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Teachers' Lounge #1
Passing Notes
When the one who got away moves in next door… Clara Hill wants to be left alone. Sitting on her porch watching everyone else’s lives go by is way more fun than dealing with her own problems.Or at least that’s what she thought. Now that her secret high school sweetheart is her next door neighbor, she’s not so sure anymore. Being back in Green Valley was hard enough without having her first love right there within touching distance.Especially when he’s so stubbornly determined to flash his unforgettable smile at her every chance he gets and reminding her of when she thought she’d found her happily ever after.Once upon a time, Nick Easton thought he had it all.A football scholarship, his dream girl, and a future so bright he couldn’t wait to get started.But, like everything else in his life, it all came toppling down.Now he’s content to raise his kids, teach English, and coach football at Green Valley High.He has no time for things like romance, and dating, and starting over…He’s fine being alone. Who needs love?But when he catches a glimpse of his new neighbor his quiet little world turns upside down, lighting a fire that makes him determined to reclaim all he thought was gone forever.After all these years, can he convince Clara to give him another shot?Or will their love story stay hidden in their past?'Passing Notes' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
220 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2024
356 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Nora Everly
36 books1,161 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://www.noraeverly.com/newsletter
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was 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.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was 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.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Want to read
April 25, 2024
★★ NOW AVAILABLE ★★
I'm so excited to let you all know that 'Passing Notes' by Nora Everly is finally ALIVE and available in Kindle Unlimited! Don't miss the brand-new Teachers' Lounge series in Green Valley! You're going to love Nick and Clara's story <3
★★Read Passing Notes Today★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3SGScU6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
★★ BLURB ★★
When the one who got away moves in next door…
Clara Hill wants to be left alone.
Sitting on her porch watching everyone else’s lives go by is way more fun than dealing with her own problems.
Or at least that’s what she thought.
Now that her secret high school sweetheart is her next door neighbor, she’s not so sure anymore.
Being back in Green Valley was hard enough without having her first love right there within touching distance.
Especially when he’s so stubbornly determined to flash his unforgettable smile at her every chance he gets and reminding her of when she thought she’d found her happily ever after.
Once upon a time, Nick Easton thought he had it all.
A football scholarship, his dream girl, and a future so bright he couldn’t wait to get started.
But, like everything else in his life, it all came toppling down.
Now he’s content to raise his kids, teach English, and coach football at Green Valley High.
He has no time for things like romance, and dating, and starting over…
He’s fine being alone.
Who needs love?
But when he catches a glimpse of his new neighbor his quiet little world turns upside down, lighting a fire that makes him determined to reclaim all he thought was gone forever.
After all these years, can he convince Clara to give him another shot?
Or will their love story stay hidden in their past?
'Passing Notes' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
April 25, 2024★★ NOW AVAILABLE in KU! ★★
The time has finally come people! 'Passing Notes' by Nora Everly is LIVE and available in Kindle Unlimited! Don't miss this swoony second chance small-town romance in the brand-new Teachers' Lounge series.
★★Read Passing Notes Today★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3SGScU6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
★★ BLURB ★★
When the one who got away moves in next door…
Clara Hill wants to be left alone.
Sitting on her porch watching everyone else’s lives go by is way more fun than dealing with her own problems.
Or at least that’s what she thought.
Now that her secret high school sweetheart is her next door neighbor, she’s not so sure anymore.
Being back in Green Valley was hard enough without having her first love right there within touching distance.
Especially when he’s so stubbornly determined to flash his unforgettable smile at her every chance he gets and reminding her of when she thought she’d found her happily ever after.
Once upon a time, Nick Easton thought he had it all.
A football scholarship, his dream girl, and a future so bright he couldn’t wait to get started.
But, like everything else in his life, it all came toppling down.
Now he’s content to raise his kids, teach English, and coach football at Green Valley High.
He has no time for things like romance, and dating, and starting over…
He’s fine being alone.
Who needs love?
But when he catches a glimpse of his new neighbor his quiet little world turns upside down, lighting a fire that makes him determined to reclaim all he thought was gone forever.
After all these years, can he convince Clara to give him another shot?
Or will their love story stay hidden in their past?
'Passing Notes' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
April 25, 2024
★★Passing Notes is LIVE now in Kindle Unlimited!★★
★https://mybook.to/PassingNotes
-Small Town Romance
-Second Chance at first love
-Grumpy Southern Heroine
-Exhausted Single Dad
-Close Proximity - they’re neighbors!
-Lots of flirty banter
-Secret Past Relationship
-He takes care of her when she’s sick
-SO MUCH Mutual Pining
-It's always been you...
May 7, 2024
I have loved every Nora Everly book in the SmartyPants Romance world, and this new series set in a school was the perfect place to go with my own background and current job in education. There was so much to love about this book. The characters were great, including ones we knew from the last series in the SPR world by Everly. I loved the setting of the school, although I was so mad that they had an old grumpy librarian who scared people away from coming to the library. Made me really want to write the book idea I had to get my own story into the world with a new school librarian.
Now, I did get a little tired of the refusal to even talk about what had happened. I know that it would have taken away a major issue between the two, and so maybe it makes sense that the author waited so long. And then because this was a quick read, I might have skipped over some parts as I sped through to find out what would happen, but I swear they’d planned a date, and then all of a sudden there was no talk about it? I probably need to go back and reread that part again and I’ll find I missed a comment or discussion that cancelled that date.
I’m very excited for the new characters we’ve met with this book, along with those we know from the other books in the SPR world as well as from the original Green Valley series.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Now, I did get a little tired of the refusal to even talk about what had happened. I know that it would have taken away a major issue between the two, and so maybe it makes sense that the author waited so long. And then because this was a quick read, I might have skipped over some parts as I sped through to find out what would happen, but I swear they’d planned a date, and then all of a sudden there was no talk about it? I probably need to go back and reread that part again and I’ll find I missed a comment or discussion that cancelled that date.
I’m very excited for the new characters we’ve met with this book, along with those we know from the other books in the SPR world as well as from the original Green Valley series.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
April 27, 2024
I have been waiting ages for Clara Jean Hill to get her happy ending and I couldn't have hoped for anything better than this. Her and Nick chemistry was off the chart from the start and I loved every minute of their story: his taking care of her, his not backing up unless she asked him to, her relationship with his kids and her protective streak of everyone she cares for. I also appreciated the relationship he had with his ex wife which was cordial and always for the kids.
Loved seeing the Hill sisterhood bond and Gracie at school and that Mama Hill is finally having a good relationship with her girls.
Bonus point: we finally get closure with the stupid creepy sleazy ex boss!
Loved seeing the Hill sisterhood bond and Gracie at school and that Mama Hill is finally having a good relationship with her girls.
Bonus point: we finally get closure with the stupid creepy sleazy ex boss!
April 25, 2024
Clara, the next of the Hill sisters who's trying to live down her family's reputation in Green Valley, is up and her special someone is her next door neighbor. Who happens to be the boy she loved in high school. Who she thinks left her high and dry when they were planning on being together when they were younger.
Yeah, Nick and Clara have a little baggage. They both had their hearts broken by the other and they have both never forgot how they felt together.
But they had to get past that baggage before they could BE together.
To be blunt, Nick was willing to talk, it was Clara who kept digging in her heels because she didn't want to deal with the pain of digging through their past. But seeing one another every day (whether at home or at the school they both work at) starts to chip away at her walls. It takes some serious sibling (and BFFs) support, before she's willing to take things to more than a superficial level.
On Nick's side, Clara is the best part of his days. Seeing her, watching her interact with his kids (who adore her, btw), and feeling that old spark light up again whenever she's near is exactly what he needs. It takes time and patience and an 11th hour confession before things REALLY start moving.
Secrets, a horrible (ex)boss, kiddos who really dig their next door neighbor, lots of plants, a little friendly neighborly rivalry, a man who never stopped loving his (secret) high school sweetheart, and a lady who likes to bury her emotions until they can't be contained anymore. GOOD STUFF!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Yeah, Nick and Clara have a little baggage. They both had their hearts broken by the other and they have both never forgot how they felt together.
But they had to get past that baggage before they could BE together.
To be blunt, Nick was willing to talk, it was Clara who kept digging in her heels because she didn't want to deal with the pain of digging through their past. But seeing one another every day (whether at home or at the school they both work at) starts to chip away at her walls. It takes some serious sibling (and BFFs) support, before she's willing to take things to more than a superficial level.
On Nick's side, Clara is the best part of his days. Seeing her, watching her interact with his kids (who adore her, btw), and feeling that old spark light up again whenever she's near is exactly what he needs. It takes time and patience and an 11th hour confession before things REALLY start moving.
Secrets, a horrible (ex)boss, kiddos who really dig their next door neighbor, lots of plants, a little friendly neighborly rivalry, a man who never stopped loving his (secret) high school sweetheart, and a lady who likes to bury her emotions until they can't be contained anymore. GOOD STUFF!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 1, 2024
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!
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!
April 24, 2024
Y'all... this sweet and spicy romance book hit the mark and I can't wait for book 2 in the series. I loved the multiple POVs and even though miscommunication isn't my favorite trope, I get where Clara was coming from.
Nick Easton is the one who got away and while Clara Hill has moved back home to Green Valley, they're both firmly set in their ways of singledom...or are they?
Nick is a single dad of two and keeps himself so busy between teaching, coaching, and everything else that he doesn't give dating the time of day.
Clara is content to spend her days on the porch, taking care of her plethora of plants and people-watching.
Everything seems alright, until Nick moves into the same neighborhood and a second chance romance ensues. There's just one problem...
...he's ready to dive in, but something is holding Clara back. Will they figure it out and be able to resurrect their high school romance or will fear and miscommunication get in the way?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Nick Easton is the one who got away and while Clara Hill has moved back home to Green Valley, they're both firmly set in their ways of singledom...or are they?
Nick is a single dad of two and keeps himself so busy between teaching, coaching, and everything else that he doesn't give dating the time of day.
Clara is content to spend her days on the porch, taking care of her plethora of plants and people-watching.
Everything seems alright, until Nick moves into the same neighborhood and a second chance romance ensues. There's just one problem...
...he's ready to dive in, but something is holding Clara back. Will they figure it out and be able to resurrect their high school romance or will fear and miscommunication get in the way?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2024
Really enjoyed this cute little story!
March 24, 2024
Clara et Nick étaient adolescents quand ils ont eu le coup de foudre l'un pour l'autre, venant de milieux sociaux différents, ils ont tenu leur relation secrète. Un concours de circonstances (que je ne peux pas spoiler) les ont fait partir chacun de leur côté vivre leurs vies.
15 ans lus tard, leurs routes se croisent à nouveau et leur amour reprend vie, d'ailleurs ils n'ont jamais cessé de s'aimer. Ce roman raconte leur seconde chance, comment les blessures du passé affectent toujours les choix du présent et comment accepter ce qui ne peut être changé.
Je ne voudrais pas en révéler trop sur cette romance que j'ai beaucoup aimé, alors je ferais court pour une fois. L'auteur a su très bien mettre en place la tension romantique en Clara et Nick, on sent que ces deux-là sont faits l'un pour l'autre, c'est juste une histoire de temps et et communication.
Mention spéciale pour tous les personnages secondaires : les enfants de Nick qui sont adorables (de toute façon, c'est pas le propos d'avoir des gosses compliqués) ; les soeurs de Clara et spécifiquement Gracie ; et c'était pas mal de voir un peu l'évolution des soeurs Hill avec leur maman (dont on suivi les problèmes dans d'autres livres).
**************
Clara and Nick were teenagers when they fell in love, coming from different social backgrounds, they had to keep their relationship a secret. A combination of circumstances (which I cannot spoil) made them each go their separate ways to live their lives.
15 years later, their paths cross again and their love comes back to life, but they have never stopped loving each other. This novel is about their second chance, how past hurts still affect present choices, and how to accept what cannot be changed.
I don't want to reveal too much about this romance that I really liked, so I'll keep it short for once. The author knew how to set up the romantic tension in Clara and Nick very well, we feel that these two are made for each other, it's just a story of time and communication.
Special mention for all the secondary characters : Nick's children are adorable (in thi story, there's no point of having complicated kids) ; Clara's sisters and specifically Gracie, and it was good to see the evolution of the Hill sisters with their mother (whose problems we followed in other books).
-Read as an ARC-
15 ans lus tard, leurs routes se croisent à nouveau et leur amour reprend vie, d'ailleurs ils n'ont jamais cessé de s'aimer. Ce roman raconte leur seconde chance, comment les blessures du passé affectent toujours les choix du présent et comment accepter ce qui ne peut être changé.
Je ne voudrais pas en révéler trop sur cette romance que j'ai beaucoup aimé, alors je ferais court pour une fois. L'auteur a su très bien mettre en place la tension romantique en Clara et Nick, on sent que ces deux-là sont faits l'un pour l'autre, c'est juste une histoire de temps et et communication.
Mention spéciale pour tous les personnages secondaires : les enfants de Nick qui sont adorables (de toute façon, c'est pas le propos d'avoir des gosses compliqués) ; les soeurs de Clara et spécifiquement Gracie ; et c'était pas mal de voir un peu l'évolution des soeurs Hill avec leur maman (dont on suivi les problèmes dans d'autres livres).
**************
Clara and Nick were teenagers when they fell in love, coming from different social backgrounds, they had to keep their relationship a secret. A combination of circumstances (which I cannot spoil) made them each go their separate ways to live their lives.
15 years later, their paths cross again and their love comes back to life, but they have never stopped loving each other. This novel is about their second chance, how past hurts still affect present choices, and how to accept what cannot be changed.
I don't want to reveal too much about this romance that I really liked, so I'll keep it short for once. The author knew how to set up the romantic tension in Clara and Nick very well, we feel that these two are made for each other, it's just a story of time and communication.
Special mention for all the secondary characters : Nick's children are adorable (in thi story, there's no point of having complicated kids) ; Clara's sisters and specifically Gracie, and it was good to see the evolution of the Hill sisters with their mother (whose problems we followed in other books).
-Read as an ARC-
May 21, 2024
Passing Notes from Nora Everly was such a great read and the perfect kick off to the new Teacher's Lounge series.
Clara and Nick were teenagers in love, but it ended abruptly and the two haven't spoken since. Clara has recently moved back to Green Valley, and is trying to get her life on track. Things get more interesting when Nick moves in next door. From early on you can sense the connection and chemistry between them is still alive and well. Their past is difficult and they both have a lot they're dealing with now. However, it was easy to see how perfect they are for one another.
This is one of my favorite books from Nora and a great addition to this round of Smartypants Romance releases. I can't wait to read more from Nora and this series!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6XCYSsS5D8/
Clara and Nick were teenagers in love, but it ended abruptly and the two haven't spoken since. Clara has recently moved back to Green Valley, and is trying to get her life on track. Things get more interesting when Nick moves in next door. From early on you can sense the connection and chemistry between them is still alive and well. Their past is difficult and they both have a lot they're dealing with now. However, it was easy to see how perfect they are for one another.
This is one of my favorite books from Nora and a great addition to this round of Smartypants Romance releases. I can't wait to read more from Nora and this series!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6XCYSsS5D8/
April 25, 2024
Nick Easton is doing his best to balance his time with his kids along with both of his jobs. Romantic relationships were not even on his radar until Clara Hill “the one that got away” moved back to town. Nick soon realizes that the room he’d need to make for her in his heart had been there all along.
Passing Notes is the first book in the Teachers’ Lounge series. It can be read as a stand-alone or following the Oh Brother! series (formerly part of the Green Valley Library series). This second chance romance does have some open-door content.
Oof, Nora got me good with this one. It was such a rollercoaster but I fully enjoyed every minute of it. First of all, how is it that there is a character that I hate almost as much as Kip Sylvester? (IYKYK) I’m so happy to see Clara getting her own story. She is such an outstanding character in the Oh Brother! Series and I love seeing her personal growth throughout Passing Notes. Second chance romances will always be some of my favorites. The history between Clara and Nick gives them a chemistry that just isn't there with a brand new relationship. I did have a nice cry at the end.
The Teachers’ Lounge series has been my most anticipated SPR series since I originally heard about it. Both books that have been released to this point are so cohesive that it’s like the two authors (Nora Everly and Piper Sheldon) must have been sitting next to each other the entire time they were writing. I don’t know how many more books are planned for this series but so far I love the direction it’s taking. Nora never disappoints and I can’t wait to see what she has next for her readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Passing Notes is the first book in the Teachers’ Lounge series. It can be read as a stand-alone or following the Oh Brother! series (formerly part of the Green Valley Library series). This second chance romance does have some open-door content.
Oof, Nora got me good with this one. It was such a rollercoaster but I fully enjoyed every minute of it. First of all, how is it that there is a character that I hate almost as much as Kip Sylvester? (IYKYK) I’m so happy to see Clara getting her own story. She is such an outstanding character in the Oh Brother! Series and I love seeing her personal growth throughout Passing Notes. Second chance romances will always be some of my favorites. The history between Clara and Nick gives them a chemistry that just isn't there with a brand new relationship. I did have a nice cry at the end.
The Teachers’ Lounge series has been my most anticipated SPR series since I originally heard about it. Both books that have been released to this point are so cohesive that it’s like the two authors (Nora Everly and Piper Sheldon) must have been sitting next to each other the entire time they were writing. I don’t know how many more books are planned for this series but so far I love the direction it’s taking. Nora never disappoints and I can’t wait to see what she has next for her readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2024
***5 Stars***
It took me a minute to realize/remember just who Clara was, but as I went back through my other reviews, I was all kinds of thrilled that one of the supporting characters I really wanted to know more about was getting her own HEA, and though there were moments of frustration, I loved Clara and Nick’s journey and how they finally got their HEA.
With as much as Clara and Nick drove me batshitcrazy at times (which I fully understood why) I really did love them. Clara is a force. She is in a weird place in her life and working through quite a few issues and she can be a bit ragey but I loved how she got all almost She-hulk protective when someone she loved needed help. Nick is a sweetheart. He’s juggling kids, work and just life in general but is also charming and determined in the best of ways.
Their journey to their HEA is filled with all kinds of push and pull and I’ll admit that there were times when the frustration levels with the both of them were high, but they both have their reasons and it was hard not to empathize with them. But what is clear is that the chemistry between them is intense and the feels haven’t disappeared as time as moved on. I loved watching as they got to know each other again, finally let the past go and getting the HEA they deserve.
This is a great addition to the Pennyverse. I couldn’t put this baby down and finished it no time. While I loved Clara and Nick, it was the whole family dynamic that drew me in from catching up with Sadie and Barrett and Willa and Everett, hanging out with Molly and Leo, getting to know Gracie ~ who was freakin’ awesome ~ to Sasha & Ethan. It was just a fun ride and I’m totally looking forward to Mari and Leonard and their story!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
It took me a minute to realize/remember just who Clara was, but as I went back through my other reviews, I was all kinds of thrilled that one of the supporting characters I really wanted to know more about was getting her own HEA, and though there were moments of frustration, I loved Clara and Nick’s journey and how they finally got their HEA.
With as much as Clara and Nick drove me batshitcrazy at times (which I fully understood why) I really did love them. Clara is a force. She is in a weird place in her life and working through quite a few issues and she can be a bit ragey but I loved how she got all almost She-hulk protective when someone she loved needed help. Nick is a sweetheart. He’s juggling kids, work and just life in general but is also charming and determined in the best of ways.
Their journey to their HEA is filled with all kinds of push and pull and I’ll admit that there were times when the frustration levels with the both of them were high, but they both have their reasons and it was hard not to empathize with them. But what is clear is that the chemistry between them is intense and the feels haven’t disappeared as time as moved on. I loved watching as they got to know each other again, finally let the past go and getting the HEA they deserve.
This is a great addition to the Pennyverse. I couldn’t put this baby down and finished it no time. While I loved Clara and Nick, it was the whole family dynamic that drew me in from catching up with Sadie and Barrett and Willa and Everett, hanging out with Molly and Leo, getting to know Gracie ~ who was freakin’ awesome ~ to Sasha & Ethan. It was just a fun ride and I’m totally looking forward to Mari and Leonard and their story!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 25, 2024
Now available in KU
After being away for years, Clara Hill is back in Green Valley. Things are both the same and different for her. Now she’s got the nice house, nice clothes, and funds that she didn’t have growing up, but she still has the same friends, scrappy attitude, and need to take care of her family.
And now the one who broke her heart back then is moving in next door.
Nick Easton, high school English teacher, football coach, and dedicated dad, is happy to be back in a house of his own, but he is not expecting the one-who-got-away to be living next door.
His love for her hasn’t gone away, but will she be willing to give it another try?
At a glance:
- Second chance
- Single dad
- Neighbors
- Secret relationship (then and now)
- Both with family trauma
- Caretaking
- Open door heat
- Cameos by characters from the Green Valley Library series and Penny Reid Universe
My favorite thing about this book is Nick. He’s hot. He’s sweet. He takes care of those around him. And I love a man who does his research.
His children are pretty awesome, too.
Clara has been through A LOT. She’s working on it—or at least is trying to work on it—but she’s prickly and not always mature.
The crux of why this book wasn’t a hit for me is that the two just won’t talk about what happened, so we spend a lot of time with them thinking about what happened / how they haven’t talked about what happened / why they feel the way they do about what happened without actually finding out exactly what happened until late in the book.
And, once the couple does talk about the past, things are resolved quite quickly.
Ultimately, I would have liked to have more scenes of Clara and Nick together and less inner monologuing over the past.
I received an advance copy of the book from Smartypants Romance. All review opinions are my own.
After being away for years, Clara Hill is back in Green Valley. Things are both the same and different for her. Now she’s got the nice house, nice clothes, and funds that she didn’t have growing up, but she still has the same friends, scrappy attitude, and need to take care of her family.
And now the one who broke her heart back then is moving in next door.
Nick Easton, high school English teacher, football coach, and dedicated dad, is happy to be back in a house of his own, but he is not expecting the one-who-got-away to be living next door.
His love for her hasn’t gone away, but will she be willing to give it another try?
At a glance:
- Second chance
- Single dad
- Neighbors
- Secret relationship (then and now)
- Both with family trauma
- Caretaking
- Open door heat
- Cameos by characters from the Green Valley Library series and Penny Reid Universe
My favorite thing about this book is Nick. He’s hot. He’s sweet. He takes care of those around him. And I love a man who does his research.
His children are pretty awesome, too.
Clara has been through A LOT. She’s working on it—or at least is trying to work on it—but she’s prickly and not always mature.
The crux of why this book wasn’t a hit for me is that the two just won’t talk about what happened, so we spend a lot of time with them thinking about what happened / how they haven’t talked about what happened / why they feel the way they do about what happened without actually finding out exactly what happened until late in the book.
And, once the couple does talk about the past, things are resolved quite quickly.
Ultimately, I would have liked to have more scenes of Clara and Nick together and less inner monologuing over the past.
I received an advance copy of the book from Smartypants Romance. All review opinions are my own.
April 30, 2024
4.5 stars - This was a wonderful story of second-chance love!
"First love can last forever if it's real and the timing is right."
Clara Hill and Nick Easton had a secret relationship during their senior year of high school. They had big dreams of living a life together until they broke each other's hearts. Years later, Clara is back in Green Valley, and Nick is a divorced dad of two kids. And, he's just moved next door to Clara. Their lives are different now and Clara is determined not to fall for Nick again, but the heart wants what the heart wants!
"How had I managed to live without her for all this time?"
These two! Their chemistry was hot and tense. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Nick was determined to win Clara back. Clara's insecurities broke my heart but I loved the way Nick and his kids crept into her heart - although, in truth, Nick never left it. This story was heartwarming, amusing and pretty darn sexy!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"First love can last forever if it's real and the timing is right."
Clara Hill and Nick Easton had a secret relationship during their senior year of high school. They had big dreams of living a life together until they broke each other's hearts. Years later, Clara is back in Green Valley, and Nick is a divorced dad of two kids. And, he's just moved next door to Clara. Their lives are different now and Clara is determined not to fall for Nick again, but the heart wants what the heart wants!
"How had I managed to live without her for all this time?"
These two! Their chemistry was hot and tense. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Nick was determined to win Clara back. Clara's insecurities broke my heart but I loved the way Nick and his kids crept into her heart - although, in truth, Nick never left it. This story was heartwarming, amusing and pretty darn sexy!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
April 29, 2024
Loved this addition to the series that's all part of the Green Valley world Penny Reid has created.
Any time I get the chance to revisit this world I do!
Nora Everly has given readers so many characters to love, including the Hill sisters.
Clara is back in her hometown and living close to her sisters, and unfortunately, near the ex love of her life, Nick.
He left her stranded at the bus stop after HS graduation and broke her heart.
Her worst nightmare: he and his 2 adorable kids move in next door.
What I loved about this book: the second chance romance, the first love, the way Clara cares for his kids, the spark that never never died, the HEA. I loved Clara's spirit and strength! How swoony Nick is!
Can we talk about how Nora has set up so many possible books in this new series?? Will I be stalking her Facebook group for news on the said books? Yes. Yes I will!!
In the meantime I'll be waiting on book 2, Band Together by Piper Sheldon!
Any time I get the chance to revisit this world I do!
Nora Everly has given readers so many characters to love, including the Hill sisters.
Clara is back in her hometown and living close to her sisters, and unfortunately, near the ex love of her life, Nick.
He left her stranded at the bus stop after HS graduation and broke her heart.
Her worst nightmare: he and his 2 adorable kids move in next door.
What I loved about this book: the second chance romance, the first love, the way Clara cares for his kids, the spark that never never died, the HEA. I loved Clara's spirit and strength! How swoony Nick is!
Can we talk about how Nora has set up so many possible books in this new series?? Will I be stalking her Facebook group for news on the said books? Yes. Yes I will!!
In the meantime I'll be waiting on book 2, Band Together by Piper Sheldon!
April 27, 2024
Clare Hill just wants to be left alone. When she soon learns the love of her life Nick Easton is back living in Green Valley with his kids all she wants is to hide away. These Hill sisters have had it rough. With her sister Gracie being bullied she decides the become a substitute teacher. Now she has even more interaction with Nick and he moved next door to her.
Nick is finally getting his life back on track after his divorce. His kids are his world and can’t wait to move into his new home. Seeing Clare Hill the one person who shattered is heart is one problem he doesn’t need.
This heart wrenching story broke my heart. I loved how these two found each other again for their happy ending!!
Nick is finally getting his life back on track after his divorce. His kids are his world and can’t wait to move into his new home. Seeing Clare Hill the one person who shattered is heart is one problem he doesn’t need.
This heart wrenching story broke my heart. I loved how these two found each other again for their happy ending!!
April 12, 2024
I loved this story. Clara and Nick are so realistic, yet more energetic, feisty and sarcastic than real people - therefore, wonderful characters to read about (and wish I could meet in real life!). Nick’s kids are a treat, befriending Clara when she moves in next door, and his ex Morgan adds some realistic coparenting hassles to the mix. Green Valley is like an additional, wonderful character in the story. The opening of each chapter includes a note from Clara and Nick’s high school days, thus letting us know just enough of their history. Loved it all, can’t wait to read more!
I was gifted an ARC and asked to leave a review, which was no hardship at all.
I was gifted an ARC and asked to leave a review, which was no hardship at all.
May 6, 2024
Passing Notes
A new Smartypants series in Green Valley, yes!
This is a second chance romance with secrets standing in the way of a permanent reunion, between Clara Hill and her new next door neighbour Nick Easton.
It's a compelling and emotional rollercoaster and ties in nicely with book two in the series which is by Piper Sheldon.
If you have read the Monroe Brothers stories, then there will plenty of familiar characters here.
A new Smartypants series in Green Valley, yes!
This is a second chance romance with secrets standing in the way of a permanent reunion, between Clara Hill and her new next door neighbour Nick Easton.
It's a compelling and emotional rollercoaster and ties in nicely with book two in the series which is by Piper Sheldon.
If you have read the Monroe Brothers stories, then there will plenty of familiar characters here.
April 30, 2024
It always makes me happy to catch up with my favorite townsfolk in Green Valley. As a teacher myself, I love romances that are set in schools that are teacher/teacher. Clara and Nick were an amazing couple to begin a new series. A spinoff is always great. As always, it's always fabulous to catch up with past characters.I can't wait for book 2.
May 7, 2024
Loved loved lived this story. Clara is all righteous anger and cutting barbs, while Nick is all calm and laid back, mostly. These two face each other after years but what connected them in the past is still very much present
Really loved this story. Especially when karma comes knocking. Beautiful and full of feels and hot too.
Really loved this story. Especially when karma comes knocking. Beautiful and full of feels and hot too.
May 20, 2024
So far I've been loving everything that has been apart of the most recent Pennyverse launch! Reminds me a lot of the first launch. Finished this in a day and can't wait to start book two in Passing Notes.
March 19, 2024
NORA!! I loved this book! I already have a soft spot for the Hill sisters and the Monroe brothers are just swoon worthy!! And I not only got to learn more about Clara and visit her wonderful family and friends again, but I got to meet and totally fall for Nick Easton! I just really enjoyed every moment of this book, and adore the cover art too! Perfect addition to the SPR world!!
March 23, 2024
Nora is always a one click author for me as I’m so grateful to get an advanced copy of Passing Notes. She writes amazing characters, heartfelt stories filled with small town charm.
Clara is a fantastic character that will make you laugh. She is so funny, independent and outspoken.
Nick is a hoot, so swoony, lovable and determined to get the girl. He’s an amazing single dad …his kids are pretty awesome.
Clara and Nick have a past and both are unexpectedly next door neighbors in their home town. They have some baggage to work through but their draw to each other is undeniable. Their conversations and interactions are funny, sweet and fantastic.
Nora pulls out all the emotions with her writing…she will pull at your heartstrings (Christmas morning), make you laugh at the amazing banter/dialogue and ultimately fall in love with these characters.
Clara is a fantastic character that will make you laugh. She is so funny, independent and outspoken.
Nick is a hoot, so swoony, lovable and determined to get the girl. He’s an amazing single dad …his kids are pretty awesome.
Clara and Nick have a past and both are unexpectedly next door neighbors in their home town. They have some baggage to work through but their draw to each other is undeniable. Their conversations and interactions are funny, sweet and fantastic.
Nora pulls out all the emotions with her writing…she will pull at your heartstrings (Christmas morning), make you laugh at the amazing banter/dialogue and ultimately fall in love with these characters.
April 25, 2024
I love all of Nora Everly’s books that I’ve read so far (all of her Smartypants Romance releases… I really need to read her other books already), and adore her Monroe Brothers. When I found out she and bestie Piper were starting a new Smartypants series I nearly cried with joy!
Passing Notes is just amazing - I loved everything about it. It starts the new Teachers Lounge series with a bang (and Pipes’ book follows just as incredibly so don’t miss that)!!
I loved every word of Clara and Nick’s story, from when he moves in next door and disrupts her life, to when she decides she needs to start substitute teaching to disrupt his life. This is a second chance romance for the die-hard fans and new to Everly and Smartypants alike. A total win in my book and I task you all to pick it up - you will be so happy you did! Features cameos from our beloved Monroe Brothers series so it’s a plus if you’ve read these books (I totally loved these parts)!!
I received an advance copy from the author and Smartypants Romance, and this is my honest feedback.
Passing Notes is just amazing - I loved everything about it. It starts the new Teachers Lounge series with a bang (and Pipes’ book follows just as incredibly so don’t miss that)!!
I loved every word of Clara and Nick’s story, from when he moves in next door and disrupts her life, to when she decides she needs to start substitute teaching to disrupt his life. This is a second chance romance for the die-hard fans and new to Everly and Smartypants alike. A total win in my book and I task you all to pick it up - you will be so happy you did! Features cameos from our beloved Monroe Brothers series so it’s a plus if you’ve read these books (I totally loved these parts)!!
I received an advance copy from the author and Smartypants Romance, and this is my honest feedback.
May 8, 2024
The 1st in the Teacher’s Lounge series & a spin off of the Green Valley Library/Oh Brother series, “Passing Notes” can be ready as a standalone.
With all of that being said, we get to meet Nick and Clara in their own book. That is an awesome second chance romance. They have amazing chemistry and the author, Nora Everly, does not shy away from showing us exactly what their dynamic used to be and how some things never change.
This book has BANTER with a capital B and you really root for Nick and Clara. He is a amazing single dad who just makes you laugh and fall in love with him too. And Clara has an incredible sense of humor and just a wonderful personality. You can really see why the two of them were so attracted to each other and why they can’t fight it as adults. It’s a pleasure to read a book this smart and funny.
***** ARC provided for honest review****
With all of that being said, we get to meet Nick and Clara in their own book. That is an awesome second chance romance. They have amazing chemistry and the author, Nora Everly, does not shy away from showing us exactly what their dynamic used to be and how some things never change.
This book has BANTER with a capital B and you really root for Nick and Clara. He is a amazing single dad who just makes you laugh and fall in love with him too. And Clara has an incredible sense of humor and just a wonderful personality. You can really see why the two of them were so attracted to each other and why they can’t fight it as adults. It’s a pleasure to read a book this smart and funny.
***** ARC provided for honest review****
April 15, 2024
I couldn’t stop reading this book! Loved Nick and Clara!
April 2, 2024
Second chance romance with a lot of angst but an ending that brought tears of joy to my eyes. High school sweethearts that were pulled apart by deception end up living on the same street years later. Nick and Clara are both likable. Actually Nick is a dream of a boyfriend. And Clara has been strong her entire life but scared to love again. You see Clara’s sisters, mom & other characters we met in other books. Nora Everly has become an auto buy for me and this book just cemented that even more.
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