The Unmatchmakers
Author: Jackie Lau
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Despite being raised by a single mom who lost faith in marriage and fiercely believes a woman doesn’t need a man, Leora is a hopeless romantic. While she is apprehensive about spending a week with her mom and mom’s best friends, she is looking forward some down time on the lake, even if her mom will criticize her frilly pink shirt and polka dot bikini. But when Leora reconnects with childhood friend Neil, sparks fly. Now if only their mom’s would get behind the connection.
Shared in the first person POV of Leora, The Unmatchmakers is a delightful summer romp about friendship and love. Neil and Leora haven’t seen one another in ten years, but their mutual attraction is immediate. Since they are staying with their mothers and families, they can’t run off and explore the attraction, which allows them to get to know one another as adults. I love how they are opposites yet perfect for one another. I appreciate that the author doesn’t make them frenemies or constantly bicker, even though they are different. I appreciate that Lenora hasn’t given up on romance like her mom; that she enjoys being feminine and frilly, while simultaneously strong. She does her own thing, but still bows to her mom out of guilt.
While the romance is a big part of the story, connecting with family is equally important to the plot. The meddling moms act a bit strange, which makes for laughs, and I like how Neil and Leora deal with their moms. The author does a great job with the family dynamics and expressing feelings and intensions.
The Unmatchmakers is a summer romance, perfect for a summer read. I vacation on a lake each year, so the imagery felt very familiar, friendly, and real. The story is entertaining and fun. I highly recommend.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
You’d think my mother would be trying to set me up with architect Neil Choy, the unmarried son of her best friend. But you’d be wrong.
My single mother has always been fiercely independent. Since I was a small child, she’s always told me not to believe in fairy tales and that I don’t need a man. So she’s failed to mention that Neil is a total hottie in glasses. When I see him for the first time in a decade, on a multi-family cottage vacation, I’m in for quite a shock. (In fact, I nearly fall in the lake, but let’s keep that a secret.)
He sure can grill a mean steak and mix a killer cocktail, plus he’s pretty impressive in a kayak. Yes, he’s a little stern and grumpy, but that just makes him more fun to tease—and makes it more satisfying when he quirks his lips in my direction.
Even though my mind is spinning romantic fantasies, I’m not entirely sure how he feels. And I’m afraid that if anything happens between us, it’ll screw up the friendship between our staunchly anti-relationship mothers. Especially since they’ve been acting increasingly weird since we arrived—I will never forgive them for the S’mores Incident. In fact, I think they’re trying to sabotage my love life, and I’m starting to worry that I won’t make it through this bizarre summer vacation…
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Publisher: Kobo Originals
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley