Everett Monroe can’t keep his eyes off his gorgeous tenant.He’d like to put his hands on her too, but she’s prickly, closed-off, and gives new meaning to the word disgruntled. In other words, she’s his perfect match and he’ll do anything to make her see it too.Willa Hill has finally left her teen runaway past behind and wants a fresh start—alone. Men are nothing but trouble and she’s had enough … she’s had enough man-trouble to last a lifetime.
Too bad her irresistibly sexy, nerdy-hot landlord doesn’t agree.
When their mutual yearning becomes a white-hot fling and passion crosses carefully drawn, albeit one-sided boundaries,
Everett finds himself in love and Willa finds herself in a pickle.
Because, unfortunately, when she returned to Green Valley, her problems came too.
When the past she escaped crashes into the future she finds herself wanting more than anything, will Willa stay in Green Valley?
Or will she run away again?
‘Carpentry and Cocktails’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #5 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
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This book gave me sooo many feels. One minute I was laughing at the witty banter and nerdy jokes and the next I was crying over the calm and safe harbor Everett created for Willa. It’s again a beautiful written love story to add to the Library series and Green Valley collection. This is the type of romance you hope and wish you got every time you open up a new book! Everett and Willa are now one of my favorite couples ever!
Willa is the strong female lead that is just trying to keep it all together! After her ex-husband destroyed much of her life she moves back home to try to get a handle of her family that she hasn’t seen in 10 years. You just will root for her to win not only for growth, sticking up for herself, but so she truly get her HEA.
Everett is truly the book boyfriend of dreams coming in with 6’6 and abs for days -that Willa can’t stop watching but his heart is what truly makes him wonderful with letting Willa come to their love slow, protecting her physical and mentally from her horrible ex-husband, giving her space to grow and learn, and I mean the man brings her donuts- so what is not to love! Oh, and the nerdy part of him is the cherry on top!
Nora somehow keeps getting better and better! I was blown away with Wyatt’s story but this one was even more magical! She adds in old characters and new ones seamlessly into this plot, Green Valley is a wonderful setting, drama, love, slow burn and the HEA. This book is truly a giant hug we all need right now!!
Overall, 5 stars and 4 steam!
What a wonderful book! Everett is the perfect hot nerd and I loved the way he cautiously wooed Willa.
A Small Town Restart – Done So Right!
Carpentry and Cocktails is another winner from Nora Everly, who has won my heart with her beautifully descriptive writing and sweetly hilariously perfectly sexy and amazing characters. I love romance and comedy, and when they come together it’s the BEST. Along with that balance, I really, really need my characters to be believable so I can love them and relate to them and keep them in my mind forever!
I love LOVED this book, and devoured it in one sitting because I wasn’t able to find a point that I felt I could stop and survive the wait! Willa has returned home to Green Valley after some youthfully poor life choices, and is working hard to keep making forward progress. Everett is protective, sexy, kind, and nerdy, with a deep sense of family and community ties. Basically – he’s PERFECT. I’d be reading along at a fast and furious pace on his personality profile alone!
Oh, but there’s more. Of course! I’m a big fan of Willa’s independence and drive to make her way through life after the pain and mistakes of her past. Everett is truly her ideal match, and the slow burn as she learned to accept and ultimately fall in love with his generous and chivalrous nature was exceptionally well planned (and written!). Those moments when Willa realizes that with the right partner, independence doesn’t mean holding yourself apart; that she can’t let her past mistakes control her future happiness; that the bonds of sisterhood are stronger than she ever knew…well, those moments are everything! You won’t e disappointed with all the feels you find in this heartfelt gem.
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m thrilled beyond words that Everly has set us up for more Monroe brothers books in the future, and I can’t wait to see the remaining brothers meet their matches!
My general rating rationale:
3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it (if they won’t listen, I’ll be louder).
My favorite so far from Nora Everly! I’m astounded every time I read a new book from this author and I kick myself for not discovering her writing sooner. Carpentry and Cocktails ties perfectly into the Green Valley Library series and will dive into the lives of a few characters you’ve met in the previous books, but can be read as a stand alone. A beautiful story about not giving up and overcoming what life throws at you. If there’s one book you don’t want to miss out on, it’s this one! Full of compassion, romance, humor and strength – this has it all.
I’ve enjoyed the Nora Everly books I’ve read so far. It’s really a good way to intro new author’s to me via the Smartypants books. We were introduced to Willa and Everett in Crimes and Periodicals. Everett is Wyatt’s brother and Willa Sabrina’s old friend. Willa has been moulded by her toxic mother and ended up marrying to get away. Back in Green Valley from a contentious divorce she’s trying to know herself more. Everett her land lord has been smitten by her ever since, well it goes both ways.
Everett is your classic nerdy hero but with an alpha side. But little does he know that’s what attracted Willa. Aside from his good looks. I like him adorable and sweet. Willa is trying to be stronger and let her emotions out. They built something with their routines, Everett was a big support in helping Willa through her baggage and all.
Overall a sweet and cute story with a touch of awesome geekiness. I do like these untypical heroes. Willa overcame a lot and that was one of the good parts to see. They deserved their happy ending.
Another cute story for this series, we first met Everett and Willa in an earlier book (Crime and Periodicals) and now it’s their turn in the hot seat to find love and romance. Being as that they’re already friends, that lent a sort of realism to their evolving feelings for each other. While I liked the overall story, I will say that I didn’t really connect with either character much; they came across a bit flat. And while I liked the backgrounds for both Willa and Everett, I’ll admit that I know literally nothing about Dungeons and Dragons, so Everett being a DM was totally lost me. Sorry to all the D&D fans out there!
Favorite Quotes:
“Okay, boys, this is where I take my leave. I have no interest in unloading, building, assembling, or anything other than a nice hot cup of tea and the Downton Abbey marathon tonight on the television. Kiss your mother goodbye.” I exchanged a look with Garrett. We knew she would really watch The Real Housewives of somewhere and fix herself a huge martini, but we were both too smart to mention it.
I braced because every southern girl knows when a middle name gets dropped, shit’s about to become serious.
“Sometimes the best part of building something new is tearing down what stood in its place.” I held out the sledgehammer as an offering.
Oh my god, Willa! Sharing a Netflix password is the new pre-engagement, everyone knows that.
If a man’s any kind of man at all he knows the difference between love and lust. Lust is in a hurry, but love is already there.
My heart was a wild thing in my chest and my eyes grew hot with emotion.
“We took vows in front of God, Willa. You will always be my wife.” … “We were in Las Vegas, Tommy. God had nothing to do with it. We took our vows in front of Elvis, and he’d probably agree with me that you’re an asshole,”
My Review:
This was my second exposure to the clever wordcraft of Nora Everly and I as was well entertained and pleasantly immersed in her amusing storytelling during both, I have become a devoted fangirl. Her beguiling and witty writing was well-paced, engaging, easy to follow, and conjured crisp visuals in my gray matter while her irreverent humor kept a smirk close at hand. The well-drawn characters were endearing and accessible while realistically flawed. I adored this couple and was totally smitten with Everett as he is the perfect man: handsome, sexy, sweet, protective, thoughtful, and every inch of him well assembled. Everett had tools and knew what to do with them – in every room of the house. But he only had eyes for Willa and called her sweetness and frequently told her she was beautiful and could have or do anything she wanted – oh swoon! Of course, all that perfection could only be found on my Kindle.
After reading Ms.Everly’s first Green Valley Library book, Crime and Periodicals last year I couldn’t wait to pick up more of her work! When I found out about this one I knew that I needed to read it next! I really enjoyed this story!
Willa and Everett’s journey touched my heart! I was so happy to be able to delve deeper into their minds throughout, feel their emotions, and connect with them.
The realness that Willa showed got to me. I fell head over heels for Everett! I adored them together and the heat between them sure made me blush.
With Carpentry and Cocktails, Ms.Everly has created such a wonderful read with all the heart! This story was exactly the sweetness that I needed! I am so looking forward to reading more of her books!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Smartypants Romance / the author*
4.5 Stars!
This was an adorable and really sweet read. Everett and Willa are so very refreshing, and I just loved their story.
Readers of Crime and Periodicals know that there is a certain amount of chemistry between these two. But after leaving an abusive marriage, Willa is trying to stand on her own two feet. She is distrustful of relationships, and she is learning to take her life back.
Everett, who has some serious feelings for Willa, offers her a place to stay. In doing so, he is able to look out for her, get to know her, and help her see she has so much more to give the world, regardless of the hand she has been dealt.
“Sometimes the best part of building something new is tearing down what stood in its place.”
Honestly, Everett is my kind of hero. Yes, he is attractive, but even more so, he is sweet, supportive, funny, and so very unsure of himself. Underneath that fine physique, this Alpha carpenter is really just a D&D playing, Firefly-loving, sci-fi geek. And that makes him adorable!
Carpentry and Cocktails is another great installment to the Green Valley Public Library series, and a fine addition to the Smartpants Romance world! Definitely recommend this one!
I loved Wyatt Everett’s brother so I was so looking forward to this book.I was not disappointed. Eli is just awesome. There is something about those Monroe men. Eli is going to make you swoon a lot so be prepared for it. Eli is yummy with how he treats Willa, but his geeky side also is attractive. This book has so much emotion and heart. my heart goes out to Willa. She’s had the worst luck in life, but her return to Green Valley is going to be her turning point. Reconnecting with her sisters and finding her true self again. Her past won’t stay in the past and it could cost the life she is building. I would highly recommend this one. It’s a book to easily get lost in. It gives me everything I’m looking for. The touch of humor was one of my favorite parts, but you won’t be able to resist Everett.
This is a great romance novel! It’s light and fun with the right amount of drama.
I really enjoyed the pace, it didn’t follow the standard long burn immediately followed by fallout pattern that I’m tired of. Both of the main characters are adorable and lovable. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Gracie and Ruby.
Thank you Smartypants romance for the ARC!
This is only the second book I’ve read from Nora but I see myself going on a binge of this talented author’s backlist!
I really enjoyed this book and Everett and Willa their chemistry was off the charts. Everett is the sensitive, caring man who has admired Willa from afar. While Willa definitely has all the feels with Everett, yet she has a past that has her on edge.
What I love about Nora’s writing is that it is never anything too far fetched and her characters are realistic with their problems and their solutions.
Another great book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I love this couple and their story. It’s so real and all the feelings and moments together, as well as inner monologues and their chemistry, are adding up to another great book in the Pennyverse world.
Battling a hard past, an ugly divorce and future that doesn’t look to bright, I loved how the chemistry and banter between Willa and Everett blooms from friendship to a beautiful love story.
I liked the first book Crimes and Periodicals and can’t wait to read the next one as well.
I’m always looking forward to new authors to read and this book sealed my list for another favourite and must-read author.
Carpentry and Cocktails by Nora Everly is the newest edition in smartpants romance’s Green Valley Library series. This full length contemporary can be enjoyed as a standalone and fits right into the Green Valley universe perfectly.
Willa ran away from Green Valley when she was young with a man who turned out to be all wrong for her. She’s divorced him and has settled back in Green Valley for now, and she’s trying hard to fall for her landlord , Everette Monroe. Everette has wanted Willa sense she came back to town but the more he gets to know her the more he knows she’s worth the wait. They can’t deny their chemistry for long but Willa needs to be fully free of her past and be happy with herself before she can fully embrace falling in love again.
All the characters in this book were fantastic. Willa was down to earth and real in her insecurities. She made some bad decision in life, but she didn’t let them keep her down. Everette was my perfect boyfriend, bearded flannel wearing geek who was charming and respectful with the perfect amount of dirty in the bedroom. He has honestly landed himself a spot on my top five bookboyfriend list! Willa and Everette were really cute together, both a little nerdy. Whether they were just hanging out watching TV or fixing up the house they just worked. And damn that man knew what he was doing in the bedroom
Carpentry and Cocktails had a steady storyline that had just the right amount of drama. Two fantastic main characters and a whole cast of supporting ones that feel help it flow. Willa’s sister Grace was snarky and when she teamed up with Ruby I was left laughing out loud! There are also many friendly faces from other Green Valley stories and a few Winston brother pop ups to make Penny Reid readers happy.
I absolutely love this series and so glad to visit Green Valley anytime I can. Willa is probably my favorite heroine that I’ve read about in a long time. Her strength, surrender to being happy and growth throughout Carpentry and Cocktails is the best. I also enjoyed Everett, he knew when to step in and when not to push. I enjoyed his sweetness and kind heart. Another great addition to this series.
Review by Raychel
We have another winner for the series and I couldn’t be more excited about it! This book is an easy read, one you have no problem reading in one sitting. You’re going to instantly love the characters, scenery, and the adorable blossoming relationship between Everett and Willa. There’s some emotion there too, and I found myself feeling deeply invested in Willa and her story. All around, it’s the perfect addition to the series I know fans of these books are going to love this one!
I fell in love with the Monroe brothers in Crime and Periodicals, and of course we met Willa as Sabrina’s friend in that book too. This was yet another book that I could not put down! I devoured it in a day. Everett is the Monroe brother we get in this story and you can’t help but adore him and love him, and I want to know where my sexy, geeky man is! It’s possible the Monroe brothers could be a force to reckon with even when it comes to the Winston brothers for me. Willa is so tough and strong, but occasionally needs to let go a little, and that’s what Everett takes his time and helps her with. And Willa needed to be tough though, after her horrible mother, and her really scary ex, it was totally understandable how she behaved.
Once again our supporting characters make the story even better, totally the icing on the cake. Especially the younger sisters. They are so funny! They had me giggling every time they appeared. Well, except at the beginning when Willa’s younger sister made me cry a little. But her behavior, like Willa’s, was very justified for her age and experiences.
Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the books in this series. My only complaint, and it is one I posted in the last book I reviewed for the Donner Bakery series, was that while this is supposedly set in the world of the Green Valley library, not much had anything to do with that. We kind just need a Monroe Brothers series, instead of calling them all part of the library series. But that’s just a personal thing, and with the library bit, it’s kind of personal to me because I am a librarian and so look forward to any and all library stuff!
4.5 stars.
These Monroe men! I thought Wyatt was swoony but Everett is the epitome of swoonalicious!!
“On top of all that sexiness, he was a sweetheart too. Nice guys like Everett were dangerous.”
Willa Hill is back in Green Valley after an absence of years. She’s light on physical baggage but heavy on the emotional kind. She just wants to work and pay off her debts. However, her landlord, Everett Monroe is slowly but surely seeping under her skin. He’s gorgeous as sin and pretty warm and wonderful, too – making him practically irresistible.
“She was heartbreak; she was strength. She was my dream not-yet-come-true.”
Everett Monroe has been slowly but surely falling for Willa from the first moment he met her. He can tell she’s skittish, so he knows he’s playing a long, patient game to dismantle the walls around her heart brick by brick. He wants to save her, but she needs to save herself first.
“She was under my skin, infiltrating my every thought, inside my heart in a way I would never get her out and it scared me.”
This story was so romantic! The tension between Everett and Willa was delicious! He is just about the perfect boyfriend. Smart and super sexy, and so thoughtful and caring, too. I loved his patience and understanding, no matter how much he wanted her. I also loved his vulnerability and desire to be loved for who he truly was. Willa is hella tough! She’s clearly independent but a little stubborn, too. Such a gorgeous story and I adored the Monroe family. Willa’s sisters were pretty great, too.
This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed it! It was a quick paced read! I got hooked form the very beginning! It had humor, sexy nerd, and a little bit of suspense. I think the scene stealer of the book was Willa’s sister Gracie. I want to be her when I grow up! I loved Willa and Everett together! There was also prolonged drama either, which I really appreciate! I’ve never read Nora before but I will be adding her to my tbr! I would definitely recommend this book!
Received an arc for an honest review
I fell in love with Nora’s books when I read Crime & Periodicals, but she has cemented my love for her with Everett & Willa’s book! These two have a chemistry that’s so strong it just oozes off the pages.
Everett is just amazing! Is there anything better than a super hot guy who is also a geek? THERE ISN’T!! He was so patient with Willa, he gave her the time to learn she was perfect as is & that she’s safe with him. Plus I love his shop!
Willa is so strong! I hated how much hurt was in her past, but watching her learn to trust herself and her choices was so amazing. I had to keep reading to see her get her happy ending!!