I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
If you have been following along with the Smartypants Universe from the beginning, the name Clara Hill has come up before, and you will be familiar with the other Hill sisters. If not, this reads as a complete standalone, so don't worry you start here.
Clara and Nick had a thing in high school. They parted ways when Nick went away to college on a full scholarship, and Clara was left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and find her own way. They didn't part on the best of terms, so when grown up Nick moves in next to Clara with his two kids in tow, she is somewhat of a mess. She just wants to be left alone to water her plants, people watch her neighbors, and avoid dealing with her problems and tell other people how to fix theirs. Nick is doing the best he can to deal with being a single dad, be cordial to his ex, be a good teacher and coach, but when Clara re-enters his life she is all he can think about. All of those memories from the past come racing back and he is determined to fix things with Clara once and for all.
If you love second chance romances, this is a great one. Nick and Clara have alot of chemistry and alot of explaining to do. Once they finally get to the bottom of what happened in high school and what their fears and expectations are, things really take off for them. Nick knows Clara is the one who got away, and now she is back in his life, he isn't letting her go again. I appreciated that we get some appearances by other characters that we've seen in past books. I also liked the way that the situation with Nick's kids and his ex-wife were handled. They had a good co-parenting situation and were respectful of bringing new partners around their children. Clara was also wonderful with the kids, the kids were great too.
I love Nora Everly's writing and this is another great addition to the Smartypants Universe!
Architecture and Artistry, an all new opposites attract small town romance from Nora Everly, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!
Sadie Hill has a lot going on.
New job, twin boys, deadbeat ex, and a mother from hell.
Her life is chaos and no matter how hard she holds on, every plan she makes flies straight out of her grasp.
The last thing she needs is for her devastatingly hot co-worker to become her new neighbor. A distraction like Barrett does not fit into her precarious plans for the future.
Barrett Monroe has got it going on.
His wicked ex-wife is nothing but a memory, his daughter is back home where she belongs, and he loves his job.
His control-freak ways have paid off and he can finally relax into his perfectly scheduled life—alone, just how he wants it.
The last thing he needs is an irresistible single mom and her adorable kids to move in next door. Sadie was hard enough to stay away from when she was just his co-worker.
But one night spent stranded in a snowstorm together finds these two sneaking around, sharing stolen kisses, and losing their hearts.
Will they give into the flying sparks between them?
Or drive each other crazy fighting their feelings instead?
'Architecture and Artistry’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #11 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Hotshot and Hospitality, an all new charming friends to lovers small town romance from Nora Everly, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!
Molly Cooper is through with men.
She means it this time.
Being stood up and humiliated was the last straw.
But after her all grown up and smokin’ hot childhood bestie kissed her to help her save face, she’s left wondering if it was the tequila or his lips that gave her all the feels.
Garrett Monroe had no intention of falling for his childhood best friend.
Unfortunately, one unplanned kiss in a bar was all it took for him to stumble.
Now he’s stuck with a crush that won’t quit on the most stubborn woman he’s ever known.
Soon enough they’re overwhelmed by out-of-control feelings, one match making momma, and two tight knit families who think they’re dating when they’re not.
Or are they?
Nothing stays secret in Green Valley, Tennessee.
Can Molly and Garrett navigate the nosy waters and fall for each other in private?
Or will secrets sink their friendship instead?
'Hotshot and Hospitality' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #8 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Grab your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3yVRqI4
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3CRJ8TV
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3smSOAG
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jXfa89
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3gdJt9B
Excerpt
“Hey, Garrett,” I returned with haphazard enthusiasm after he made it to the circle booth and nudged me over with his hip. Garrett and I used to be close. We were the same age and had been the best of friends until hormones, other friends, and teenage angst—mostly mine—caused us to drift apart somewhere around age fifteen. We’d remained cordial to each other during our high school years, often running with the same crowd and sometimes even hanging out, but we’d no longer been best friends. I hadn’t spent a lot of time alone with Garrett over the last decade and a half; he’d blown out of Green Valley after graduation to go to college, then enlisted in the Marines right after. He’d been back for about four years and the laws of small-town living dictated that I saw him all the time. Small talk was our thing now—chitchat, a gathering of mutual friends here at Genie’s, the occasional family barbeque, that kind of stuff. “I got stood up, there are too many assholes named Chris in Green Valley, and now I’m totally freaking drunk and alone.” I felt like I could admit it to him. Garrett had always kept my secrets, and he’d know everything soon enough anyway.
His gaze warmed on me as his easy smile slid to the side. “Well, whoever he is, he’s a fool. And, weirdly, I’ve only met one Chris who was worth a damn. The rest? All pricks. So, it seems like you’re better off.” He was decisive as he stole my water and took a sip with his eyes twinkling at me over the rim of the glass. I watched him set the glass down and my own eyes narrowed as his grin broadened and his dimples deepened within the dark whiskers that covered his square jaw. He was close to having a full beard. He was also pretty dang close to being the finest man in the whole stinking bar too. He leaned in, right into my space. “You should have stayed married to me,” he murmured into my ear, then his eyes met and held mine as he pulled away.
My eyebrows hit my hairline and I barely managed to prevent my jaw from dropping before I shot back a response that I hoped conveyed the proper amount of flippant wit and not the fact that he had completely flabbergasted me. He hadn’t flirted with me like this when I saw him at the Piggly Wiggly last Saturday. No, he surely did not. “We were six years old, Garrett. I don’t think it was legally binding, since your dog performed the ceremony. Plus, you never even gave me a ring. Ring Pops don’t count.” I mean, two could play at whatever strange game this was clearly becoming.
Instead of answering me right away, he winked and studied my face with a grin. That wink hit me right between my eyes like a Nerf dart from our days of yore—I didn’t just see it, I felt it. Bam! Tingles shot from my head to my toes. My brain scrambled inside my head and my mouth opened to say something smart, but nothing came out. Freaking tequila! I shook my metaphorical fist at the liquor that had stunted my normal standard of witty banter.
“But we pinky swore it, Coop.” His comically exaggerated pout was adorable. I felt my cheeks heat as I found myself staring avidly at his mouth in lusty contemplation, rather than just merely reading his lips. Why had I never noticed how full and bitable his lower lip was? I bet it was tasty too. “Remember how we spit into our palms to seal the deal?” he asked. I shook my head while my eyes roamed all over every inch of him I could see above the table.
“How soon they forget.” His chest rose and fell as he let out a huge sigh, and to my shame, my eyes bugged out at the sight. All my thoughts fluttered around in my brain like drunk, demented butterflies. Why was winky-flirt Garrett messing me up? I decided to place the blame on the tequila instead of the fact that he was looking ten different kinds of hot tonight. I finally managed to haul my gaze from his broad chest, which was currently testing the strength of his black T-shirt, and back up to his whiskey brown eyes that were still freaking twinkling at me.
Ugh! There was nowhere to look on him that wasn’t sexy, damn it.
And was he flirting with me?
Me?
We’d known each other since babyhood, for crap’s sake. We used to take baths together—me, him, and Mr. Bubble. We’d never flirted before. Ever.
Had we?
About Nora Everly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Hotshot and Hospitality, an all new charming friends to lovers small town
romance from Nora Everly, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!
Molly Cooper is through with men.
She means it this time.
Being stood up and humiliated was the last straw.
But after her all grown up and smokin’ hot childhood bestie kissed her to help
her save face, she’s left wondering if it was the tequila or his lips that
gave her all the feels.
Garrett Monroe had no intention of falling for his childhood best friend.
Unfortunately, one unplanned kiss in a bar was all it took for him to
stumble.
Now he’s stuck with a crush that won’t quit on the most stubborn woman he’s
ever known.
Soon enough they’re overwhelmed by out-of-control feelings, one match making
momma, and two tight knit families who think they’re dating when they’re not.
Or are they?
Nothing stays secret in Green Valley, Tennessee.
Can Molly and Garrett navigate the nosy waters and fall for each other in
private?
Or will secrets sink their friendship instead?
'Hotshot and Hospitality' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be
read as a standalone, and is book #8 in the Green Valley Library series,
Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Grab your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3yVRqI4
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3CRJ8TV
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3smSOAG
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jXfa89
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3gdJt9B
About Nora Everly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once
she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s
bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant.
Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive
imagination.
I was provided an ARC via the author, all opinions stated are my own.
This is the 8th book in the Green Valley Library series, however it does read as a standalone. The series title is misleading as it doesn't take place in the library, but it does involve many of the characters that have been involve din Everly's previous books that did involve the library. If you've read the previous books in the series by Nora Everly, you will remember the Monroe Brothers, as they were the male leads in her previous offerings. This features Garrett Monroe, who is positioned to take over the family construction business. Our female lead is the quirky Molly, who happens to have been Garrett's childhood best friend. They drifted apart in high school, but Garrett wants his friend back in his life especially now that his crew is renovating the kitchen at her family's inn.
I loved that despite their personalities being so different Molly and Garret fit so well together. He was the calm to her storm. She's easily excitable where he's patient and calm. He's patient with her where she's got all of the pent up feelings in the world. Much of this story centers around the fact that Molly doesn't know how to deal with her emotions. She bottles them up inside and doesn't deal with her emotions. She pushes everyone away so she doesn't have to have a real relationship with them and develop any real feelings about them. This doesn't really work with Garrett as he's known her his entire life and knows when she's running away from her feelings, and knows when she's lying about being "fine". She has very real issues with trusting people that stems from a traumatic event in her life that she's never fully dealt with. She lost someone close to her and she's afraid that she will lose anyone else she cares for. I really like that the secondary characters in the book give both Molly and Garrett advice about how to deal with Molly's emotional rollercoaster and how she deals or doesn't deal with her grief. I also like that no one forces her to face her emotions, they are all supportive of her and there for her when she is ready.
Molly and Garrett's relationship was a bit of a slow burn, but you always knew they were going to get together from their first scene together. They had great banter, and no matter how much of a mess Molly was at times, Garrett was always there for her to help her through. And when Garrett needed her, she was there for him. It may have taken her a long time to figure out what she wanted and why she was afraid, but in the end it was worth it. I would say this was a medium on the steam scale. There were a few steamy scenes, but they weren't overly graphic. They also don't dominate the book.
If you like friends to lovers romance with an emotional subplot, I'd recommend this one. I've really enjoyed all of the books in this series so far and I look forward to any books there may be in the future.
Carpentry and Cocktails, an all-new heartwarming small-town romance from Nora Everly, is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
Everett Monroe can’t keep his eyes off his gorgeous tenant.
He’d like to put his hands on her too, but she’s prickly, closed-off, and gives new meaning to the word disgruntled. In other words, she’s his perfect match and he’ll do anything to make her see it too.
Willa Hill has finally left her teen runaway past behind and wants a fresh start—alone. Men are nothing but trouble and she’s had enough man-trouble to last a lifetime.
Too bad her irresistibly sexy, nerdy-hot landlord doesn’t agree.
When their mutual yearning becomes a white-hot fling and passion crosses carefully drawn, albeit one-sided boundaries, Everett finds himself in love and Willa finds herself in a pickle.
Because, unfortunately, when she returned to Green Valley, her problems came too.
When the past she escaped crashes into the future she finds herself wanting more than anything, will Willa stay in Green Valley?
Or will she run away again?
‘Carpentry and Cocktails’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #5 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
We had danced together before, the night I’d first met her. Months ago, I’d been at Genie’s with Wyatt to have a few beers and shake off the day. Instead, I’d danced all evening with the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Every time I remembered holding her close, I had to fight against getting hard. Since that night, I had been half in love with her. The physical half was all in—I was attracted to her something fierce. The mental half didn’t know enough to start the fall, even though everything I learned about her drew me in and each day made me fall a little further. She was skittish with a fiercely sharp wit; she had been hurt. I could tell she was protecting a soft spot and it made me want to discover it so I could be the one to keep her safe. But she had kept her distance from me—well, as much as she possibly could while living in the apartment in my basement—and we hadn’t touched again, not once. Having her crash into my arms just now was heady stuff. Her scent, the feel of her body, the warm press of her against me—she made me feel intoxicated, and I had yet to order a single drink. My heart was in danger, but I couldn’t make myself stay away.“My sister…I’m sorry—” she stammered as she started to step back.I tugged her closer instead of letting her get away. “Don’t apologize. Dance with me?” My hands drifted around her waist as I started moving us backward toward the dance floor. “Oh, I don’t know if we should.” Hesitation flashed briefly in her eyes, but she acquiesced and followed me across the floor as I turned to hold her hand, giving it a gentle tug of encouragement.Leaning to the side, I whispered in her ear as we walked. “It’s just a dance, Willard.” I pulled back and grinned down at her with a wink. Her gorgeous eyes—big and light blue like the summer sky—widened as she opened her mouth to say something, but I twirled her under my arm instead of letting her speak. Country music blasted through the bar, fast and wild. It left no room for hesitation. I yanked her into my arms. “Okay?” I shouted over the music.My mother loved to dance; she taught all us boys how. A gentleman always takes his lady dancing. And maintains a respectful distance. I took a small step back, placing my hand on Willa’s upper back as our fingers linked together. With a step forward, she closed that distance to press against me once more. My lips curled up in a grin as her hand tightened in mine and her arm slid around my neck, hand drifting through the back of my tied-back hair. She wasn’t as immune to me as she pretended to be and I wouldn’t dare test that by stepping away from her again, even if it wasn’t gentlemanly. If she wanted me close, then that’s where I’d be. Her gorgeous eyes twinkled in the lights as she smiled up at me and her body relaxed in my arms. “Okay, Everett. I’ll dance with you,” she breathed. Her voice was much too quiet to hear over the blaring music, but my focus on her gorgeous mouth allowed me to understand her words. Quick, quick, slow—our easy Texas two-step was the same as everyone else’s on the floor but with her in my arms, this felt like so much more than a simple dance. I led her across the floor, spinning her out and pulling her back. I wanted to make her laugh again, like I did during our last dance so many months ago. I wanted her to want me as much as I wanted her. We had almost shared a kiss that night but were interrupted before anything could happen. She had the prettiest lips; full and soft and always pink. If I never kissed Willa before I died, it would be one of my greatest regrets. I had faith the right moment would present itself. As the song came to an end, I took both of her hands to spin her under my arms before dipping her low over my knee. Her ponytail brushed the floor as her neck arched back. She laughed, lifted her head and my heart skipped a beat as her eyes shone into mine with unbridled delight. Her sexy laugh tickled over my skin like I wished her hands would do and I felt the fall I was so afraid of coming even closer.“God, you’re such a good dancer. Where’d you learn to dance like this, Everett?” she asked, slightly breathless and totally adorable as she beamed up at me. It seemed that dancing with Willa was one of the keys to get her to respond to me. I filed that fact away for future contemplation as I pulled her up and into my hold once again.My smile turned sideways as I was about to admit my nerdy momma’s-boy truth to her. “From my mother,” I shouted over the music. “She loves to dance. My father tries, but he isn’t very good at it, so she taught all us boys how. We used to take turns two-stepping with her all over the living room.”“That’s the sweetest thing ever,” she said. Score one for the nerds!“One more?” I didn’t want to let her go yet.“Sure, I have time for one more before I have to get back to work.” With its slower beat and romantic lyrics, Lady Antebellum’s “I Run to You” changed the energy between us. The rise and fall of her chest as she sighed against me filled me with need as her forehead briefly rested on my shoulder and our fingers linked. I loved it that she was so tall. At six-foot-six I towered over most women, but Willa fit me just right. My need grew urgent as I wrapped my arm around her waist and my hand met the soft swipe of her skin, bared by the tied hem of her Genie’s tank top. Smooth and warm, it tempted me into thoughts inappropriate for our location. I inhaled a sharp breath to regain control. Dipping my head low, I took in her sweet scent as my cheek rested against hers—so soft. Her curly hair tickled my chin as my senses filled with nothing but her. Having her next to me felt right and I didn’t understand why. My heart raced out of control and I wondered just what it was about her that made me react so intensely.She reminded me of a Palomino horse; all long legs, flowing light blond hair, and pale skin kissed with adorable freckles. Willa was some kind of wild, and totally free. I shut my eyes and pictured her running across her momma’s land up in the hills above town with her gorgeous hair flying behind her like a gold cloud, her laughter trailing through the air. God, she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. I grit my teeth as my control started slipping away again. I was in danger of making a fool of myself. I was in danger of a lot of things, and a broken heart was at the top of that list.“I love this song…” she whispered in my ear as she pulled away. Her head lifted from my shoulder as her hand trailed down my arm. She linked our fingers and I resumed leading her around the floor, rather than the slow sway we’d fallen into when the song started.“Mm hmm,” I muttered as I gazed into her eyes and smiled faintly, at a loss for words.She studied my face. “Everett, why do I always feel like when you’re looking at me, you really see me?” she murmured.“I do see you. Sometimes you’re all I see,” I confessed, hoping it wasn’t too much, too soon.Lowering her head, she tucked her blushing cheek into the side of my neck and sighed against my skin, leaving goosebumps in the wake of her breath. I continued leading her across the dance floor with my heart beating like crashing thunder bolts in my chest. I should be careful; I didn’t want her to end up being just another girl I fell for who didn’t want me back. Story of my life.
About Nora Everly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
You might remember Willa from Crime and Periodicals, but if you haven't read that yet, fear not as this is a standalone and it isn't necessary to have read any of the other Green Valley Library books to read this one. I recommend them because I'm a fan, but they are all true standalones and you don't have to read any of them to read the rest of the books in the series. Willa moved aka ran away at 17 to get away from her overbearing mother, married her then boyfriend who turn out to be real jerk, but now she's back, divorced, and trying to get her life back on track. She's staying with Everett, one of the Monroe brothers who we also meet in Crime and Periodicals. Everett works as a carpenter and is fixing up his grandfather's old house. Willa rents the basement apartment. Everyday, Everett makes her coffee and brings her donuts after her late nights as a waitress. They constantly flirt, but Willa isn't sure she's ready for another relationship.
This was a really sweet romance. Everett is kind, kind of nerdy, and willing to give Willa the space she needs to figure out what she wants without solving all of her problems for her. He is willing to step in and be the fierce protector and fixer if she needs it, but he is also willing to step back and let her do it on her own. Willa, just wants someone to love her for who she is, but first she has to love herself and it takes her a while to figure that out. Her character develops so much in this book. I really like the way she had to come to terms with the crappy hand she had been dealt in life, but that she had a support system the whole way even if she didn't realize it. I also love the way the ex-husband was dealt with. I won't spoil that for you, but I really appreciate the way that all of the sensitive subjects in this book were dealt with. Nora Everly does a really good job addressing several sensitive subjects with care. This is another great addition to the Smartypants lineup and another great offering by Everly.
Carpentry and Cocktails, an all-new heartwarming small-town romance from Nora Everly, is LIVE!
Everett Monroe can’t keep his eyes off his gorgeous tenant.
He’d like to put his hands on her too, but she’s prickly, closed-off, and gives new meaning to the word disgruntled. In other words, she’s his perfect match and he’ll do anything to make her see it too.
Willa Hill has finally left her teen runaway past behind and wants a fresh start—alone. Men are nothing but trouble and she’s had enough man-trouble to last a lifetime.
Too bad her irresistibly sexy, nerdy-hot landlord doesn’t agree.
When their mutual yearning becomes a white-hot fling and passion crosses carefully drawn, albeit one-sided boundaries, Everett finds himself in love and Willa finds herself in a pickle.
Because, unfortunately, when she returned to Green Valley, her problems came too.
When the past she escaped crashes into the future she finds herself wanting more than anything, will Willa stay in Green Valley?
Or will she run away again?
‘Carpentry and Cocktails’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #5 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Crime and Periodicals, an all-new sweet and swoony romance from Nora Everly, is available now!
In Green Valley, Tennessee everybody knows everybody, but nobody knows Sabrina Logan.
Sabrina has been hiding in plain sight for years. Living her life inside of books, dutifully helping her family, and hoping no one will notice her. So far? Mission accomplished!
Yet when sexy—and distrustful—sheriff, Wyatt Monroe returns to town with his daughters, he definitely notices the quiet librarian everyone else overlooks. The single dad can’t seem to shake thoughts of shy Sabrina. Without quite understanding the impulse, Wyatt makes his mission finding her again, so he can . . . well, he’ll just have to reckon with that later.
What Wyatt discovers is a woman who trusts too easily, but who’s afraid to live. Trust doesn’t come easily to Wyatt. But living? That’s never been a problem.
And he’d sure like to show her how.
'Crime and Periodicals' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#2 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Download your copy today or available in Kindle Unlimited!
I gasped when Wyatt’s hand on my waist slid up my side then up the underside of my arm to take my hand from his shoulder and link our fingers together. It was just like in DirtyDancing, except I was facing him instead of away like in the movie. His grin grew a little bit wicked right before he used both of my hands to turn me. His front was now at my back with our arms crossed in front of us.
I felt his warm, hard body behind mine and I felt…way too much. Tingles covered every square inch of me. The air felt different against my skin; I was burning up.
His chin dipped low to rest on my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he whispered into my ear. His breath ruffled the hair against my neck, and I shivered.
“Yes,” I whispered. Then I nodded in case he didn’t hear me. I felt his stubbled jaw graze the side of my face and I began to experience heretofore unknown feelings. My perception of what was possible for my life shifted. My brain had disengaged, and I floated along on pure sensation.
We rocked side to side like that—closer than I’d ever been to anyone in my life. His chest rose and fell against my back as his arms tightened around me and he sighed against my hair. The last of my conscious thoughts dissolved and I succumbed to pure feeling. His body moving against mine became my world. His hands in mine kept me tethered, lest I float away on this cloud of sensation that was gradually becoming overwhelming.
I had never felt anything like this. I never even thought feelings like this were possible in real life. In romance novels, sure. But to feel such contentment laced with giddiness right now was something I had not expected. Before I could succumb to the spreading tingles and dwindling brain power and embarrass myself, he raised our arms up high and twirled me around and around underneath them. I giggled and squealed. Apparently, I was that girl—a squealy, laughing, girly girl. But maybe we were all that girl in the right circumstance.
He was right. I did not need to know how to slow dance when I was with him. We danced close; so close his knee was between my legs. I delighted at the feel of his soft, warm skin when he placed one of my hands on the back of his neck. He moved his free hand low on my waist, hooking his thumb in my belt loop to guide me in slow, small circles over our spot on the dance floor, then back and forth using his hands to push me out and pull me back into his body. He coaxed me where I needed to go. I felt weightless and graceful.
The whole bar and everyone in it disappeared until it was just us dancing together, bathed in the moonlight filtering in through the high windows, and the little lights—so much like stars—illuminating the dance floor with their tiny rays. As the song ended, he spun me out and then back up against his body to dip me low with his arm wrapped tight around my waist. He grinned down at me with those gorgeous lips and beautiful chocolate brown eyes and I—I would never forget this moment—not ever.
About Nora Everly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Crime and Periodicals, an all-new heart-felt single dad romance from Nora Everly, is available now!
In Green Valley, Tennessee everybody knows everybody, but nobody knows Sabrina Logan.
Sabrina has been hiding in plain sight for years. Living her life inside of books, dutifully helping her family, and hoping no one will notice her. So far? Mission accomplished!
Yet when sexy—and distrustful—sheriff, Wyatt Monroe returns to town with his daughters, he definitely notices the quiet librarian everyone else overlooks. The single dad can’t seem to shake thoughts of shy Sabrina. Without quite understanding the impulse, Wyatt makes his mission finding her again, so he can . . . well, he’ll just have to reckon with that later.
What Wyatt discovers is a woman who trusts too easily, but who’s afraid to live. Trust doesn’t come easily to Wyatt. But living? That’s never been a problem.
And he’d sure like to show her how.
'Crime and Periodicals' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#2 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was another favorite in the Smartypants line up! If you've been keeping up with the releases or you've read the other Green Valley Library offering Love in Due Time, you've met our shy librarian Sabrina Logan. Sabrina is crippled by anxiety and shyness. She's great with kids, but humans older than about 10 cause her to hide in the stacks. She's suffered alot of loss in her life and it has caused her to not trust herself to interact around others, like many of us she'd rather live life between the pages of her favorite books. Enter handsome the handsome sherriff, Wyatt Monroe, who keeps running into Sabrina around town when she's having a hard time with her nephew, her creep of a brother in law, or just life in general. Wyatt is a single dad, whose girls know and love Sabrina from her story hour at the library. He helps her with her autistic nephew after he had a bad day at school, and he and his girls accept him for who he is and his unique personality traits. They don't judge him like other people have, which melts Sabrina's heart because she fiercely protects the boy from any one who will do him any type of harm.
Sabrina and Wyatt have somewhat of an instant attraction, but neither of them want to rush into anything too quickly as they have other responsibilities to consider. As Sabrina makes changes to push herself out of her comfort zone, Wyatt is there to support her as is her best friend Willa, and her amazing family. No one pushes her farther than she is willing to go on her own until she's ready. Wyatt always has his girls best interest at the front of his mind, and is genuinely a good guy. I just really loved their characters and watching their relationship develop.
If you are looking for an angsty romance, this isn't going to be it. This is a sweet romance that is fairly light on the conflict. It has some really funny parts, and at the end of the day is a feel good story. I thought the characters were well developed and it handled the various situations the characters were dealing with respectfully and fairly realistically. Overall I really enjoyed the writing, plot, characters, and setting.
Passing Notes by Nora Everly
