or
…..”to enter recklessly on a course”
I suppose the ‘Goes Off’ is ‘partially’ true —but only ‘partially’. Actually, Nora, herself, is rather conservatively reasonable—a ridiculously relatable character acting very appropriately to her new single mom status.
but….
readers can forgive somatics and suspend a little belief…
because….
this wholesome summer rom com is heartwarming addictive.
Part of the deal is that we readers forgive predictably — in exchange for our fantasy Mr. Night and Shining-Amour to passionately and emotionally devours us with all the goodies:
…. luscious steamy storytelling fantasy with ‘you’re the only ‘forever love!
[nobody matters more].
Sex has never felt so good and Leo gets Nora’s down-to-earth greatness.
Leo can financially embellish Nora but neither of them are purposely about the money. Leo owns a plane and can take Nora anywhere, but financial elite frivolous wealth is a minor asset.
And..
our Night-and-Shining- Armor, Leo is an ideal surrogate father to Nora’s children.
The storytelling, it’s plot, narrative, humor, and developing swooning romantic development between Nora Hamilton and Leo Vance is supreme summertime make believe guy-loves-girl fairytale entertainment.
The kids are okay too.
Leo is (of course) the gorgeous sexiest man of the year —puts all other men to shame, and is the popular romantic TV star playing the part of the divorce husband in Nora’s new made for TV movie.
A couple of puzzling surprises—nothing earth shaking shocking—but just enough to keep our minds wondering ‘why’….
All’s well that end’s well.
All in good fun!!!
Alternative Title
“Leo is Top Banana…puts other men to shame”.
March 21, 2022
This was so good! I got a super early copy of it (so early, this Goodreads listing wasn't even up yet). It's bingable and one of my favorite tropes, celebrity meets regular person and they fall in love. It felt very real, like you might know Nora in real life. The characters were flawed and believable. A great beach read!
March 4, 2023
Big smile on my face!
Nora Hamilton is a scriptwriter. When her husband leaves her and her kids, she writes a script about that too. To her surprise, a studio buys it and then decides to make it into a movie. To her shock, the most coveted actor, Leo Vance is playing her ex-Ben.
Leo, who is handsome, rich, and famous is staying in his trailer next to her home since the filming is done at her house. How awesome is that!
After the movie wraps, she is ready to pay her debts and start writing a new script until she realizes that Leo didn't leave with the rest of the crew. Quite the opposite, he wants to pay her $1000 a day for one week to continue staying with them. Yet, when the week is done, nobody wants Leo to leave. Her kids have become used to him and she is falling for him. But, how can it work?
Loved the book, loved the audio. Nora and Leo were both very likable characters. They felt real and honest. I was rooting for their HEA the whole time.
Cliffhanger: No
4.5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Nora Hamilton is a scriptwriter. When her husband leaves her and her kids, she writes a script about that too. To her surprise, a studio buys it and then decides to make it into a movie. To her shock, the most coveted actor, Leo Vance is playing her ex-Ben.
Leo, who is handsome, rich, and famous is staying in his trailer next to her home since the filming is done at her house. How awesome is that!
After the movie wraps, she is ready to pay her debts and start writing a new script until she realizes that Leo didn't leave with the rest of the crew. Quite the opposite, he wants to pay her $1000 a day for one week to continue staying with them. Yet, when the week is done, nobody wants Leo to leave. Her kids have become used to him and she is falling for him. But, how can it work?
Loved the book, loved the audio. Nora and Leo were both very likable characters. They felt real and honest. I was rooting for their HEA the whole time.
Cliffhanger: No
4.5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Displaying 1 - 30 of 18,118 reviews