An Overdue Match

Author: Sarah Monzon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Checking Out Love #1
Pages: 320
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Can a librarian's matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn't convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection--even if it's not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover.

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Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer

A library and romance my two favorite things! This story couldn’t be more fun! It was right up my alley. I can’t even count the amount of times I actually laughed out loud. 

Evangeline is a librarian who moved to a small town in Tennessee. She left behind her ex-boyfriend, who broke up with her when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called alopecia. It causes all your hair to fall out. Now guarded, she promises to give up love for a lifetime. 

Tsi grew up in this small town with an overbearing mom because of his childhood asthma. It caused him to rebel and make trouble to get out of her grasp. Years later, he comes back and opens a tattoo parlor. 

Both characters have to let go of judgment and stigma. When Tsi meets Evangeline, he realizes he found the love of his life. He also realizes it’s going to take a lot of effort to get through her walls. 

This story is so sweet and funny. It was exactly the story I was hoping for. I highly recommend it. 

Bethany House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.

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Reviewer: Trixi Oberembt

I don’t often read Rom-Com fiction, but I have enjoyed other titles by Sarah Monzon, so I gave this one a chance. The premise intrigued me enough to make me want to know Tai and Evangeline’s love story.

First off, this hit very close to home with me because my mom developed alopecia later in her life. I know the stigma of those who suffer from this autoimmune disease: the pity in people’s eyes, the whispers behind their backs, and what the loss of hair can do to a person’s self-esteem. It can be very debilitating and hinder an otherwise fulfilling life. I was curious to know how the author handled this…then to find out in the reader’s note, her mom suffered from this disorder. So, I knew she wrote from personal knowledge and with grace and compassion.

Let’s talk about the characters. Tai is our local “bad boy”. You know the kind…tattoos, dark clothing and a supposed reputation for being a ladies’ man—the “love-em-and-leave-em” kind. He’s about to shatter Evangeline’s world and blow her preconceptions out of the water! 

As the story developed, he began to break down her wall of self-preservation and self-defense. What I admired the most was when he helped her remember the truth of how God sees her, has always pursued her, and has never stopped loving her. I call that a true hero! One who can speak life and truth into a broken heart and restore the faith they have in our ever-faithful God.

Evangeline has been torn apart by her ex-fiancé when he left her after she lost her hair. She’s put up solid walls to protect her heart from further hurt. Determined to give other people their happily-ever-after, she turns to matchmaking with disastrous (and hilarious) results. Then along comes Tai, who completely ignores those lines she’s drawn in the sand.

I’d say this was one book that really shatters stereotypes and looks at the heart and soul of a person. One where the love of God can shine in broken lives, and down-trodden hearts and speak life to dispel those lies we think of ourselves sometimes. I loved the lessons and reminders the author included. They certainly helped me.

If you like humor, witty banter, an opposites attract trope, wonderful supporting characters, faith-filled fiction and are an avid book lover and devourer of happily-ever-after stories, I’d say this is one you must-read!

I received a complimentary copy through Bethany House via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

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