Publication Date: 29th October 2013
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 9780373778195
Age Group: Young adult/Adult
Genre: Romance
Source: eBook shelf
Lootability: ****
Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there… or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn't easier said than done.Honor Holland is the sister who lives up to expectations, the daughter her Father can rely on to look after the vineyard. She’s sensible, practical and hard-working, has been in love with her best friend for the last fifteen years, and can hear her ovaries shrivelling.
Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind.
In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn't easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love….
--Goodreads summary
When the man Honor loves overlooks her, in favour of her best friend, she throws herself into the search for love, marriage and babies. Offered a green card marriage of convenience with English Man Tom Barlow, Honor decides she’s ready to move on from Brogan, and have a family.
What I Liked: I was wary going in to Perfect Match, after reflecting on her character in The Best Man. She was prickly, grumpy and somewhat unsympathetic until the end of Best Man, and I was concerned she wouldn’t become any easier to like.
I don’t know what I was worried about. Kristan Higgins wouldn’t throw an unlikable heroine at me, all her characters are wacky, quirky and remarkably likeable. Honor is stiff, confident and demands respect from everyone she encounters. She loves her family, loves her work, and loves her terrible terrier.
Tom was charming, if incredibly goofy, with a big heart who is perfect for Honor, forcing her to let her hair down and take a chance to have fun. He has his flaws, drinking, jealousy, and an inferiority complex.
My favourite characters in the Blue Heron series, are Pops and Goggy. Their tough love, argumentative nature and the general stubbornness - recognisable in anyone over 60 who refuses to acknowledge the benefits of change - make them both adorable and frustratingly familiar.
Also, John Holland’s new relationship? Saw it. Knew it. Love it!
What I Didn’t Like: Brogan and Dana. Yueck. Worst couple ever. Worst people ever. I don’t see what the appeal is there at all. Brogan is selfish, egotistical (one of my favourite words), and arrogant. Yes, yes, he’s all smitten kitten with his new love but she’s horrid and if he prefers her to Honor then he’s stupid as well. Does his ‘charming’ and outgoing personality make up for his seriously oblivious nature? No.
Then there’s Dana. There is something to be said for having a friend like Dana, someone who isn’t worried about sugar coating things, and always has a comeback to a bully. Unfortunately we’ve all had a friend like Dana, a toxic friend who will happily turn on you when your services as a friend are no longer necessary.
The Perfect Match was a sweet romance about finding your place, and embracing your true self. I look forward to the third instalment of the Blue Heron series.
