Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
dalitza's review
5.0
Making the Match is book 4 of the River Rain series by Kristen Ashley (KA). It is a a standalone contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Tropes:
✔️ couple over 40
✔️ second chances
✔️ single parents
Fans of KA will surely love this story about family, love, redemption and hope.
These are super quick thoughts on this book and in general of KA's stories.
- I saw a couple of reviews that comment on the pace. It begins slow. Yes, this is true. Sort of. Since it's about a couple that have history, the start sets up the stage, but once you get it, you're hooked.
- KA's books always make me think and reflect. I didn't just love the story itself, I loved the afterword and the book club questions.
- I don't cry a lot when reading books, because I purposely choose fun and lighthearted tropes, but KA just does it for me in a way that I love even when the story makes me cry.
- Mika the heroine is a 48YO mother who is facing being an empty nester. My age, the same thing I'm facing, and so it resonated with me very much.
- I loved Tom in all his humanity.
- I loved the loving family forming around Tom and Mika.
★ Hero:
Tropes:
✔️ couple over 40
✔️ second chances
✔️ single parents
Fans of KA will surely love this story about family, love, redemption and hope.
These are super quick thoughts on this book and in general of KA's stories.
- I saw a couple of reviews that comment on the pace. It begins slow. Yes, this is true. Sort of. Since it's about a couple that have history, the start sets up the stage, but once you get it, you're hooked.
- KA's books always make me think and reflect. I didn't just love the story itself, I loved the afterword and the book club questions.
- I don't cry a lot when reading books, because I purposely choose fun and lighthearted tropes, but KA just does it for me in a way that I love even when the story makes me cry.
- Mika the heroine is a 48YO mother who is facing being an empty nester. My age, the same thing I'm facing, and so it resonated with me very much.
- I loved Tom in all his humanity.
- I loved the loving family forming around Tom and Mika.
★ Hero:
nessavabooks's review
4.0
I’m giving this a borderline pick. Kristen Ashley is one of my comfort authors because I know exactly what I’m going to get. This is definitely classic KA, but unfortunately in a negative way as well. Her books can be too long, and I usually do not care, but this one really felt long and a bit unfocused. The main character cheats in one of the previous books - this is not a spoiler, so if cheating is not redeemable for you, may be pass on this one. But I did enjoy seeing all the characters of this series (this is book 4).
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
mindylou's review
2.0
There were some great parts to this book. I did like that Tom found his HEA. But cheating, even if it’s not between the main characters, is a delicate thing to be handled in the romance genre if you want the audience to forgive the cheater and root for their HEA. At least for a big portion of the audience. I do know some who feel differently.
I get that the author was focusing on Tom’s redemption so he could find his HEA. I’m all for that. But I really didn’t like how the path of that redemption went. Yes, I get that sometimes cheating happens because the other partner disconnects or doesn’t provide the emotional support the other needs. But again, that doesn’t excuse cheating for me. Really, nothing excuses it. However, I could have gotten past it in Tom’s case.
I admired that Tom took responsibility by admitting he should have quit the marriage before turning to another woman. He even takes full blame…at first. I think if the author left it there and then focused purely on Tom and Mika, I would have been able to set aside Tom cheating on his first wife and see that he would never do that again and be the man Mika deserved. Sadly, the author didn’t do that. This is where it took a turn for me. What it seemed to me, the author felt Tom needed a better reason to cheat and ultimately throws Imogen, his first wife under the bus. Why??? Now you’re blaming the victim. I especially don’t understand it when you already gave us Imogen’s story in book one where you made us fall in love with her and felt terrible for her how the men in her life kept breaking her. And now you want us to believe she should take responsibility for Tom’s cheating? No. Just no. Maybe that wasn’t the intent here, but that’s exactly how it felt when I read this.
To add to that, I also had a problem with Tom and Mika’s first introduction while Tom was married to Imogen. That felt like Tom’s first instance of cheating even though they both walked away. Emotional cheating is a thing for some people.
I know not everyone views cheating the same. This is my personal opinion and my explanation for the two star rating. I’m also feeling like I glossed over all that was good in this book because of ONE thing. There was a lot of good. I just feel very strongly about how Imogen was portrayed in this book and unfortunate, it overshadowed the rest.
I get that the author was focusing on Tom’s redemption so he could find his HEA. I’m all for that. But I really didn’t like how the path of that redemption went. Yes, I get that sometimes cheating happens because the other partner disconnects or doesn’t provide the emotional support the other needs. But again, that doesn’t excuse cheating for me. Really, nothing excuses it. However, I could have gotten past it in Tom’s case.
I admired that Tom took responsibility by admitting he should have quit the marriage before turning to another woman. He even takes full blame…at first. I think if the author left it there and then focused purely on Tom and Mika, I would have been able to set aside Tom cheating on his first wife and see that he would never do that again and be the man Mika deserved. Sadly, the author didn’t do that. This is where it took a turn for me. What it seemed to me, the author felt Tom needed a better reason to cheat and ultimately throws Imogen, his first wife under the bus. Why??? Now you’re blaming the victim. I especially don’t understand it when you already gave us Imogen’s story in book one where you made us fall in love with her and felt terrible for her how the men in her life kept breaking her. And now you want us to believe she should take responsibility for Tom’s cheating? No. Just no. Maybe that wasn’t the intent here, but that’s exactly how it felt when I read this.
To add to that, I also had a problem with Tom and Mika’s first introduction while Tom was married to Imogen. That felt like Tom’s first instance of cheating even though they both walked away. Emotional cheating is a thing for some people.
I know not everyone views cheating the same. This is my personal opinion and my explanation for the two star rating. I’m also feeling like I glossed over all that was good in this book because of ONE thing. There was a lot of good. I just feel very strongly about how Imogen was portrayed in this book and unfortunate, it overshadowed the rest.
econdio2430's review
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up.
I've been patiently waiting for this book since it was announced months ago. I absolutely love the River Rain series and Making the Match was no different.
The story of Tom and Mika drew me in right away. The prologue really set the stage with their initial meeting and what happened in between. I couldn't wait to get to the moment where they got together, and it did not disappoint once it happened. While I was glad to see Tom get his moment and I really liked the guy, Mika was the true star here. She knew who she was and owned it on every page. It's clear she is going to play a big part in the Pierce family. Her relationship with her daughter was another big part of the story. It was great to see them interact. Plus the 'She Has Your Hair' poem... UGH.
Of course we got to see the cast of characters from the other books in the River Rain series, plus a few new ones. Nora was an amazing addition to the series; she was sassy, fierce and loving. It was also great to see more of characters we've met in the past, like Matt, Hale and Jamie.
Can we just skip right to Hale's story?! It's clear from Making the Match how important Tom and Hale are to each other and I'm looking forward to seeing Tom more in Hale's story. But the setup for Hale's story is so strong. I know Kristen Ashley said Blake Sharp's story is next (which I'm sure will be great, like all the others), but Hale.. I mean I need to know what happens!
I've been patiently waiting for this book since it was announced months ago. I absolutely love the River Rain series and Making the Match was no different.
The story of Tom and Mika drew me in right away. The prologue really set the stage with their initial meeting and what happened in between. I couldn't wait to get to the moment where they got together, and it did not disappoint once it happened. While I was glad to see Tom get his moment and I really liked the guy, Mika was the true star here. She knew who she was and owned it on every page. It's clear she is going to play a big part in the Pierce family. Her relationship with her daughter was another big part of the story. It was great to see them interact. Plus the 'She Has Your Hair' poem... UGH.
Of course we got to see the cast of characters from the other books in the River Rain series, plus a few new ones. Nora was an amazing addition to the series; she was sassy, fierce and loving. It was also great to see more of characters we've met in the past, like Matt, Hale and Jamie.
Can we just skip right to Hale's story?! It's clear from Making the Match how important Tom and Hale are to each other and I'm looking forward to seeing Tom more in Hale's story. But the setup for Hale's story is so strong. I know Kristen Ashley said Blake Sharp's story is next (which I'm sure will be great, like all the others), but Hale.. I mean I need to know what happens!
simplydreareads's review
3.0
I love KA but I miss old KA, this book dragged out wayyyy too much for me. Probably should’ve been condensed into a novella.
mindforbooks's review
4.0
Reread 2024:
I'm still so annoyed about the Genny drama, so much so I'm mentioning it AGAIN in my review. Like I don't think it's a case of there 'might' have been some blaming Genny for the marriage breakdown to flat out 'it is' blaming Genny for the marriage breakdown. The Genny Show? REALLY??
Now, with that being said, it's really the only part I disliked, I love the grown up Gossip Girl feeling to this series overall and I enjoy the over the topness of it.
But also, can everyone keep Genny's name out of their mouths?
To even have the kids gang up on her?
Ugh!!
This book even put me off Chloe again. And it's worth repeating that a Genny and Duncan POV was needed. I've little faith in them as a couple right now.
Still a big Mika, Cadence and Nora fan though.
I'm a bit meh about Tom to be honest!
_____________
Think this is a 3.5 for me.
I'm a little bit disappointed and the reason for that has to do with the Genny drama. I understand that not every HEA is always a HEA and sometimes things crop up and couples' need to work through it, but Genny's reaction to Tom being in a new relationship didn't feel like it was explored or explained very well. It made me feel like perhaps Genny and Duncan's relationship is not the HEA I thought it was and that was kind of sad because I adored them. I can see what the hope was, to highlight Genny's lack of communication and habit of shutting down, but it just fell flat for me and took away from Genny and Duncan and dare I say, it felt a little like placing blame on Genny for the marriage breaking down? I know Tom said MANY times that he takes full responsibility but Genny doing to Duncan what she did to Tom felt off to me. Maybe had we had a Genny and Duncan POV's that would have helped?
It's a pity really as I liked Mika, ADORED her daughter, I'm in absolute love with Nora and all the secondary characters have me super excited about this series!
I'm still so annoyed about the Genny drama, so much so I'm mentioning it AGAIN in my review. Like I don't think it's a case of there 'might' have been some blaming Genny for the marriage breakdown to flat out 'it is' blaming Genny for the marriage breakdown. The Genny Show? REALLY??
Now, with that being said, it's really the only part I disliked, I love the grown up Gossip Girl feeling to this series overall and I enjoy the over the topness of it.
But also, can everyone keep Genny's name out of their mouths?
To even have the kids gang up on her?
Ugh!!
This book even put me off Chloe again. And it's worth repeating that a Genny and Duncan POV was needed. I've little faith in them as a couple right now.
Still a big Mika, Cadence and Nora fan though.
I'm a bit meh about Tom to be honest!
_____________
Think this is a 3.5 for me.
I'm a little bit disappointed and the reason for that has to do with the Genny drama. I understand that not every HEA is always a HEA and sometimes things crop up and couples' need to work through it, but Genny's reaction to Tom being in a new relationship didn't feel like it was explored or explained very well. It made me feel like perhaps Genny and Duncan's relationship is not the HEA I thought it was and that was kind of sad because I adored them. I can see what the hope was, to highlight Genny's lack of communication and habit of shutting down, but it just fell flat for me and took away from Genny and Duncan and dare I say, it felt a little like placing blame on Genny for the marriage breaking down? I know Tom said MANY times that he takes full responsibility but Genny doing to Duncan what she did to Tom felt off to me. Maybe had we had a Genny and Duncan POV's that would have helped?
It's a pity really as I liked Mika, ADORED her daughter, I'm in absolute love with Nora and all the secondary characters have me super excited about this series!
whatcha_listening_to's review
3.0
I liked this book I didn't love it.
I am glad we got Tom's story. I believe he needed to have one and I like that we get to see his side of things and the fact that he didn't make excuses he owned his actions and moved forward.
The effects of his actions are not lost on him, and he knows that they didn't just affect himself but everyone he cared about.
Mika took me more time to warm up to. I like the way she was with her daughter and with Tom and how she cut off tie with him because she knew their connection was rare and it could hurt. The way she loved her husband it was also heart breaking his tragic end. But the way she picks up after him and becomes herself raising this incredible human it was inspiring.
I liked the family comes back into this book, so we don't feel like we missed them.
It was a good book.
I really enjoyed the narration too I think they both did the book justice.
I am glad we got Tom's story. I believe he needed to have one and I like that we get to see his side of things and the fact that he didn't make excuses he owned his actions and moved forward.
The effects of his actions are not lost on him, and he knows that they didn't just affect himself but everyone he cared about.
Mika took me more time to warm up to. I like the way she was with her daughter and with Tom and how she cut off tie with him because she knew their connection was rare and it could hurt. The way she loved her husband it was also heart breaking his tragic end. But the way she picks up after him and becomes herself raising this incredible human it was inspiring.
I liked the family comes back into this book, so we don't feel like we missed them.
It was a good book.
I really enjoyed the narration too I think they both did the book justice.
meqvicta_50's review
5.0
The River Rain series is proving to be a tearjerker, bawl your eyes out book series. Tom and Mika's story is a second chance at love and dare I say - a better story than Imogen's and Duncan's. This book delves more on what happened between Tom and Imogen's marriage and the effects of their divorce on their children. Tom is very much aware of his part on how his marriage fell apart but we finally see how much he protected and prioritized Genny to the point he forgot that he was also an integral part of the relationship. Hardest part of the book for me was the scene between Tom and Genny when they finally were both honest with each other on what happened with their relationship. Mika Stowe also has a heartbreaking story to tell but this has shaped her into the woman she has become. Overall, this story is all about love in its entirety - it's both beautiful and ugly, selfless and selfish, sanctuary and chaos.
anakings's review
4.0
The other story
Spoilersssss
When I read After the climb/ book 1 I found Genny a bit too bougie for my liking. But I appreciated that after so many years she became her own woman. I wasn't so sure about Tom.
Here he gets to tell his side and boy was I wrong.
For a few chapters, I despised Genny. She was stuck in her own world and everyone revolved around her.
It's a an HEA and I'm beyond happy they Tom found his peace that he much deserved.
Of course new characters are introduced and I'm beyond interested to see where this will go.
Spoilersssss
When I read After the climb/ book 1 I found Genny a bit too bougie for my liking. But I appreciated that after so many years she became her own woman. I wasn't so sure about Tom.
Here he gets to tell his side and boy was I wrong.
For a few chapters, I despised Genny. She was stuck in her own world and everyone revolved around her.
It's a an HEA and I'm beyond happy they Tom found his peace that he much deserved.
Of course new characters are introduced and I'm beyond interested to see where this will go.