Nicole (2021)

About the Book

Book: Nicole

Author: Sarah Monzon

Series: A Sewing in So-Cal novel, #3

Release Date: January 7, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Lit

Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants? Not to mention my winning personality (snort) and my curves-have-curves figure (eyeroll) don’t exactly attract the opposite sex. Unfortunately, none of these reasons have stopped my best friends and SoCal sewing sisters from taking on the archaic role of matchmakers, and they’re not beneath a little bribery if that’s what it takes to get my cooperation. Let’s just say everyone has their weak spot, and donations to my favourite charities is mine.

If I were to consider a romantic relationship, my dream guy certainly wouldn’t be immature, everything-is-a-game Dr. Drew Bauer. The man raises my body temperature faster than global warming does the Earth’s! But life seems determined to keep throwing us together, especially now that one of my SoCal sewing sisters is engaged to his best friend, in which case there can only be one of two outcomes:

1. I kill him in a fit of annoyance.

2. My common sense escapes me, and I fall in love with him.

Honestly, I’m not sure which would be worse.

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My Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, I wanted to read this book simply because of its title. I love when I get to read about characters who have my name. I know that’s goofy, but I’m a goof! The fact that it’s a Sarah Monzon novel just guaranteed it was going to be a great read. Nicole was the super-fun, highly engaging read I needed to escape into this past Thanksgiving. It has everything I’ve come to love in Monzon’s writing — a fast-paced plot that kept me turning pages voraciously, well-crafted characters who are equal parts endearing, unique, and realistic, witty banter between the hero and heroine, and discussions on timely themes and ideas. Nicole is a great Contemporary Romance that I recommend wholeheartedly.

What I enjoyed the most about this story is the discussion on perception. Why are we humans SO quick to judge before getting to know someone? Why do we focus on physicality and skin color and hairstyle and fashion sense and sex appeal when we first meet others? There is a fantastic scene at the very beginning of the story where Nicole is judged immediately for her sex appeal and is found wanting. It is such an angry-making scene I wanted to jump into the novel and throat-punch the jerk-face judger. Of course, I didn’t jump into the book, I just forced my husband to listen to me as I discoursed on the fate of shallow, ignorant, self-focused men. He was thrilled to listen, I’m sure of it. Don’t stress about Nicole — she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself and adequately putting this meanie-head into his proper place. But what I love about this scene is who is watching. Dr. Drew Bauer just so happens to be at this restaurant when this awful encounter ensues. He sees and hears everything and wants to pummel the guy for being so shallow and rude. Instead, Drew decides to be Nicole’s “date” once the rude man leaves her before their date ever really began. Drew and Nicole appear to be nemeses. Drew drives Nicole crazy because he loves to push her buttons. Drew is a doctor. Doctors observe, listen, test, and diagnose. Drew has discovered that what Nicole really needs is to lighten up and allow some fun into her life. But he didn’t come at this conclusion because of initial encounters. No, Drew took the time to get to know Nicole and realize that she needs her buttons pushed to get her out of her comfort zone — being serious ALL the time. Drew’s actions are a great reminder for all of us — we need to stop judging by initial meetings and shallow dictates and instead judge by the content of the whole package. Especially in today’s age, I feel this is a lesson we all must take to heart immediately. Our shallow perceptions are doing some really bad things to our society.

Nicole is a really fun and easy-going Contemporary Romance that will leave readers feeling satisfied and smiley. There’s introspection, reflection, and discussion on serious things. There’s laughter and button pushing and banter. And there is friendship and romance. Nicole has it all and I HIGHLY recommend this read.

Note: While Nicole is the third story in the Sewing in SoCal series, it is a stand-alone story and can be read easily without having to read book 1 and 2. However, I do recommend reading the books in order because Nicole and Drew’s at-odds-with-one-another relationship begins in book 1. At the very least, understand that when Drew sits down at Nicole’s table in chapter 1 it is not the first time they have met.

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Sarah Monzon, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.