Nora Goes Off Script
by Annabel Monaghan
Summary
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.
My Review
This story felt like a breath of fresh air, a cute romance that left me smiling and sent a little spark through my heart. I do not pick up many celebrity romances, yet this one truly stood out. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a wonderful job capturing the personalities and energy of the characters.
There is some language, but nothing spicy on the page. The story mentions intimacy, though it never goes into detail, so I would place it firmly in the closed-door romcom category.
Yes, it has a touch of cheese, but in the most delightful way. It made me laugh more than once and gave me the same cozy feeling I get from watching the movie, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton. Nora and Leo were a joy to follow. Their connection leans toward insta-love, but it never felt over the top. Their playful banter and warm chemistry won me over, and I loved the idea that Nora desired love without relying on it to feel whole. I cheered for them from start to finish.
The characters had layers and felt grounded in reality. Nora especially stood out. She was relatable, sincere, and easy to root for. Her devotion to her kids and extended family added so much warmth. The kids were adorable and added the perfect amount of heart.
Overall, this is a charming, light, and uplifting read with a lovely message. It is under 300 pages, which makes it a great beach read or a perfect pick for a relaxing weekend. If you need a palate cleanser after something long or heavy, this one fits beautifully.
This author remains one of my absolute favorite romance writers. Her books never disappoint, and I will happily read anything she releases. I can’t recommend her books enough!