Review: "Novelly Upon a Time" by Sarah Monzon

I mean, this cover! So cute! I've enjoyed Sarah Monzon's books in the past, so when I saw this pop up on Kindle Unlimited, I knew it would be the perfect first read of the new year.

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Author Harper Jones prides herself on the impeccable research she does for her novels, so when early reviews come pouring in claimer her romance reeks of inauthenticity, her editor suggests getting her nose out of books and get some real-life smooching experience. But her plans to do just that are thwarted by her archnemesis from high school who has recently returned to town. Now she’s left with an impossible decision—kiss her worst enemy or kiss her three-book contract goodbye.

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This novella is too cute! Harper and Kyo have sizzling chemistry, and Harper's thoughts made me snicker on more than one occasion. I loved watching Harper's feelings for Kyo change, and Kyo's grandparents were the cutest!

There's also a depth to this story that I didn't expect that comes from Kyo's grandfather and his time in a World War II internment camp and the choice he made to forgive and love. It's really a beautiful story.

I do wish that Kyo's story had a bit more fleshed out—what happened to him after he won the scholarship and went to college? (And why did Harper think he stole it from her?) Why did he return to town and join the police force? Those are conversations that Harper and Kyo surely had, but as they didn't happen on the page, the reader is left in the dark.

All told, this is a really enjoyable way to spend a couple hours, especially if you like your romance swoony and clean. 4 stars.

Buy the book (or borrow on KU).
Read my review of Monzon's All of You (3-1/2 stars).

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Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn't in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I borrowed this book and chose to review it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."