While the characters were likable enough (albeit one-dimensional and sorely underdeveloped), the plot was so disappointingly unconventional that I am actually shocked this book received such high reviews. This was my first Tim Farrington novel, and I was so unimpressed with The Monk Downstairs that will not pick up another one of his books. Writing quality was unexceptional, situations seemed awkward and less than believable. Tim does a disservice to Catholicism and monastic life (failing miserably to examine what all is involved in switching vocations, having sex with a woman he barely knows and isn't married to.. it overall just leaves a bad taste). There is a proposal in the story, which was the only point I laughed- and because of the ridiculousness, not because of any intended humor on the author's part. Overall, Tim Farrington failed to separate himself from the rest- any writer who cranks out cheap dime-a-dozen romance novels could have written this predictable sub-par story.