About the Book:
Title: The Matchmaker Bride
Author: Ginny Baird
Series: Blue Hill Brides #2
Page Length: 350
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Synopsis: Successful Boston matchmaker and television personality Meredith Galanes’s reputation is on the line. During a guest appearance on a morning talk show, she’s broadsided by questions about her own romantic attachments, just as she’s trying to secure a syndication deal. Afraid to admit her love life is a total disaster, Meredith blurts out that she’s seriously involved with a very special man—a boatbuilder in Maine. She never expects that small slip to get spun into a story about her supposed engagement.
Or that the paparazzi will track the guy down…
Derrick Albright is laid-back about many things. Being hounded by the press about some imaginary engagement to a woman he’s only met once—and couldn’t stand—isn’t one of them. Then Meredith actually shows up at his cabin in Blue Hill, Maine, with an apology, a pot roast, and a proposal—play along until she secures her TV deal, and she’ll help him win back his ex.
It’s a simple plan, but if they have any chance of pulling it off, they’ll have to survive each other first…
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
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My Review:
Opposites attract in this new fake dating romance by Ginny Baird. The second book in the Blue Hill Brides series, The Matchmaker Bride is filled with miscommunication, hidden feelings, longing, angst, and some laugh-out-loud antics.
The characters in this story are great. Meredith is a smart, positive, and ambitious woman who has a gift for matchmaking. Derrick is a gifted boat-builder and instructor. Though they are very different and they seem to contradict each other, they actually have a lot in common. They are both kind and thoughtful, and they are both close with their families. They also both hide their growing feelings for each other.
It’s interesting to see this pair slowly realize the depth of their feelings. Because of something she said on live television, Meredith must convince Derrick to pretend to be her fiancée. In return, Meredith will help Derrick reunite with his ex-wife. Neither is honest about their feelings and what they really want, which adds a lot of angst to the story. Meredith is sure that Derrick wants his beautiful ex-wife back, and Derrick knows that Meredith doesn’t want him. How wrong they are!! Whether they are bickering, joking with each other, or working in harmony together, their chemistry is fantastic.
The secondary characters, especially Derrick’s family and Meredith’s aunt, are fabulous. Meredith’s aunt is funny and very insightful. I love her vivacious personality and how supportive she is of her niece. Much like Meredith’s family, Derrick’s family is so close and loving. You can tell that they’re very involved in each other’s lives and that they spend a lot of time together. They support each other through the ups and downs of life, and their loyalty shines through. Plus, they’re so fun! Some of the shenanigans they get up to in this book are fantastic, especially when they are at the baby shower.
This is a light and charming contemporary rom-com with fun characters and a lovely romance. Though it’s the second book in the series, you don’t have to read the first book to read this one. However, many characters from the first book, including Meredith and Derrick, have roles in this book. The Matchmaker Bride takes place about a year after The Duplicate Bride, and it’s great to see how the characters’ lives have progressed throughout this time. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Ginny Baird, and Entangled: Amara for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!
- The families – they are fantastic!
Recommendations:
Want to learn more about the series? Check out my review of the first book – The Duplicate Bride !
This sounds fun, Julie. I like fake romances that become real. i am not familiar with this series, but will have to check it out. Wonderful review.
It’s a cute series – great family dynamics!
I have such a huge TBR, but you have convinced me to add this one.
Nice blog!
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