Match Me if You Can is a celebration of South Asian romance centered around our main character, Jia, and her childhood best friend Jaiman, as they respectively struggle to succeed in their careers. Jia is a magazine writer who wants her own column; to do so, she has to play matchmaker to a coworker. Jaiman is a chef/pub-owner who is struggling to make his business successful.

As an Asian-American reader, I appreciated the diversity represented in this book: our two main characters grew up in India and come from wealthy backgrounds - and the author doesn't shy away from speaking about their wealth. It was nice to have a story that wasn't about the immigrant struggle, but also wasn't "Crazy Rich Asians." Just truly adding diversity to Asian representation in popular literature. The writing itself was full of details - about food, settings, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into setting up each of our two main leads. Their jobs and struggles felt real. I love a good childhood best friends-to-lovers romance but somehow, this book didn't bring the chemistry to me. We meet Jia and Jaiman after they've had a falling out, and despite all the language about them being two peas in a pod, it just never felt like a friendship to me. Maybe it's because of Jia's perspective, where she never is able to delve deeply into Jaiman's personality and motivations; it almost feels like he's just this boy that her family loves and exists in her periphery. Similarly with Jaiman, he is constantly reiterating how Jia is his first love - but this feels more believable when it feels like he genuinely sees her for who she is.

The start of the book was slower-paced. At the 50% mark, the story has only slowly progressed in plot, even though we know exactly where it's going. The buildup to the first failed matchmaking attempt is so, so slow going - and ultimately because it is so slow, makes me frustrated with Jia and her personality. Her recovery from completely embarrassing our matchmaking candidate is to go out, shop, cry, and lean on Jaiman (and his internet alter ego) to lift her spirits. I love a good pining and grovel, and Jaiman is great at representing that - but c'mon, it has to feel a liiiitle reciprocated! I get it, this is giving re-telling of the Austen classic, Emma.

The second half is really where the book hits its stride. Jaiman was truly the emotional center, and I really felt his devastation and frustration with Jia - and it felt warranted because of her consistent denial of their relationship. I found it odd that our female main character's virginity status was mentioned multiple times, particularly in a book that is fade-to-black.

Overall, I'm giving this book 3.5 stars, or slightly above average for its rich writing, imagery, and the fully fleshed out characters; it falls short for me on the plot pacing in the first half. (4 for me, would be giggling and kicking my feet!) I hope this author continues to write more stories with fully-fleshed out diverse characters, and would be excited to read her future work!

I requested to read and review this for free from Dell an Imprint of Random House Publishing Company. This book is a great Indian culture read that can be read by anyone. Doesn't matter your culture match making is a thing for everyone. Love for some is easy for others it's harder. If you never been in love can you really know what it is. Or what happens when one person meets their soul mate but the other person doesn't think so? Jia has never been in love how will she know she is in love? Jaiman has been in love with the one for a long time but what happens she doesn't feel the same way?

Read if you like:
- SLOW burn
- Friends to lovers
- Indian representation
- Pen pals
- Found family

Match Me If You Can follows Jia Deshpande spends her days writing for a famous magazine in Mumbai. Although she is good at her job, she finds herself constantly fighting to be heard, and writing things that although might get "Clicks", are not things she actually believes in. However, she lets it all out with honesty (often refuting her own articles) through her anonymous Blog "Love Better with J". Our mmc, is Jaiman Patil He’s always been an honorary part of Jia's family and for as long as he can remember, he has been involve with her. Both have bottled up their feelings and their attraction for decades. But when their lives start to get a bit messy, both of them find themselves reevaluating what love truly means.

First and foremost thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet debut, but I can't say I can't say I've enjoyed it as much as I wanted to. I will start with what I liked. I adored the Indian culture representation. It was so well described, so beautifully presented and it made me want to research more about it. I think Swati Hedge did an excellent job putting into writing her culture. I also loved the Blog entries. They were cute and it showed that Swati is knowledgeable when it comes to relationships. Sadly, those were the only things I liked about the book.

It has NOTHING to do with her writing, I do believe it was a good debut and I could see myself reading other books by Hedge, but this one was just not for me. Both Jaiman (mmc) and Jia (fmc) acted like children. I couldn't believe they both were in their mid 20s (especially the mmc, that was 29). The miscommunication was just too much for two grown adults that could have solved A LOT of their problems if they just COMMUNICATED. That miscommunication paired with the slow burn (trope that I usually like), make it so extremely hard for me to believe they were good for each other. I just didn't believe the love story. The ending felt somewhat rush, and I didn't understand how Jia came to the realization that she was in love with Jaiman.

All and all, although the book was not for me, I would check other books from this author when the time comes. Again, Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Uplifting romance at its best! This was such a sweet story! I loved everything about this friends-to-lovers Emma retelling combined with Indian cultural traditions.

I adored how supportive Jia and Jaiman were to each other. They were both willing to champion each other’s dreams while not being afraid to call one another out when they were in the wrong. I loved how Indian culture was a huge feature of the story - the holidays, the food, the places. I spent most of the book torn between wanting to shake Jia and Jaiman and drooling over all the descriptions of food and cocktails.

The cast of side characters were so well developed and I equally championed their success and relationships. If you’re looking for your next feel-good romance book, I highly recommend picking up Match Me If You Can!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Swati Hegde's "Match Me If You Can" is a charming novel that takes us on a delightful journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai. The story revolves around Jia Deshpande, a fashion-forward protagonist with a natural talent for matchmaking but struggles to confront her feelings. Her lifelong friend Jaiman Patil, the charming pub owner, has a secret affection for Jia, which adds depth to their relationship.

Hegde's writing is witty and warm, immersing readers in Mumbai's sights, sounds, and flavors. The story shows Jia's family gatherings, the cozy ambiance of Jaiman's pub, and other scenes, bringing them to life and creating a rich culture and emotion.

The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted characters, each with their own quirks and vulnerabilities, making them feel like old friends. Whether it's the noisy banter of Jia's family or the endearing company of Jaiman's patrons, every interaction is authentic and charming.

As Jia navigates the complexities of love and friendship, readers are treated to a heartfelt exploration of themes such as forgiveness, self-discovery, and the transformative power of connection. Hegde's storytelling is captivating and nuanced, striking a delicate balance between humor and emotion that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

This is perfect for romance readers who enjoy the friends to lovers trope set in India and definitely reminded me of modern day "Emma". It is light hearted, slow-burn kind, includes adorable extended family and friends who are always supportive but lacked pace a few times. As a retelling of Emma, the MC Jia is too interfering and a bit immature for a while so it took me some time to get invested into this one but thankfully Jaiman is so adorable.

It was more like 3.5 for me but rounding it off to 4. Thanks for the advanced copy!

4/5 stars!!

overall, i had such a fun time reading this book. i always enjoy reading desi rep books, and this one was SO AMAZING! i loved the relationship between jaiman & jai, but i also really loved the friendships & family relationships along the way as well.

Thank you for this ARC!

Modern Day Emma + You've Got Mail set in Mumbai, India

Interesting and progressive characters

Positive LGBTQIA+ inclusion in background characters

Extremely on point for its sources of inspiration

Also on point for modern Bollywood vibes

Childhood friends to lovers

I appreciate that the concerns and goals of the characters is so well woven throughout that everything feels connected and you can't help but want to know what happens next and how they solve their personal and connected issues

This was not for me, but there is a very important reason why- I don't care for Emma (the book or retellings). and I didn't know that's what this was going into it. So if you do like Emma retellings, you will likely love this book! I just struggled with Jia's selfishness and her desire to meddle in people's lives for her own benefit. I also didn't quite understand how two matches was enough to decide she was an expert in matchmaking.

I really enjoyed the set up though and seeing a story that takes place in Mumbai. It's a refreshing change from the endless rom coms set in New York City. Overall, I'm very interested in Swati Hedge's writing and will be back to read her next book. This just wasn't a good fit for me, personally.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Now this is a heartwarming desi romance! “Match Me If You Can” by Swati Hegde takes readers into the bustling streets of Mumbai, where the aroma of street food mingles with the cacophony of traffic.

Meet Jia Deshpande. She struts through life as a confident fashionista, but beneath her stylish exterior lies a secret: she's a writer for Mumbai's top women's magazine. She churns out cliché-ridden listicles about love and relationships. Jia's life revolves around her job, her weekly family game nights, and her anonymous blog where she candidly spills the messy truth about real love.

Meet Jaiman Patil. He’s the charming pub owner who's been an honorary part of Jia's family since childhood. Jaiman's moved to America, but his heart remains tethered to Mumbai. Life with the Deshpandes is chaotic, loud, and more loving than anything he experienced growing up. Yet, he harbors a secret: his feelings for Jia run deeper than friendship.

When Jia's boss tasks her with setting up a coworker for her new matchmaking column, she dives into the world of meet-cutes and romantic connections. But as she orchestrates love stories for others, her own emotions become entangled. Ger carefully constructed facade threatens to unravel in the perfect storm of Jaiman's presence, his warm smiles, and the way he stirs her heart.

Hegde weaves a delightful friends-to-lovers romance in Match Me If You Can. Her prose dances like the colourful saris in a Mumbai marketplace, and her characters leap off the page. Jia's wit and vulnerability make her instantly relatable, while Jaiman's quiet strength and passion for mixology add depth to their dynamic.

The chemistry between Jia and Jaiman sizzles like a spicy street-side snack. Their banter crackles, and their stolen glances across crowded rooms ignite a slow-burning fire. As they navigate the complexities of friendship, family, and love, readers will find themselves rooting for this endearing couple.

Hegde's Mumbai is vividly alive, from the bustling streets, to the monsoon rains, and the tantalizing aroma of street food. She captures the city's heartbeat, infusing it into every scene. Whether it's the cozy pub where Jaiman mixes cocktails or the chaotic Deshpande household, you'll feel like a part of this vibrant world.

This story is more than a romance; it's a celebration of Mumbai's spirit, of friendships that withstand time, and of love that defies expectations. Hegde's writing is like a warm hug, inviting you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavours of India's financial capital.

As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, hearts are tested, and the line between friendship and something deeper blurs. Will Jia and Jaiman find their happily-ever-after amidst the chaos of Mumbai? You'll have to read to discover the answer.

“Match Me If You Can” is a delightful, heartwarming debut that will curb your sweet tooth and leave you feeling warm and happy. Hegde's voice is a breath of fresh air in the world of desi romance, and I eagerly await her next tale.

Settle in with a cup of chai in your favourite reading nook, and let this love story whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Mumbai.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell/Penguin Random House for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love reading diverse romances, so this one was right up my alley! If you're into contemporary romances and looking for something a little different - reading from the perspective of Indian dating culture is incredibly fun!

**Thank you to Random House, Dell & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

In this friends to lovers trope, Jia finds that Jaiman, her childhood best friend is her happy ever after.
Jia is fond of matchmaking people successfully until she is challenged at work to matchmake a fellow co-worker. Things don’t go well, but it made Jia rethink her thoughts about love.
Match me if you can is a sweet, slow romance book were the characters work through complex situations that lead them to each other.
This book would leave you wanting more. If you are in a reading slum, this is the right book to get you out!

Thank you to Random House publishing and Swati Hedge for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I made it a goal of mine this year to try and read more diverse romance novels, so you can imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon this book. The book is set in modern India and focuses on this idea of modern matchmaking. The book revolves around the relationship between Jia and Jaiman, a magazine writer and pub owner respectively. Looking at our two lead characters, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked seeing Jaiman's emotions and vulnerability on page. Jia, our main character, was both over the top, meddlesome, and somehow still completely oblivious. As a reader, it was extremely frustrating at times. Luckily, we see some character development from Jia towards the end.

I really wanted to like this book, but it was hard for me due to the lack of connection with the main characters and some of the sub plots that were presented. There where times the author spent so much time spelling out unnecessary details (such as how to improve the pub's Google ranking in the first few chapters) that it took me out of the story. It felt like details like this were included just to bump the word count.

I really hate leaving a negative review because I think Swati Hegde has potential. Others have praised the book, and I am glad they were able to enjoy the story. For me, it just wasn't a perfect match.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

This was such a cute desi romance. It follows Jia, a woman in her 20s who works at a magazine and secretly runs her own love advice blog. She wants to be a matchmaker after a couple of successful matches! Jaiman is her childhood friend, who runs a pub and has been in love with Jia for years.

Things I loved about this book:
First - a moment for this gorgeous cover please!?
Jia and Jaiman had a cute friendship - they teased each other but also supported each other. The first call when they need help. The genuine affection and love grew.
The supporting cast of characters from the pub, Mimosa magazine, and their home lives were so much fun.
Oh but Jia not noticing that the marketing manager was into her.. eek!
Manoj and Charu were so adorable!!
I really loved that men showed emotion and vulnerability on page! It’s not something we see enough in real life. Having it in romance made me feel a certain type of way (Spoiler I loved it!)
No third act breakup!! Instead, there’s a third act grand gesture.
Loved that happy ending.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Super cute, modern, Indian version of Jane Austen’s Emma. I will have to say that it took me a long time to like Jia. She came off a bit oblivious and a bit over the top, but the rest of the characters, especially Jaiman, kept me interested until Jia wised up.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher.

The FMC was not tolerable. She was a hypocrite in terms of communication being the saving grace of relationships and then she did not communicate at all!!!!!!!! The male main character Jaiman was a fantastic character.

The way I squealed Everytime it was Jaimin's POV! this had my favorite tropes: best friends to lovers, anonymous emails, no real third act breakup! I definitely didn't put it down, and I truly loved how he was there for Jia all her life. I didn't enjoy the miscommunication but it happens so you go through it. I think Jia's character development was great, I did like her at the end!

I think a big part of life is being able to say that you want your dreams and to truly go for it. They both finally figured out how to work together and it was glorious! :)

I'm so grateful to the publisher and net galley for providing this advanced reader copy, but I'm afraid this book isn't for me. Nothing about this book was bad; I just couldn't connect with the characters.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing/ Dell for an eARC 🔥

Ah, Jia and Jaiman, you two are just the cutest☺️ “Match me if you can “ is like a warm hug for your heart, a delightful romp through Mumbai's bustling streets and the ups and downs of love. Jia, with her confident style and hidden vulnerabilities, is a total charmer. And Jaiman, oh Jaiman, the way he's been pining for Jia from afar is just *swoon*.

The way their friendship blossoms into something more is like a sweet, sweet slow dance. You can't help but root for them as they navigate the ups and downs of relationships, family expectations, and finding their own happily ever after.

The writing is witty and engaging, like a fun night out with friends, and the cultural references and settings add a depth and richness that will make you feel like you're right there in Mumbai with Jia and Jaiman♥️

I absolutely loved ,how Swati Hegde weaves in the complexities of Indian culture and tradition, exploring the tensions between family expectations and personal dreams. And the supporting cast of characters? Absolutely delightful! You'll fall in love with Jia's quirky family and the whole gang at the magazine🔥

This book is like a cup of hot chai on a cozy evening - it'll warm your heart and leave you feeling all the feels.🥰

MATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Swati Hedge

Thank you @randomhouse for the ARC 🩷

Everyone deserves a friend like Jaiman, I was rooting for him from the start.
Damini and Charu are also absolutely incredible people, it feels like you’re part of their friend group when you get to know them.

If you’ve been looking for a romance set in Mumbai, India then this book is for you! (Also!! A Whipped Rose cocktail sounds like heaven) 🌹🍹