Book Review: Well Matched by Jen DeLuca
Full review on my romance book blog. Bookstagram | Goodreads
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5 Steam Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
I wasn't the biggest fan of Well Played, but I was really excited to read Well Matched because I fell in love with Mitch after his appearances in the previous books in the series and was eager to finally read his happily ever after.
Mitch's character was expanded on significantly and I enjoyed seeing a deeper and more vulnerable side to him as opposed to the carefree sports teacher who occasionally wears a kilt. We also get to learn more about April and watch as she navigates her life as a soon-to-be empty nester and her journey of finding a sense of belonging.
Although the synopsis promises a fake relationship trope, I found that it was more of a side-plot and instead the story largely focused on April and her struggles. Because of this, I found Mitch and April's relationship to be underdeveloped and lacking chemistry. I feel like their relationship would have benefited greatly if certain scenes were more fleshed out in order to further develop the beginning of their attraction to one another.
I enjoyed the plentiful cameos of Emily and Simon, along with a few Stacey and Daniel appearances. It was also nice to visit the Renaissance Faire again, and because it is only a small portion of the book it doesn't feel repetitive, but rather like visiting an old friend.
Overall, this was a cute and easy read, and I enjoyed revisiting Willow Creek and its residents. I fell in love with Mitch but unfortunately wasn't one hundred percent convinced by his and April's relationship.
