Reviews

Match Me If You Can by Sandy Barker

lifeasmrsbaker's review

Go to review page

4.0

⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Match Me If You Can" by Sandy Barker is a delightful romantic escapade that combines humor, adventure, and a dash of serendipity. The plot is a perfect concoction of witty banter, unexpected twists, and the timeless charm of a feel-good love story.

Barker introduces readers to characters with charisma and depth, making it easy to invest in their romantic misadventures. The plot unfolds with a satisfying rhythm, offering a perfect balance of anticipation and resolution.

As the characters navigate the unpredictable journey of finding love, Barker's writing style shines through, creating an engaging and enjoyable narrative. The story is not just about romance; it's a celebration of self-discovery and the magic that can happen when we step out of our comfort zones.

For readers seeking a lighthearted and uplifting romance, "Match Me If You Can" is a wonderful choice. Sandy Barker's novel is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that sometimes, love is just a matchmaking adventure away.

bhumikabv's review

Go to review page

5.0

Match Me If You Can by Sandy Barker

Thank you to Netgalley, Sandy Barker and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The plot was soo good! A match making agency! Shaz, Ravi and Jacinda were absolute sweethearts! I loved how the story unfolded, though I have a doubt.
SpoilerI think I remember reading that the will's condition was intended to Tristan's dad or something? Well, then, wasn't he married already?


The book was funny, engaging and kinda a slow burn but it was amazingly good and heart warming. Hoping to read more of this series. Crossing my fingers for one of the next books to be about Shaz!!!

lene_me's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

adriftinfictionalworldval's review

Go to review page

4.0

adorable. loved this one. especially poppy. she's a boss lady.

ddog8's review

Go to review page

Unfortunately this was a "meh" for me. 

The writing was fine but the characters really just felt flat. This is one of the very few books I've read where there is genuinely no spark between the characters. The words tell you they're attracted to each other but no actions back it up. 

I tried, but DNF'd at 72%

alipal's review

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

rosie_walters's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ll_griff's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

4.5

creativemomreads's review

Go to review page

5.0

An absolute joy! I loved this book SO much! The cover, the title, the main characters, the plot - I loved it all. This grumpy v sunshine, forbidden love, forced proximity, closed door romance gave me all the feels. Wish I could read it again for the first time! I can't wait for the next one in this new series and I will for sure be reading more by this author. A massive five stars from me! Thank you Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC!

sikonat's review

Go to review page

3.0

Thanks to an archaic grandfather, 'banker wanker' Tristan has forty days to marry before his 35th birthday or forfeit a £30 million inheritance. Unable to find a loophole, his lawyer best friend Ravi refers him to elite matchmakers, the Ever After Agency, where he's assigned to former psychologist and Australian expat Poppy to find him a woman to marry for convienience.

There's some fun banter and wit between Poppy and Tristan. Poppy refuses to coddle Tristan's grouchy behaviour, which he finds refreshing. However, after a while this fell by the wayside and we were told more than shown Poppy volleying back barbs. I also think their attraction was signposted (along with their respective best friends voicing it) too early, so again we were told more than shown their attraction. I'd have preferred more of a slow burn there while ramping up the stakes with the candidates.

The pace really started to drag once we got into the matchmaking. Too much time was spent in the Greek scenes which should've been tightened. While it served to force Poppy and Tristan together to bond, the urgency for him to find a suitable candidiate was lost. Perhaps starting with Alexandra then Vittoria given how over-the-top she was to build on the bonkers reasons these women were unsuitable would've raised the stakes? Also, for a professional and elite, referral-only service I didn't buy Ursula's excuses, nor Poppy's unprofessionalism to recommend Vittoria. It would've worked better to just remove that part and focus on her behaviour as reasons why she's unsuitable.

The side-plot with a leak threatening to expose the agency and its clients added some fun intrigue (I am all for mystery in romance), but fell flat for me. Perhaps it could've been a B plot slowly running through a few of the books seeing Match Me If You Can is the start of a new series?

Overall this was a fun read with spark and banter, a fresh premise, well-rounded supporting characters plus London (and Greece!) as the backdrop. Judging by the excerpt at the end I'm looking forward to seeing how Poppy's relationship with Tristan grows, along with new characters to see matched.

Thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.