The cutest romcom I’ve read. Give me all the marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, I will eat it up. Poppy and Tristan belong together, the banter is too good. I enjoyed reading this book.

This might not be the first book I’ve read that’s based around a dating agency, but the Ever After Agency is certainly something a little different – catering to the top end of the market, its professionals very much invested in providing the kind of service the customers expect, maintaining a level of secrecy about their operations that their clientele demands. Poppy is a former psychologist, an Australian living in London, having worked for the agency for four years now – concerned about the possibility of a breach in the agency’s security and its personal consequences, but maintaining her focus (to the exclusion of a private life) on delivering those matches as successfully as always.

Clients find the agency through personal referrals – and Tristan, needing to find a wife within months to secure his grandfather’s £30M fortune, has little choice than to take up their services. His lawyer friend Ravi found his wife that way, and if there was ever a couple meant to be together… but he’s really not looking for a love match, just a two year marriage that they can both then walk away from. It seems his requirements aren’t unique – there are women on the agency’s books only too happy to view marriage as a mutually beneficial transaction, and Poppy only needs to find the right one. But doing so proves rather more difficult than she imagined – while her initially resistant and distinctly hostile new client proves to have rather more depth and shared ground than she expected, and the attraction between them begins to grow.

I don’t want to spoil the story by going into too much detail, but I have to say that I loved every moment – there’s an extraordinary chemistry to the grumpy-sunshine central relationship, a crackle and fizz that the author always does so very well. I really loved the first person telling of the story, the distinctive voices of both Poppy and Tristan giving real insight into their characters and their feelings, only making you love them both all the more. And the supporting characters are simply wonderful – the other staff at the agency (the serene Saskia is superb), the supportive friends (I so loved Ravi’s wife Jacinda… and Poppy’s friend Shaz) and their interventions, and the various fascinating women who were Tristan’s potential matches.

While the agency is London based, if you’ve read any books by the author before it’ll come as no surprise that some of the action takes place at different well-drawn locations – and, given the size of the fortune involved, an opportunity for an insider view of the complicated lives of the idle rich. And this is, of course, a romantic comedy so there are plenty of laughs along the way – some wonderful set pieces, but the whole book is an absolute joy – but with no shortage of more serious moments and more than its fair share of real poignancy and emotion. The slow-burn romance really is just gorgeous – it was one I could really feel, and I so desperately wanted that unlikely happy ending.

This book was fabulous, and I really can’t wait for the next in the series – a really original idea, a great story, beautifully written, and with such engaging characters. If you enjoy the same books that I do, you really must add it to your reading list – I promise you’re going to love it as much as I did.

When I read the synopsis to this, I thought it sounded such a fun and entertaining read, I wasn’t wrong, but I enjoyed it even more than I anticipated. This story was funny, not just that, but it made me laugh out loud several times and usually earning me strange looks from people on the bus or colleagues in work when on my lunch.

It had some of my favourite tropes grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and forbidden romance. Poppy and Tristan are really likeable characters, I loved the story and thought the writing was really good. Match me if you can is the first in the new series from Sandy Barker Love Match Agency and I can tell you I loved it and can’t wait for future books in the series.
Full of chemistry , great tension and romance, the story of Poppy and Tristan is sure to draw you in and not let you leave it’s pages, it did for me and I couldn’t be more delighted to give this my recommendation.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

💘 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 - Sandy Barker 💘

Poppy Dean, a dedicated London matchmaker, excels at finding love for others but hasn’t found it for herself. When Tristan Fellows walks in, her latest challenge begins. Tristan, a commitment-phobic bachelor, must wed before his 35th birthday to inherit £30 million. This might be Poppy’s toughest case yet. Is it time for Poppy to find her own happy ending too?

One of the standout features of this book is the witty and engaging banter between the characters. Sandy Barker crafts humorous and playful dialogue that keeps readers entertained from beginning to end. The quick-witted exchanges between the characters create an engaging atmosphere that is both charming and addictive.

Above all, “Match Me If You Can” is just plain fun. The book combines humor, romance, and a touch of adventure into one big package.

Thank you so much @netgalley for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3,5* Funny, entertaining, romantic.

A secret matchmaking agency on the verge of being uncovered, a potentially handsome billionaire heir who has to find a bride to secure his fortune, a determined sassy single matchmaker are the keys of this book.

Tristan is almost thirty five when his grandfather dies leaving his fortune to him, but there's and old clause stating he must be married before his 35th birthday in order to inherit. As a happy nevergoingtosettle bachelor Tristan has to make terms with his happy state and the responsibility of losing a fortune which would grant him and his family for the future and more.
With the help of his trusted solicitor and best friend Ravi he makes contact with the Ever After Agency and Poppy Dean who's ment to find him the perfect match.

We assist to a serie of rushed and highly convoluted date while cupid plays his part working incognito.
It was very funny and emotional, not too original, if we may, but lovely non the less.
I loved the secondary characters as well, Ravi and his wife so much I wished I could read their story too.

Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

A lot happens in this romantic comedy set in an elite matchmaking agency. Poppy's latest case is Tristan, a man who needs to marry to fulfil the conditions of his grandfather's will. A marriage of convenience is the answer, according to his friend and lawyer Ravi. Tristan dislikes the idea but sees no choice and grudgingly agrees. Poppy is a charming and motivated individual who wants her client's best outcome. Forced together to meet Tristan's possible wives, the chemistry simmers and animosity chances to admiration. There's humour, friendship and gentle romance in this entertaining story. I like this story's characters, locations and romantic comedy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I was so excited to read this book as I adore a Sandy Barker book, I always know that I will be entertained by her brilliant characters, food and travel moments and a will they won’t they romance throughout the story, and this time we had the extra tropes of enemies to lovers, forbidden love and close proximity to relish. And a new series too, perfect!
Holly is a character that I instantly took to, her positive attitude was the perfect foil to Tristain’s negative attitude- and I relished the chemistry between them.
Some amazing locations and some funny moments kept me turning the pages avidly.
A wonderful lighthearted read that was fun and entertaining to read, so lovely to be whisked away again by Sandy with a fantastic host of wonderful characters and a intriguing storyline. Perfect escapism!

I could not put down this book. I loved it. Yes there were some parts that dragged a bit that I skimmed over but otherwise I really like the plot, the execution, the characters and just the whole thing. It was just super cute and I really enjoyed reading it. I love a grumpy sunshine romance and this is just a perfect cute love story to get me out my reading funk.

I really enjoyed this light hearted, match making romcom! It was just what I needed to break me out of my reading slump.
The storyline was lighthearted and kept me engaged to see how the characters would end up together!
Thank you NetGalley and BoldWood books for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was such an enjoyable read. I loved the premise of the story - a matchmaking agency that needs to find Tristan (our mmc) a wife before his next birthday so he doesn't lose his inheritance.

Tristan is our typical grumpy bachelor, who is more than happy with how his life is and doesn't want it to change, certainly not needing or wanting romance.

He made me laugh with his toast unwillingness at times, but you start to see glimpses of his true personality as the story goes on.

Poppy (our fmc) has the wonderful task of helping Tristan. She is a total sweetheart, and I love that she didn't put up with his bad attitude.

The romance in this book is definitely slow burn, and it does take a while for it to heat up, but it's worth the wait.

There are some really funny moments in this book, especially with some of the dates that Tristan is put on.

The side characters are great and really add to the story.

Be prepared to fall in love with this light-hearted slow burn romance that will keep you enthralled from start to finish.

This was a fun twist on a "you have to get married to get your inheritance" story. I liked that both Poppy and Tristan were driven and hard working. And that they both had close relationships with their friends. The pull between them was evident at the beginning but the way that they were written made me understand why they were fighting it so hard. I appreciated the development of the individual characters and it helped me feel the conflict they each had when trying to put aside their attraction to keep it professional

There are some great supporting characters that kept it fun. I loved the relationship between Tristan and his best friend Ravi. And the relationship between Poppy and her best friend Shaz.

I can't wait to see what the rest of this series brings!

Rating edit: 3.5 stars

In one line ―fun, interesting and entertaining.

And long, which didn't require forty chapters. It could have been a fantastic read if it were shorter and crisper.

Poppy is a smart and experienced matchmaking agent, who works with a reputed company.

Tristan doesn't believe in love or marriage, and yet he's looking for a wife ―a marriage of convenience because he has to get married before his 35th birthday or else he would lose an insanely hefty amount that he is about to inherit through his grandfather's will.

Poppy shortlists three potential candidates for him but…but, yes you get it right.

I really liked Poppy ―she is smart, professional, articulate and responsible. And caring. I liked Poppy-Tristan moments and conversations but there's was no spark.

I didn't essentially dislike Tristan,
however he seemed to exhibit contradictory nature. He's called grumpy but he's grumpy at his own convenience, where he 'needs' to be as per the situation. Otherwise, he is very well mannered, and too nice to everyone. He's always nervous or anxious, unable to know what to do or say. Claps his hand over his mouth or bites or chews on his lips too many times. Sometimes he seemed like a damsel in distress, who needed to be looked after. That was a bit annoying.

The plot is good, and the writing is engaging. And, I said, it was an entertaining read, with some really nice moments that keep you hooked. However it meanders a lot. There are so many special/interesting moments that lose their impact because of the delays caused by unnecessary description and conversation (with too many staff members, Ravi, Shaz etc) and too much explanation. Including the ending. It's an ARC so maybe it will go for another round of editing.

Overall, it was a nice and entertaining read.

Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

I have never met a Sandy Barker book that I didn’t love and reading the premise of this one I knew it was going to be no different. Dating agency novels are having a moment and they are always good fun and I can’t think of anyone better than Sandy to bring an exciting twist to the idea.

Sandy has created a couple of extremely endearing characters in Poppy and Tristan. Poppy is a psychologist-turned-dating-agent and she takes her job extremely seriously. She doesn’t have any time for romance herself, being totally focused on setting up suitable matches for her clients. I loved the idea that many of the people coming to the agency were looking for relationships for reasons other than love. I wonder how much os this happens in real life in a way that is as honest as the people in Sandy’s book? I imagine a lot of people look for dates for financial or procreational reasons but I guess most do it in a clandestine way. The book did leave me wondering about the ethics of setting up ‘fake’ marriages and whether it is okay if both parties know about it. The lawyer in me had some questions about Ravi and his approach to Grandad’s will!

Tristan is also an interesting character. He has fascinating development throughout the book from grumpy perpetual bachelor to… well you’ll have to read the book to see how he ends up and it’s well worth doing because the story is very entertaining and sweet. If you are a hopeless romantic as I am, you will absolutely love this book.

The cast of supporting characters add hugely to the book’s enjoyment. I have to say, I have a particular fondness for Vittoria. I don’t know if that was how Sandy intended I feel about her, I suspect not, but she is so unashamedly herself and not afraid to pursue what she wants that you have to admire her. The world needs a few more unapologetic women in my opinion! Ravi and Jacinda are the kind of friends that everyone wants (slightly dodgy legal ethics aside) and who wouldn’t love to work at the Happy Ever After agency with the unflappable Saskia? It almost makes me wish it were real.

This is a wonderful romance novel and the start of an exciting new series for Sandy. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what entertaining new dating dilemmas she can conjure. If you are looking for some lighthearted, easy reading that will cheer you weary heart in your off moments, this is it. Pick up a copy without delay. Happy Publication Day, Sandy, the book deserves to do really well for you.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book. It was well-written.

Tristan, before his 35th birthday needs to find a wife, in order for him to get the inheritance he has been left in a Will.

Poppy works in a matchmaking agency and Tristan is her new client, when they first meet she finds him to be a bit rude. As they begin to spend time together do that Poppy can find him a suitable wife, they begin to have feelings for each other.

So, what will Poppy, as well as Tristan do now? Will Poppy find his perfect match?

I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book and it was a perfect ‘easy read’. I loved the premise of the match making agency and the exclusivity of it. The characters were relatable and likeable, and they developed nicely throughout. I was waiting for the inevitable hook up which came towards the end but was handled in the right way!

Ooo!! I loved this book! I'm sure it's every girl's dream to meet the man of their dreams & live happily ever after. Nothing is straight forward & match making is an interesting subject!
Poppy works as a matchmaker for an upmarket company. She uses her psychology degree to help find people their perfect partner. Tristan Fellowes needs to be married within 40 days to ensure he becomes the beneficiary of 30 million pounds from his Grand father's will.
Be carried along with the ups & downs of this 'impossible' task.

Another lovely book by Sandy and nice to have a book about a different subject and with relatable characters. A heart warming story for autumn evenings.

Poppy is a successful matchmaker at an elite London agency, her latest client is Tristan who, under the terms of his Grandfather's will, has to be married shortly by his 35th birthday to inherit his fortune. The only problem is that he's a grumpy, arrogant man so she really has her work cut out.
I really enjoyed this book, there are glorious locations including a super yacht in Greece, plenty of humour and all against the race to find a wife for Tristan. I did feel for him as you come to understand him and the reasons for his grumpiness. Poppy is also like able and her compassion comes across as she tries to help him. Poppy's best friend Shaz is her support, Ravi and Jacinda Tristan's, and they really add to the story. A real will they / won't they, slow burn romcom that I can definitely recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I have already pre-ordered it as I enjoyed it so much.

I have to admit, this was a fun, light read with enough twists to remain interesting while being predictable at the same time. Poppy and Tristan were likable and believable along their romantic journey, but the impetus behind Tristan’s need for a matchmaker managed to take up a lot of the storyline while simultaneously feeling like an afterthought (at least the parts with his family members). All in all, it’s a solid lighthearted read that would make for a great travel read.

Poppy Dean lives and breathes romance at her job as a matchmaker at an elite London agency, finding the perfect Mr Right for everyone but herself. But when Tristan Fellows walks into the agency, needing to find a wife before his 35th birthday in order to secure his inheritance, Poppy is having a hard time finding him a match.

The banter between Poppy and Tristan is so much fun. I love matchmaker romances, and this grumpy-sunshine duo was so much fun to read. Definitely a slow burn, but the dynamics between the two as their relationship changes and grows is delightful to watch.

Definitely a must-read if you enjoy matchmaker-themed or grumpy-sunshine romances!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!