Reviews - The Unmatchmakers

4.5 - This delightfully quick and breezy rom com is all the opposites attract, pining, forced proximity, lake cabin with childhood friends vibes I needed this summer with a healthy dash of mom shenanigans and s'more flirtation. The characters are delightful, the friendships fast, and the banter sits right on the perfect edge of cringe (you know that feeling when your parents bring up every awkward moment from your childhood? Yeah, that). I also loved watching these families start to communicate and heal from past relationships together. Reader, I devoured it just like Leora & Neil devoured the s'mores (and each other).

Rep: API, autistic LI, anxiety, immigrant SCs

wannabebard's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated

3.25

kristinlee___'s review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

hallierina's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.75

bobbeym's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

beckymmoe's review against another edition

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5.0

Good grief, this book was so good, y'all.

The Unmatchmakers takes the trope of meddling parents (Asian or otherwise) who are trying to get their offspring married off to the "perfect" candidate of their choice and turns it on its head! I kept waiting for it to be revealed that Neil and Leora's mothers were *actually* trying to set them up, but nope, they really, really weren't. Leora's mom especially takes her not my daughter sentiment waaaaay too far--hearing how Leora has had to make adjustments all her life because of her mother's views on relationships is bad enough, but seeing the lengths she goes to here tips it over into OMG territory. It's funny, but at the same time it's so not.

(Truly, how does [a:Jackie Lau|17814757|Jackie Lau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1521036145p2/17814757.jpg] make me gasp in indignation one moment and LOL the other? She's like some kind of writing magician, I think.)

To add to the delightfulness that is this book, Neil and Leora are also a grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract pairing. I think I was just as excited as Leora every time she caused buttoned-up, ultra serious Neil to quirk a little half smile because of something she said or did. And gah, when he let his guard down and opened up to her at last? Absolutely delicious!

The Unmatchmakers is a relatively short read, perfect for picking up while visiting your very own vacation home on the lake. Or, if you must, reading on a lazy summer afternoon at your own home. (Darn it, why don't I own a vacation home on a lake again? Oh well, maybe some day...)

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
(I honestly can't believe how many books this summer are getting a 4 1/2 star rating from me, but truly, they are just that good. These authors are 100% bringing their A game!)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

bookish720's review against another edition

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2.0

This book had super cute vibes it just wasn’t for me. The main character was very annoying to me for her age. All of the characters seemed much younger than they were. I think this just wasn’t for me and I’m fine with that. I definitely want to own a lake house now

nickels_2000's review against another edition

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funny reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated

4.25

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