✍🏻 Professor Romance’s 4 ⭐️ Review: Nora Everly’s Architecture and Artistry, a Smartypants Romance story ✍🏻

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Tropes: single dad; single mom; workplace romance; small town romance; a bit adversaries-to-lovers

Nora Everly’s Architecture and Artistry was one of my most anticipated SmartyPants Romance ‘cuz: Barrett and Sadie. In her previous Monroe Brothers stories, these two have danced around each other. It was clear that they had chemistry and a keen interest in each other. To realize a relationship between these two seemed like kismet. 

Jumping into Architecture and Artistry reminds you about the sweetness of Everly’s romances. This is a small-town romance done well. At the outset of their story, Barrett and Sadie epitomize the Instagram vs. Reality truth: the outside doesn’t always match the reality. Seemingly “perfect” to everyone, Barrett has a way of putting his foot in his mouth. Similarly, while Sadie always looks put together (people think of her as a “Barbie), internally, Sadie is hanging on as she maneuvers through life as a single mom to twins. There is instant chemistry between Barrett and Sadie. It’s all over the Monroe Brothers’ stories. Yet, they are reticent to acknowledge their attraction…until they simply can’t. 

As you read through Sadie and Barrett’s journey, it’s Sadie who becomes a favorite character. She is empathic and selfless, making difficult choices that impinge upon her burgeoning relationship with Barrett. And there is steam and spice and everything nice between these two. 

I will say, though, that there were inconsistencies in their development. One minute everything is fine, but the next it’s not by a creation of the author simply to derail her couple. Additionally, the prose felt stunted, especially through the falling action of her romance when you need the emotional pull of their resolution, connecting you more deeply to the book. 

Architecture and Artistry, however, offers a lovely wrap-up to Nora Everly’s Green Valley Library contributions. Will you adore Barrett and Sadie? Absolutely! Will the Monroe family and the Lavender Farms ladies remind you why you should read this series? Yes. These characters ingratiate themselves into your life with their humor, wisdom, and love. Is this book an important reminder that nothing is ever really perfect? Indeed. If you haven’t met the Monroe Brothers yet, now would be the perfect time with Nora Everly’s newest release.

In love and romance,

Professor A