Book Summary: 

They couldn’t be more different, but wild-at-heart (and in bed) Rose and sweet-but-square Tyler have to make it through a romantic Valentine’s weekend to win the prize at the end – all while proving they’re certainly, definitely, really not the perfect match the dating app proclaims them to be… right?

Rose

I went to my bestie’s over-the-top Valentine’s Day event alone, and when the first person I meet is straight-laced Tyler, I know I’m leaving alone, too. He’s all buttoned-up with nary a tattoo in sight, and he does math…for fun. In other words, definitely not my type. But when a dating app proclaims him my Perfect Match and offers up a pot of prize money if we spend a romantic weekend together, complete with an all-expenses paid luxury hotel and couples activities galore, I don’t need love as a motivator–that money will help save my fledgling, and failing, graphic design business. Now Tyler is looking at me like I’m the perfect box of chocolates, talking about indulging in one last fling before he settles down. Suddenly, I’m thinking Mr. All-Wrong-For-Me might be the perfect Mr. Right-Now.

Tyler

I went to a Valentine’s Day singles’ event looking for love and left with Rose, whose vivacious attitude and sunset-hued hair sets her apart from every woman I’ve ever dated. Even if her curvy body stirs up a wilder side in me I’ve always kept under wraps, she’s definitely not what I’m looking for in a long-term partner… or so I thought. But somewhere between hiking with goats, getting our nails painted, and Rose’s lessons on new and inventive ways to share our heart-shaped bed, I’m wondering if she might be just what I never knew I always needed. But when she’s determined to part when our wild weekend is done, how can I convince her we might be a perfect match after all?

My Review:

Eliza McLane won my heart with her debut novella Santa, Baby. I am so happy to report she was just getting started. Back again with a Valentine’s Day novella, Perfect Match wraps you up in a tale of two individuals who couldn’t be more different and yet absolutely perfect for each other.

Being the amazing and dedicated person that she is, Rose partakes in her friend’s Perfect Match dating app Valentine’s Day event as an extra body in the crowd. Longing to sneak out and enjoy a quiet night at home, Rose finds herself toe to toe with Tyler, the most straight-laced run of the mill Boy Scout (correction Nature Boy) she has ever met. With her orange and pink hair, tattoos, and a personality larger than life, Rose knows, even though she isn’t looking, she definitely is not Tyler’s type. Apparently the dating app algorithm believes otherwise, deciding they are the perfect match and the chosen couple for an immediate special lovers’ getaway with a bonus cash price if they finish the weekend together. Never one to pass up a challenge, Rose is all in but will someone as outwardly alive as her scare Tyler off or be the right amount of force to pull him out of his shell.

What I like about it: When reading romantic comedies, especially in eBook form – I have begun to recognize a pattern: obstacle presented at 25%, hook up at around 50%, fall out around 70-75%, and then resolution and HEA at the end. With Perfect Match, the rollercoaster of lust, emotions, and connections was nowhere near formula. Eliza allowed everything to unfold naturally. There wasn’t a big fall out and then chapters upon chapters of missed opportunities or the failure to communicate until it was resolved. In fact, the tension presented was but a blimp in the overall story – never once taking away from the energy and explosive chemistry that was cooking up between the characters.

As for the spiciness of the story – I am still in recovery. Eliza is giving Tessa Bailey a run for her money with her piping hot setups and intimate connections. The build up she creates between these two characters is insane. I love how it isn’t all sexual innuendos, flirting, and cheap moves – these two are turned on by the essence of who they are and what they learn about each other. Tyler can’t get enough of how bright and luscious Rose’s personality is, making her sexier than any physical feature she may possess. Rose can’t stop eating up the innocent wholesomeness that is Tyler (that makes two of us). Those moments where he is able to tap into that naughty side harboring within and let go is insanely hot!

While we are on the subject, I LOVE Tyler! He is so insanely adorable that I could just devour him. He is so cute, sweet, and everything in between. I almost feel sorry for Lisa, especially with his eagerness to learn and explore. He definite has the Clark Kent/Superman transformation down!

What I loved about this book: First and foremost, I loved the LGBTQIA2+ friendliness of the story, from the non-binary friend, to the sexual fluid female protagonist, to the gay roommate, and finally the lesbian parents. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing someone who was so carefree care so much. Rose constantly found herself wondering how she was impacting Tyler, becoming more and more invested when normally the idea of being withdrawn and unattached was more natural. That emotional intertwine within the lust and excitement was the beating heart of this story.

If you can’t tell already, I absolutely adored these characters. Instead of a grumpy vs. sunshine trope, it is more of a different spectrum attraction – being opposite in every way but those opposite traits being what the other finds endearing. I can’t gush enough about this novella. Such a wonderful treat for those who love and loathe Valentine’s Day. Eliza hints at a summer solstice novella on the horizon and I, for one, can’t wait!