“Life was too short to live confined to other peoples’ expectations and opinions.”
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon. This book was such a pleasant surprise, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did! The chronic illness representation meant everything to me. It was an incredibly enjoyable read, and I’ve never related to characters this deeply before. As someone who has a chronic illness myself, this story truly resonated with me.
If the covers of every romance book ever published hadn’t convinced 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 does the same thing and 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.
Review of An overdue match by Sarah Monzon
A book about books is one of my absolute favorite micro-tropes, so there was no way I could pass this one up, and it did not disappoint! The number of highlighted quotes I have from this book about bookish thoughts speaks for itself. I absolutely loved that aspect, along with the heartfelt chronic illness representation and, of course, the romance. This story strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted fluff and meaningful depth, making it a truly enjoyable read.
Plot Analysis of An overdue match by Sarah Monzon
In a quiet small town, Evangeline has found solace in her job as a librarian, embracing the comfort of books after a painful past left her believing love wasn’t meant for her. Diagnosed with alopecia universalis, she lost not only her hair but also her confidence, especially after being abandoned by her Ex. Instead of seeking romance for herself, she focuses on secretly matchmaking library patrons based on their reading preferences.
Tai, the town’s tattoo artist with a tough exterior and a battle with asthma, isn’t one to judge people based on appearances. When he catches Evangeline in the middle of her matchmaking schemes, he’s intrigued, and amused. Instead of exposing her, he makes a deal: she’ll go on a few dates with him in exchange for his silence. What starts as a playful agreement soon turns into something deeper as their unexpected chemistry ignites.
Through stolen moments, laughter, and vulnerable confessions, Evangeline and Tai find themselves drawn to each other in ways neither anticipated. But with old insecurities and fears threatening to pull them apart, they must decide whether to take a leap of faith, or let love slip through their fingers once again.
Characters of An overdue match by Sarah Monzon
Evangeline Kelly : I’ve never related to a character in a book as much as I did with Evangeline. She’s such a sweetheart with a hint of mischief, and I absolutely loved that about her. Her pain led her to isolate herself, convinced that she didn’t deserve love because of her alopecia. That emotion hit so close to home for me, it felt like reading my own thoughts from just a year ago. I went through the same struggle, believing I wasn’t worthy because of my own condition. Seeing that journey unfold through Evangeline’s perspective was both heartbreaking and healing in a way I never expected.
Tai Davis : I absolutely loved Tai! His banter was top-tier, and what stood out the most was how refreshingly real he felt, he’s not your typical tall, brooding, overly handsome MMC, and that made him so much more relatable. Beyond that, he’s incredibly sweet, family-oriented, protective, and undeniably romantic. The way he showed Evangeline that love isn’t just about physical attraction but something deeper was everything. He’s just too perfect to be real 😭.
Evangeline & Tai : Their connection is undeniable, a mix of playful banter, deep conversations, and a spark. Tai brings out a side of Evangeline she’s tried to bury, making her question everything she believed about love and worth. Every moment they spend together feels effortless, like they just get each other. Their chemistry isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, raw, and real. And despite all the walls Evangeline has built, Tai makes her believe that maybe, just maybe, love is something she’s allowed to have.
Pacing & writing style
Sarah Monzon’s writing is deeply emotional and incredibly immersive, pulling you into the story with heartfelt dialogue and beautifully crafted descriptions. She has a way of portraying raw, genuine emotions that feel authentic, making it easy to connect with the characters’ journeys. Her prose strikes the perfect balance, poetic yet accessible, emotional yet not overly dramatic.
What stood out the most was the care and accuracy in representing chronic illnesses. It’s clear that Sarah put in the effort to understand both alopecia and asthma, capturing not just the physical struggles but also the emotional weight that comes with them. As someone with a chronic illness myself, I truly felt seen in this book. The challenges, the insecurities, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward, it was all so well portrayed, making this story even more meaningful to me.
The pacing in An Overdue Match is brisk and engaging, effortlessly weaving romantic tension with meaningful plot development. The story flows naturally, filled with humor, awkward encounters, and heartwarming moments that keep the reader invested. Evangeline and Tai’s relationship unfolds with a balance of witty banter and emotional depth, making their journey feel organic and compelling.
However, my only gripe was how quickly their romance escalated toward the end. One moment, they shared a kiss, and the next, they were professing their love—it all felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to see more depth in the later stages of their relationship, allowing their emotional connection to develop at a more gradual, satisfying pace.
Tropes and Trigger warnings of An overdue match by Sarah Monzon
Tropes of An overdue match by Sarah Monzon
Friends to lovers
Opposites attract
He falls first
Chronic illness representation
Book about books
Trigger warnings of An overdue match by Sarah Monzon
Grief
Some quotes I enjoyed
“A book doesn’t have feelings, but it does have a soul.”
“So, in a sense, books are both alive themselves and give life to others simultaneously.”
“Because books are more than just paper and ink. They’re a portal leading to anywhere you ever wanted to go-heart, mind, or soul.”
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear.
Bravery is the voice telling fear he can’t win today.”
“It’s safe to say most people have a base desire to be liked and accepted, but it’s dangerous if we start living and making decisions that will only please the people around us and not make us happy.”
“You say I’m bad and, heaven help me, maybe I am. Maybe I am bad because I’d do anything to be with you, to spend time with you.”
“I need to kiss you again more than I need oxygen.”
“You don’t want to fight for us, that’s fine. I’ll fight enough for the both of us.”
Final Thought
An Overdue Match is the kind of contemporary romance that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. This book is an absolute gem when it comes to rom-coms, striking the perfect balance between playful banter, lighthearted fluff, and meaningful depth. The relationship between Evangeline and Tai was so well done, filled with banter that had me smiling, along with that delicious, underlying tension that made their attraction feel so real. It’s exactly the kind of chemistry I adore in closed-door romances, where the moments of tension and longing give you butterflies without being overly dramatic.
What truly stood out to me, though, was Sarah Monzon’s portrayal of chronic illness. As someone who has experienced the struggles of living with a chronic illness, I felt so seen by her writing. She captured the emotional and physical weight of it so authentically, and it added such a raw, relatable layer to the story. The way she brought that experience into Evangeline’s life made the book feel even more grounded and real.
The relationship between Evangeline and Tai was relatable on so many levels, and that made it all the more engaging. Their connection felt so genuine, and I loved how the author explored their individual growth alongside their blossoming romance. My only small issue with the book was that the ending felt a bit rushed, it left me wanting a little more depth to wrap up the story. However, that doesn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience.
I’m absolutely not done with Sarah Monzon’s work, this is definitely not my last book from her. I can’t wait to dive into more of her writing in the future.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy of this wonderful story.
About the author
HOLT Medallion and Selah Award-winner, and Carol Award finalist, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.
Practical Information for Readers
An overdue match by Sarah Monzon Book Formats
An overdue match **is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:
Paperback: Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
PDF An overdue match by Sarah Monzon: While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.
Where to find An overdue match by Sarah Monzon PDF
Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.
An overdue match by Sarah Monzon Age Rating
An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon is a closed door contemporary romance novel suitable for readers aged 14 and older. The book deals with themes of friendship, love , and self-discovery, making it a relatable and appropriate read for a teen audience.
