• 

Well Matched by Jen Deluca

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Well Met #3

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: October 19, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

---

SYNOPSIS

Single mother April Parker 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 asks 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 favor too: she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so that he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more “serious” career than high school coach and 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 so fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they’ve just been putting on an act. But when there’s the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans — and open her heart — for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.

An accidentally in-love rom-com filled with Renaissance Faire flower crowns, kilts, corsets, and sword fights.

---

REVIEW

Single mom April is about to have an empty nest. With her daughter Caitlin ready to graduate high school, April doesn’t feel the need to stay in Willow Creek. April is ready to move on from small town living – maybe the big city or a change of scenery is up next. But she needs help renovating her home before she sells. And this is where her good friend Mitch offers his services. Mitch is willing to help April with her renovations if she returns a teensy tiny favor. If April can pretend to be his girlfriend for a weekend then he’ll help with renovations! April isn’t quite sure, but soon finds herself agreeing.

And that’s when all the fun begins! I really enjoyed Well Matched. This charming friends to lovers/fake relationship romance was so sweet. I adored Mitch and how funny and sweet he was with April. While I’m not usually a fan of the age gap – I really didn’t see the issue with April being older than Mitch. Mitch was mature and their interactions always felt sweet and romantic – never weird or forced.

Both April and Mitch have so many vulnerabilities and I loved how they were always there defending each other whether they asked for it or not. The moments with April and Caitlin really got to me. I don’t read a lot of single parent romances, but felt like Jen DeLuca did a wonderful job with this sweet mother and daughter in Well Matched.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will sometimes transport you to the Renaissance Faire (I seriously loved these scenes) then grab your copy of Well Matched!