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A review by beckymmoe
The Unmatchmakers by Jackie Lau
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.
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.