Member Reviews
So cute, I loved it! Everything you could want in a contemporary romance novel. Charachters are well developed and you can't help but fall in love with Paradise, Alaska.
This book is the first in a series featuring rugged Alaskan pilots who are about to meet their match from Barbara Dunlop. This was my first book by Barbara Dunlop and I was very excited when this ARC was sent to me because of the synopsis.
The book follows supermodel Mia who has found herself under intends scrutiny of the paparazzi and craze social media users after her much older husband dies and leaves her his fashion house. To escape, she leaves Los Angeles and heads to Alaska where her cousin Raven is a shipping expeditor working in a remote part of Alaska. But she isn't ready for everything Paradise, Alaska throws at her: the wild animals, insanely harsh weather, and a certain no-nonsense bush pilot.
To Silas Burke Mya is just another spoiled, entitled city girl who has zero business in the rough terrain of Alaska.
I liked this book and enjoyed the characters. They were likeable and I enjoyed the small-town relationships and their reliance on each other due to small town living. The banter was great, and I had a few laugh out loud moments. Also loved the setting. I am a sucker for a small-town romance involving burly manly types and this was set in gorgeous Alaska. I could picture Paradise, Alaska and wanting to visit a place fictional or otherwise because of a book is high praise and I did. I liked the plot and premise as well, but I felt like the chemistry between Mya and Silas could have used more development. They were so likeable and the tension between them could have made this great. Certain pieces felt disjoined to me and come scenes and storylines moved too fast.
I did enjoy it though and was what I needed after a couple long days at work. I would recommend this for romance lovers who is also suckers for small towns and rugged men 😊. This is a closed-door romance…just FYI.
I am looking forward to the others in the series!
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC of this book. This book is available on May 25, 2021.
Cute fish-out-of-water romance that is start of a new series. LA fashionista meets Alaska bush pilot. Entertaining and I envisioned a movie version from the get go. If Hallmark movies are your thing give this a try!
what a cute little feel-good romance novel. A socialite & a pilot; I love it when opposites attract. I love how Mia and Silas bring out different sides of each other. Mia's development is most important, as she learns that life isn't all about appearance and money. She learns more about love and PROPER self-care as she works with her cousin and her friends in Paradise. Definitely loved how the novel takes place in ALASKA!!
Plot: I really enjoyed it! I felt so sorry for Mia, and how cruel people were towards her, but I really liked reading about her gaining confidence in herself and her abilities, and finding good people to surround herself with. I also really liked how the set up for more books in the series began in this one! And I loved the ending!
Characters: I liked all the characters in it! And I'm happy that the next book is about Marnie, I think that will be fun. (And hopefully a book about Raven and Brodie?!)
The Cover: I think it's cute!
Overall: I really enjoyed this book, and I think it's a great start to a new series that I will definitely want to continue reading!
I received an e-ARC from the publisher.
I enjoyed this cute little contemporary romance. Mia is a great female protagonist. I loved getting a chance to see how smart and capable she was. I found the premise a little interesting though considering she's a widow. The author could've done a better job of transitioning from just lost husband to found new love. The book had the length for a slow transition but instead of giving us chemistry and build up it was more instant lust. Especially in Silas's character. But I think it worked really well overall. I usually hate the high powered woman ready to leave it all behind for the man but the author did a great job with at least making me think it could be the other way around. Paradise is charming. The people are fun and friendly. Can't wait for more in this series.
Special thanks to the publisher for gifting me a digital ARC of this title.
I was so excited to read this book! The cover was so cute, I had a feeling I would love it. I started reading the book and it reminded me exactly of The Simple Wild. I went back and read the synopsis and a few reviews, and others have said the same thing. I loved The Simple Wild, and I am not planning to read a book that is almost identical to it. I know others loved this book, so I do recommend checking their reviews out!
This was an enjoyable introduction to a new series set in the tiny town of Paradise, Alaska. As the first book, it did a wonderful job setting the scene with the Alaskan wilderness and developing a cast of characters I want to see more of. There was a wonderful balance of chemistry and conflict between the love interests as a pair of opposites fight their attraction. I really enjoyed watching Mia find her place and confidence in this world so outside her norm and seeing Silas grow to respect her and what she can do. I especially liked how this novel set the stage for the rest of the series - or at the very least the next book. I'm definitely curious to see where it goes and the next couple to fall in love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was such a warm, cozy, and adorable romance between two characters unexpectedly finding love in Alaska. This book was initially on my radar because of the apparent similarities to The Simple Wild, which is undeniably one of my favourite romances. Although featuring an opposites-attract romance set in Alaska, Match Made in Paradise definitely has its own unique story.
After the death of her famous, much older husband creates a whirlwind of scrutiny from paparazzi, supermodel Mia flees California to seek privacy with her cousin in Paradise, Alaska. Under the beautiful backdrop of a secluded lifestyle, Mia meets Silas, chief pilot of West Slope Aviation. Starting off with a combination of misconceptions, I loved the gentle way their relationship progressed.
One of my favourite aspects of this story is the details behind the career of not only the bush pilots but also the behind-the-scenes professionals keeping things running smoothly. From rescues to maintenance of the aircraft, it really immerses you in the high-risk lifestyle. And I loved seeing Mia find her place in the community, along with a few good laughs.
Without spoilers, there was a business venture introduced by Mia that felt a little odd, at least for me. I would have liked a tighter conclusion to that aspect, but overall I really enjoyed this! I'm looking forward to more in the series.
Full of heart, irresistible and spicy, MATCH MADE IN PARADISE is a fantastic feel good story. Brawny, muscular pilot Silas Burke flies a lovely blonde babe into Alaska, home of wild animals, frigid temperatures and rugged terrain. What's a supermodel doing hiding out in this neck of the woods? Silas has a hunch Mia is trying to leave the paparazzi behind but why here? He bets she won't last long in this harsh climate. To his surprise, Mia struggles on her feet but finds her mojo in a place he least expects and that's his hometown. Silas has trouble denying his instant attraction to her but does Mia feel the same?
Mia Westberg, a sizzling hot, blonde supermodel, needs a place to lie low. Her celebrated fashion designer husband dies and she inherits his company. Just her luck, because his kids and ex-wife resent her. Between unscrupulous family members, paparazzi and fans hounding her, she flees to the farthest corner of Alaska and stays with her cousin Raven. Raven works in shipping for an airline and has room for Mia at her place. Hopefully, Mia can find some semblance of peace or will she?
However, on her plane ride there, bush pilot Silas, intrigues her. He might be bristly and brusque but he sure is one handsome hunk! Mia is interested in helping out while there, but Silas isn't happy to have her underfoot, since she doesn't have experience. Surprisingly, Mia soon shows her mettle under Silas' tutelage but they keep bumping heads. Will they succumb to temptation or will they freeze each other out?
MATCH MADE IN PARADISE is a wild ride with unsuspecting natural events, powerful personalities and surprising romantic entanglements. A gorgeous supermodel, Mia and a macho bush pilot, Silas, become a hot item in the wilds of Alaska. This is a funny, fast-moving, smart-alecky story with lots of heat. Densely populated with male testosterone, guys galore, and Alaska's unique wilderness, makes for a lively entertaining novel. The author expertly relishes detailing bush pilot tips and experience at handling a plane. I didn't realize all that goes into caring for planes and the expert precaution taken at preventing accidents. There are numerous subplots and characters, so I can't wait to read the next story in this series! MATCH MADE IN PARADISE is definitely macho driven with a lot of hot tamale on the side!
I'm a sucker for small town romances, and when I read that Match Made in Paradise was the first in a new series taking place in Paradise, Alaska I knew I had to read it. Even better is that it was opposites attract.
After the death of her husband, a fashion icon, Mia needs to escape the harassment she's receiving from fans. She flees to Alaska where her cousin lives, thinking that the mob will die down if she doesn't give them anything that would feed into the gossip. On the way, Mia meets Silas, a bush pilot that thinks she's entitled and doesn't belong.
Mia slowly learns what it's like to be in a small town and does her best to be helpful while in town. Noticing that she's drawn the attention of many locals, Mia, along with her cousin and a local, decide to start a matchmaking business that easily sets the premise for the rest of the series.
As Mia becomes more accustomed and welcomed into Paradise, she finds herself drawn to Silas, who realizes he might have misjudged her. Can the supermodel and the bush pilot defy odds and become friends? Could they become even more?
I enjoyed this low stakes romance, it was the perfect escape and makes me wish I could go to Alaska (with my bear spray of course). I can't wait for the next book in this series.
If you're looking for an opposites attract romance with not much steam, check this out!
Mia Westberg needs to get out of LA stat. In the aftermath of the death of her much-older husband--founder and CEO of a world-renowned fashion brand--the former supermodel has become a target: accused of being an unfeeling gold digger, death threats, internet trolls, protestors outside her home, and now her step-children (who happen to be only two years younger than herself) are trying to steal the company out from under her. But she knows a place she can never be found: Paradise, Alaska.
Rugged bush pilot Silas Burke has seen and done a lot of crazy things over the course of his career. However, nothing prepared him for Mia. Friends with Mia's cousin, Raven, Silas can't believe that the two are related--and just how unprepared Mia is for life in rural Alaska. Still, Silas refuses to let a pretty face distract him; there are people relying on him to deliver everything from generators to wine. But there is something about Mia that keeps drawing him in, and he wants to show her the best of Paradise, Alaska.
They say opposites attract. But can they find true love?
A brilliant first in the Paradise Alaska series, "Match made in Paradise" is funny, heartfelt, and brilliantly written. I was not surprised to learn that Dunlop lives in Alaska; her vivid descriptions make the reader feel as if they are actually in the rugged Alaskan terrain. I'm very excited to see where this series will go. Perfect for fans of the "Moose Springs" series, or anyone who wants to escape for a little while, "Match Made in Paradise" is a phenomenal romance that will sweep you off your feet!
Mia is a supermodel and a recent widow. Her late husband ran a fashion empire. As his health deteriorated over the years, their relationship changed and she became his dedicated caretaker. When he died, he left her the empire. She’s more than capable of running it. She’s smart, hard-working, and has been serving as his apprentice for years. But when the will is read, she is harassed and hounded, even receiving death threats. The man’s adult children and their mother sue Mia for control of the company. Trapped and legally stuck, she flees to her cousin's home in remote Alaska to wait out the court proceedings. At least in the tiny town of Paradise, nobody will harass her. Except maybe bears.
The life of the town centers around a shipping facility. Trucks deliver their loads to the warehouse, whereupon handsome pilots fly the goods to even more remote locations. Accustomed to living in the lap of luxury, Mia has to adjust to the extremely rustic environment. And to her sudden hunger for a certain pilot. Silas feels the same way, although he has reasons to resist. Besides, it’s temporary. They have no future together. Still, the heart wants what it wants.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. The scenes are richly drawn, the characters are multi-dimensional, and there’s plenty of Alaska in there to make a lush background setting for the story. The only thing I’m unhappy about is that the rest of the series isn't yet available. I wish I could buy #2 right now. I want to see what happens with the hunky mechanic who says he doesn’t need anyone. Thanks to Netgalley for a very enjoyable pre-publication read.
Gorgeous Alaska setting is the backdrop for the opposites attract love story between an Alaskan bush pilot and a city dwelling supermodel. Mia has been going through a rough time after the death of her husband, and social media trolls are harassing her so she flees to Alaska to spend time with her cousin out of the limelight. Silas and Mia fall for each other and they have to figure out how to make it work. The setting was beautifully described and I’m a sucker for the burly manly man type main characters.
It very much reminds me of the Simple Wild series.
Thanks to Berkeley Publishers and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
This was my first novel by Barbara Dunlop and I really enjoyed it! It started a little slow for me but soon enough, I was lost in Paradise and totally vested in Mia and Silas's love story. Mia was such a great, likeable heroine, and Silas was perfect (sensitive, sexy, hot). This was a relatively low-stakes, low steam, contemporary romance and the perfect escape. I really want to go to Alaska now.
Good book! This book was funny yet heart warming and had a great storyline! I liked that the city girl came into the Alaskan Bush nowhere land lol it was a great journey for her! I definitely recommend reading this book! Its well worth the read! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
You know what they say, opposite does attract each other. And Mia and Sila are falling for each other without realizing it.
Mia has always been in control in her professional and personal life. However, unexpected death made her lose control especially when the media is coming after her. It makes a perfect timing for her escape the media and spend some quality time with her cousin in Alaska.
I definitely find myself surprise when Mia is willing to spend more time in Alaska. And what’s more shocking is when she wants to be part of the community. That’s unexpected and surprising. I would never expected Mia to do so especially since she is very adamant about returning to her life in the beginning. Things always change when you take a moment and realize what you truly want of life.
Mia also gets to spend time with Sila. Sila is the totally image of Alaskan man. Buff yet burly yet grumpy in a mix of one. It’s no surprising for Mia start falling for Sila. It may time more time for Sila. He totally judges her from the beginning. Bad experience from the past. He later changes her tune when he spends more time with her. Sila falling in love with her is so genuine because it’s gradually romance. No rushing. Just slowly getting to know each other as friends before becoming lovers. And that’s the best romance.
Loved the gorgeous Alaskan setting. Silas, the handsome bush pilot. And even Mia, the entitled supermodel. There is such a fun romance between them that I escaped into the pages, happily reading while it rained cold and hard outside. You know you’ve found a perfect book when you turn the first page and it’s hours later before you resurface into real life. The author’s lovely descriptive style makes you feel you’re right there in the splendid but oft challenging 49th state, and her well-drawn characters compel you to root for their happiness. This fine first book in a new contemporary romance series makes me long for the sequel. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 25 May 2021
#MatchMadeinParadise #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
Alaska. Check. Hunky pilot. Check. Woman trying to escape. Check. Match Made in Paradise is a cute read. Mia is pampered and balks at conditions after luxury living in LA. It took a while for Mia to grow on me. Silas was a bit prickly. Of course I was all in for the chemistry between them. I liked the community and the people. Even Mia started to improve in my estimation. I liked the ending. I liked this series and hope,to read more.
Solid start to a new series! I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Mia and Silas, as well as the set up of the small Alaskan town and its inhabitants. Fans of The Simple Wild series will find another hot bush pilot to crush on here.