Such a cute, modern, slow-burn romance.

There were so many things I really enjoyed about this one; including the commentary on the toxicity of social media and how quickly the tides turn. I also really enjoyed the level of maturity we see in this developing relationship. I loved that we get to see a leading lady with a complex work/life balance.

Josie, our CEO and HBIC, is dealing with a lot here. Friendships, relationships, owning her own business and it exceeding all expectations. What the realities of all of those things looks like. I felt like this was such an accurate look at so many aspects of navigating adulthood.

Will, our MMC, is committed to Josie in such a helpful, thoughtful, positive way. He knows that her company is her baby and he does whatever possible to stay out of the way while simultaneously making her day to day life easier.


———SLIGHT SPOILER———

While there was so much to love here, one aspect I found to be a bit….. overreaching… was the intimate scenes. I found it to be highly unlikely that she was able to orgasm (more than once) by him simply speaking to her and touching her thigh/stomach/back……. Maybe that’s a “me” thing but it seemed a bit unrealistic.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Clare Gilmore, and the publisher for this ARC.

Perfect Fit
by Clare Gilmore
Narrated by Katharine Leonard

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

Narration: Fantastic!

I enjoyed this book. There was never a doubt in my mind that these two were made for each other. Their only real obstacles were each other.

It is kind of like Pride & Prejudice, with very little prejudice, and an overabundance of pride.

There was one stellar quote that made this audiobook 100% worth the listen: “I think we had to make a big mistake so we could learn from each other.
And even though that’s kind of tragic, it’s poetic too.”

I don’t consider the quote a spoiler. You still kind of need to read the book to understand the full context.

This wasn’t a favorite of mine, but it certainly was a fun listen! I recommend this book to anyone who needs a 95% safe-for-work romance to listen to.

🎧📖 Audiobook Review: Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore 📖🎧

A massive thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ebook and RB Books via NetGalley for granting me access to the audiobook! I am head over heels for Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore, a rom-com that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Josephine Davis is the kind of overworked CEO we all root for, but watching her navigate the chaos of love, life, and work-life balance is what truly makes this story shine. Enter Will Grant, the moody, brooding consultant who also happens to be the twin brother of Josie’s ex-best friend (and the guy she once kissed on a whim back in high school). Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter is top-tier, and the slow-burn romance is chef’s kiss.

Through Josie and Will’s journey, Clare Gilmore masterfully explores themes of ambition, vulnerability, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate what really matters. The audiobook’s narration was exceptional, bringing Josie’s determination and Will’s quiet intensity to life in a way that had me hooked from start to finish.

This story has everything: a steamy romance, witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the person you least expect can be your perfect fit. If you’re a fan of workplace romances or second-chance love stories, you need this book in your life!

I really enjoyed this one! The narrator was a “perfect fit” for the book, the characters were all interesting and I felt a real connection with Josie. Very funny writing style but also well written, highly recommend!

Perfect Fit is about friendship, partnership and deciding what you want in life during your late twenties.

Josie is a CEO who works herself to the bone because of her perfectionist tendencies. Will and Josie know each other from high school. Josie was Will's twin sister's best friend until the girls had a falling out. Fast forward to the present and they reconnect when Will hits Josie's car on his bicycle during rush hour. I laughed out loud. The flirting and banter were amazing!

Will was a mature partner and great friend. I really enjoyed seeing Will's perspective on give and take in a relationship. There was good communication and these characters and conversations feel like they could be real.

This book is for the girls who love to look good and enjoy pretty things, but also prove to be a competent boss. The side characters and friendships were also a huge part of the story, which I appreciated.

About the book:
Workplace romance
Good narrator
Single POV, which was perfect
Open door

Thank you to Clare Gilmore, RB Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't intentionally DNF at 82%, but life interrupted and circumstances are preventing me from finishing it. I enjoyed what I did read, though. Josie and Will are wonderful, sympathetic characters with relatable fears and desires, and I cared about them. Josie probably needed to see a doctor for her mental and emotional issues, but it was so heartwarming that Will loved her despite them. Even because of them, a bit. A great romance, even if you aren't necessarily into fashion or corporate life.

Josie and Will meeting again after all these years was a solid story. I enjoyed reading how they came back together and overcame their past. Josie started to irk me a bit but overall, I still enjoyed the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, RB media, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this story.

In summary: this was a relatively stress-free read that was the perfect escape with a decent amount of spice. If more info is what you crave, read on:

I'm picky about romance as a genre. I prefer it to be secondary to whatever the main experience is within a book. I think this book did that well overall. We have two likeable main characters, and some supporting characters that play both "devil" and "angel" as expected. Josie is a hardworking (over-worked) fashion/retail CEO who sees herself as an anti-hero, with many regrets. This is the story of how she repairs some old wounds, comes to terms with her self identity and finds some love (and steam) along the way.

Audio Read
Heads up - spicy and language

Josephine “Josie” Davis is creator and owner of Revenant, a fashion brand in Austin, Texas.

When a consultant is brought in to check out the company, Josie is shocked to see it’s Will Grant - the twin brother of her former best friend….and the boy she kissed at a spring break party in front of everyone.

While each of them has a not so great opinion of each other from school, they come to realize they are crazy for each other…but Josie is fighting it. Her head is in saving her company and the strict guidelines she’s set for herself and her company (neither of which includes a personal life).

This is such an enjoyable listen. It is kind of explicit in the intimate scenes and there is some language, so if that’s not your thing, this may not be the book for you.

It is well written and very entertaining…a great storyline!

I have SO thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted, fun, and relatable book!
I love how the author incorporates so many big topics into one book successfully, and in such an enjoyable manner. The FMC is the CEO of a sustainable fashion company, and the difficulties that go with working in the line of sustainability truly resonated with me. The romance in this book is just perfect! Clare Gilmore also does such a wonderful job at depicting the perfect example of positively taking care of our wellbeing and dealing with emotions.
Overall would 10000% recommend it!

Favourite quote: “…a young Henry Cavill”

This was such a sweet and positive romance read, a perfect example of what a relationship with good communication can look like and it just left me feeling hopeful. Katharine Leonard was a perfect narrator choice for Josephine and she really embodied the character and her personality. This book provided what I feel is a very realistic look at what being an entrepreneur looks like and how easy it is to get pulled in to the grind. Following along with Josephine's trials and tribulations as she navigates the ups and down of owning your own business felt very realistic. The connection between Josephine and Will was just so good. The fact that they knew each other when they were in high school and the way they reconnect was a fun twist. They show up for each other and really brought what the other needed to the table...the perfect balance! This book just left me feeling hopeful and good and I love that!

Synopsis: Josie Davis is the CEO of a thriving fashion business. Will Grant is a business consultant and also happens to be the twin brother of Josie’s ex-best friend. When Josie’s investors insist she hires a consultant, Will is the last person she expects to walk through the door.

Thoughts: Perfect Fit is a sweet workplace romance with genuinely likable characters. Josie and Will actually have a super believable romance progression, and I enjoyed their honest communication. The struggles of being a woman in a business leadership role, especially in the time of social media, is well portrayed here. I actually thought the star of the show was Josie’s female friendships - I love to see fun, supportive adult friendships in books. Overall I enjoyed it - not a stand-out read, but very cute nonetheless.

Read this if you like:
👗 workplace romance
👗 second chance
👗 best friend’s brother

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook as well as this the narrator. I feel she did a great job and made the listening process enjoyable.

While this is a lovely little workplace romance - what I've loved most about Josephine's story is that the romance doesn't feel center stage! What feels the most important about Perfect Fit are the female friendships and coming of age as a full-on adulty-adult that we get to experience! There are so many stories out there where the protagonists are coming of age as 18-year-olds - but we rarely talked about that transition from mini-adult to adultier-adult when you have your life **mostly** together.

It's perfect for anyone going through a season of transition and change, with a little doubt 'salt-bae' style sprinkled on top!

**I actually ordered a physical copy of this one, too, because I just knew it was going to be good. I've never even read a Clare Gilmore novel before, and something about this one was just calling to me.. whether it be the promise of a cartoon cover or the premise of a workplace romance, I'll never be sure! Nevertheless, I'm so glad I got to listen to this one! Physical copies of books always make me happy to have the momento after listening to the audiobook as well when they're good - and this certainly was!!

review for Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore:


A Cozy, Relatable Read for Emily Henry Fans

Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore is the ultimate feel-good novel, perfect for curling up with on a winter night or packing in your beach bag. This book has it all: the bittersweet experience of friendship breakups, the weight of youthful mistakes, and the journey of self-discovery.

The protagonist embodies a “girl boss” energy, but with a refreshing dose of realism about the unique challenges women face—explored thoughtfully without being overly heavy-handed. The story is fast-paced and easy to read, offering a delightful mix of “will they, won’t they” tension and a rare second chance at finding fulfillment.

What sets this book apart is how it highlights more than just romance. The main character learns to look beyond societal pressures—from social media to career expectations—and discovers what she truly values in life. It’s a reminder to let go of the burdens we place on ourselves and embrace what genuinely makes us happy.

Pour yourself a glass of wine, settle in, and enjoy this charming story. Fans of Emily Henry will find Perfect Fit a delightful addition to their bookshelf.

"I should've known...that finding you would be the thing to set me right again."

Josephine Davis has spent her entire twenties building Revenant, a fashion brand headquartered in downtown Austin. When her biggest investor orders Josie to hire a consultant, the last person she expects to be working with is Will Grant – the twin brother of her ex best friend.

Aside from a kiss with Will in high school that ruined her friendship with Zoey, Josie and Will were strangers. He loved in New York and she in Austin. Despite their attraction, it was pointless to start something. Josie also had a lot on her plate and burnout was lurking in the corner.

I loved how all in he was from the start. He was supportive of her and her plans to make Revenant even better. I loved their business trips to Peru, Spain and India as they explored their budding relationship. He said and did the sweetest things for her that had me grinning. There was never a question as to whether he wanted her or not.

I loved her best friend Cami. Their friendship was amazing. Letting her do what was best for her was beautiful of Josie to do. Taking the very same step herself was wonderful to see after her lofty achievements and some failures as well.

The narrator's tone and performance from the beginning was top tier. It made for an enjoyable listen. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It's out now!

Rating: 4.5⭐
Steam level: 3🌶️ Two moderate open door scenes

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a super cute book and I think a lot of people will love it! It could technically be considered a second chance story, but that’s my favorite trope and I’m picky about it, and to me this story did not tick the second chance box. But I still really enjoyed it!

I loved the MMC, Will. He was a total cinnamon roll (my fave) and willing to do whatever it took to be with Josie. They both communicated well throughout, which was a breath of fresh air, and my favorite scene by far was when he takes care of her when she’s sick. 🥹🥹🥹 One of my favorite mini-tropes!

I can’t really say why, but I just had a hard time getting into this one and it didn’t really stick with me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Maybe just the timing, but definitely all me because I know people will love the sweetness of this book!

The audiobook was good and the narrator is super talented, but I do feel like she “overacted” at times, which I think may have contributed to my overall “meh” feelings.

This one released Oct 29 and is out now—definitely worth a read!

I started listening to this book today... and then I finished listening to this book today. Perfect Fit by @claregilmorewrites is a very sweet (and at times really funny) story about Josie, an overworked fashion CEO, and Will, her ex-bestie's twin brother, whom she hires to be her company's business consultant. This book gives an honest look into burnout, female friendship, imposter syndrome, and healthy relationship communication, and I loved it! Possible spoiler - I like the 3rd act breakup tension as much as the next reader, but sometimes you just need an author that says "not today" and delivers that HEA in a realistic and feel-good way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️Friend's Brother
✨️Female CEO
✨️Second Chance
✨️Kismet
✨️Funny banter
✨️No Miscommunication Trope 🙌

I saw so many great reviews for this book, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. Described as "[a] hilarious and heartfelt rom-com," this book sounded right up my alley. However, I personally didn't find it humorous, and I think it would be better described as a contemporary romance with more serious topics. I just didn't find myself reaching for this book and struggled to finish it. I can see how romance lovers would enjoy this book, especially fans of super spicy books.

I listened to the audiobook read by Katherine Leonard. She did a great job narrating the story and bringing the characters to life. I found her narration compelling and enjoyable to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia/Recorded Books for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

'If you wake up one morning and decide you want to try out soft living. We do it together. Even if it's only for a little while. If you want to drop everything, then I will, too.''

This book is the sweetest.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook <3

I love this kind of story. I love second chances and this one is done perfectly. It follows two people who know each other from high school and end up working together. You can build your own image of how fun that can be! I'd say this really showcases accepting the love you deserve always. Will, Jose, and Camilla are all incredibly well written characters. I'll be thinking about them for weeks to come.

Super fun to read. Funny but still nice and sweet. It will definitely pull on your heartstrings a bit.