maisonelliott's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first book was gifted to me by Michael Joseph Penguin Publishing and when I found out it was a series, I knew I had to continue it. I was disappointed in Stacey’s story so went into this book with little expectations, but I should have known better with this book being Mitch’s story.
This book is based on April Parker, who we met in the first book, she is Emily’s sister. She is a single mother who has lived in Willow Creek for twelve years with a wall around her heart. On the verge of being an empty nester, she’s decided to move on from her quaint little town, and she’s asked her friend Mitch for his help with some home improvement projects to get her house ready to sell. Mitch Malone is known for being the life of every party, but mostly for the attire he wears to the local Renaissance Faire – a kilt (and not much else) that shows off his muscled form to perfection. While he agrees to help April, he needs a favour too: she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more “serious” career than high school coach and a gym teacher. April reluctantly agrees, but when dinner turns into a weekend trip, it becomes hard to tell what’s real and what’s been just for show. But when the weekend ends, so must their fake relationship. As summer begins, Faire returns to Willow Creek, and April volunteers for the first time. When Mitch’s family shows up unexpectedly, April pretends to be Mitch’s girlfriend again . . . something that doesn’t feel fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they’re just putting on an act. But when there’s the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plan or say goodbye for the kilt wearing hulk who might just be the love of her life.
I didn’t like April when this series started so I was feeling a little bleak going into this book and one of my main reasons was Mitch. I loved him before I started this book. April had been through so much that I was glad we got to see another side of her besides the mum and the hermit of the group. I loved her internal thoughts and how she was just questioning that someone as gorgeous as Mitch was not interested in her. And the way he called her Mama . . . damn! Mitch is just wonderful; I knew his book was going to be amazing and that Mitch was going to top the other men we had meet during this series. Mitch is such a golden retriever and I loved how April stood up for Mitch for what he does and that he doesn’t need to do anymore.
The only thing I didn’t like was the amount of conflict and third-act breakup. I would have preferred for them to have gotten together and then the last bit being whether they were selling the house or not and not the back and forth of does April like him or does Mitch like her probably like you both like each other, get over and get to the good bit please. I found myself skimming the bits of the internal thoughts of do I like them? Do they like me?
This book was a lot better than Stacy’s book and I don’t know if Lulu’s story can beat Mitch’s story, but I love the Malones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Abandonment, Bullying, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
carlyjoann's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Car accident
alainajreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
mckellstar's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
I really enjoyed this book! I loved seeing a middle-aged single mother as our protagonist, and a younger, hot guy with a heart of gold as her love interest. April and Mitch were such a nice balance for each other and they had real world problems to deal with such as what if the younger person wants kids when the older person is done having kids, how do you navigate dating/being in a relationship with one of your child's past teachers (especially when their aunt married another teacher, haha!), and how do you support your partner when the majority of their family doesn't JUST to name a few!
One thing I didn't like about this book, however, was the (at times) odd pacing. I felt like there were too many mini conflicts in this book, and I was surprised at how quickly the fake-dating was introduced and how late the Ren faire was introduced. Because of the timeline, it made me confused about how the book would come together by the end of it, and not in a good way but in a 'where are we going?' kind of way. But, I still loved these characters and will miss them! YAY for April and Mitch! :)
I really enjoyed this book! I loved seeing a middle-aged single mother as our protagonist, and a younger, hot guy with a heart of gold as her love interest. April and Mitch were such a nice balance for each other and they had real world problems to deal with such as what if the younger person wants kids when the older person is done having kids, how do you navigate dating/being in a relationship with one of your child's past teachers (especially when their aunt married another teacher, haha!), and how do you support your partner when the majority of their family doesn't JUST to name a few!
One thing I didn't like about this book, however, was the (at times) odd pacing. I felt like there were too many mini conflicts in this book, and I was surprised at how quickly the fake-dating was introduced and how late the Ren faire was introduced. Because of the timeline, it made me confused about how the book would come together by the end of it, and not in a good way but in a 'where are we going?' kind of way. But, I still loved these characters and will miss them! YAY for April and Mitch! :)
capannemazing's review against another edition
5.0
I have waited and I mean WAITED for this book. Mitch? Hilarious, adorable, heartwarming. April? Tough, hilarious, heartwarming. I love the universe the author has created and genuinely cannot wait to read more by her. Well Matched is a perfect continuation of the series. I can't wait to read more by this author!
leahkafer's review against another edition
4.0
Of the books I’ve read in this series so far, this one was definitely my favorite!! I loved the dynamic between the characters with the sunshine and grumpy trope, especially since the girl was the grumpy one here.
vboop's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
ryann2011's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐️
This book was cute and I love the Ren fair nods which are so nostalgic for me!
April and Mitch fake date for a variety of reasons and when Mitch falls first April makes every excuse in the book to call it off. April was a bit annoying to me if I’m being honest. Mitch was open and up front and willing to take the leap but april used their age gap and the “I need to be there for my kid before she leaves for college” excuse which (as a single mom) was disappointing to see.
I’m glad in the end she realized that her happiness matters too and I lived the grand gesture rage did to show Mitch she was all in. I also love love LOVE that april adopted an older dog!!!
This book was cute and I love the Ren fair nods which are so nostalgic for me!
April and Mitch fake date for a variety of reasons and when Mitch falls first April makes every excuse in the book to call it off. April was a bit annoying to me if I’m being honest. Mitch was open and up front and willing to take the leap but april used their age gap and the “I need to be there for my kid before she leaves for college” excuse which (as a single mom) was disappointing to see.
I’m glad in the end she realized that her happiness matters too and I lived the grand gesture rage did to show Mitch she was all in. I also love love LOVE that april adopted an older dog!!!
sageelizabethamy's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5