Published on Goodreads 12/21/2024
Rating: 🙂/3.25
Review: Romance with a small mystery with some substance and representation. A Horrible cover. Some of the business talk was a but long and pulled me out of the story. A book about food.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻
Source: #netgalley

Claire Beauchamps ‘has made her name by being the top money maker by buying property to redo and resell but this time her team has hit a little bump in the road. Most businesses were easily taken over but… She didn’t get where she was by backing down so she suggested offering more money. Everyone likes money, right but Claire cares only about having her way in business.
Abby Pita, owner and operator of ‘Sunshine and Sweets Café’ has worked hard to get where she was. Working and raising her daughter, Sophie, it had taken her a long time to save and afford to buy the restaurant, where she herself worked when it was put on the market. With lots of work and her skills as a baker her little café was finally making it. She couldn’t figure out what someone would want, buying her and everyone else's businesses. While others sold out she knew she never would.
Now Claire is trying to get Abby to sell her restaurant but how was that going to happen if she couldn’t talk Abby into selling. Ms. Underwood has given us a wonderful, fun read that I enjoyed very much
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Claire Beauchamp has built her empire following a list of rules. Number one is, business always comes first. She is still haunted by her childhood living in poverty. When her next building expansion is being held up by one local cafe owner she decides to take matters into her own hands. Abby Pita purchased her vegetarian cafe only six months prior but she worked there for over ten years. She was a single mother at 21 and raised her daughter on her own. Claire is impressed when she meets the warm and flirty Abby. She shares her leftover food in the evenings with the local homeless.

I like that you can see the friendship blooming between the pair but of course the obstacle is Claire’s business first rule. The side characters add to the story but they are brought in like we should already know them. I’ve read the author’s previous two books and I don’t think they connect into this story. I love that Claire has a pet tarantula she cares for. There is a mismatch of power in the story and along with that a lack of sharing information. It puts the will they or won't they firmly in Claire’s control. I enjoyed the story most when the two would talk and be flirty together. Otherwise it was a slow burn waiting to see when the information would come forward and what the fall out would be. (3.5 Stars)

The story line has a lot of depth. I enjoyed the development of the characters. I thought Julie did a great job with this story.



Thank You to the Publisher Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

Claire, head of Lotus Enterprises, has a plan for a massive IT outlet. Only problem is, one small shop refuses to sell on the needed property.
Abby Pita has happily settled in owning her shop, Sunshine and Sweets. Despite the generous offers, she has no plans to sell. Then Claire walks into her store, scouting the place.
Now Claire finds herself unusually torn. On one hand they need the property, on the other Abby is a sweet, decent person whom Claire doesn't want to hurt.
Good romance, good characters, there is a third act breakup but at least it didn't feel dumb or badly plotted. I did feel like who the villain was wasn't set up very well...
3 stars out of 5.

Claire had a rough childhood growing up and now lives by a certain set of rules. One of which includes never falling in love. It has always been business first. When her path crosses with Abby there is a huge wrench thrown in her rules and her structured lifestyle.
Loved the way as the story developed so did the characters. There was a lot of depth that was shown in the storyline. It was very heartfelt and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. Just one more chapter. It was awesome. Highly recommend!!!!

I enjoyed this book, but it seemed to take forever for the MC’s to get together. I sympathized with both ladies hesitation to take the chance with each other. The secondary characters were well written, and the added canine characters were very cute. The author did a wonderful job of describing the main characters. It was obvious that the author took her time to flesh out the main character’s personalities.

This is my first book by Julia Underwood. I enjoyed the premise and the book was well written.
This book was a romance that covered less than a third of the book. The MCs had 2 non-dates, 2 additional meals together all over approximately 6 weeks. This does not make relationship. This was not protrayed as a love at first sight novel as well. Most of the book was trying to bridge their difference. I believe that if there was more instances to get together I believe it would have been a better book.
All being said, I truly enjoyed her writing style., enough that I will give J Underwood an additional chance.

Really good book. I liked the main characters even though sometimes they got on my nerves. The romance was really good between them and their love story was believable. I like reading Ice Queen romance and this was a great example of that. The characters are well written and the plot kept me wanting to read more. There's romance, drama, and angst in this book, and the support characters were written to help move the story along. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

Claire and Abby - both business owners but worlds apart - big business meets small business.
A story of corporate takeover mogul versus the independent business owner who's just bought a business she previously worked in.
Ice queen meets her match in a story of 'will they won't they' as one has always put business first the other won't compromise of being put before business.
The book is well written, a humorous, slow burn that keeps you turning the pages, throw in some intrigue and a tarantula and you have a really enjoyable romance.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the
ARC. This is my honest review.

Clairice “Claire” Beauchamp has spent her adult life escaping poverty and reaching the top of her industry by adhering to her rules. But staying there may prove to be the most difficult challenge yet. Lotus Enterprises’ next big project requires owning an entire city block, and one last property owner refuses to sell. So, Claire goes undercover to scope out the café owner. She expects to discover the source of her resistance and negotiate a deal. She doesn’t expect to be so drawn to her.

Abby Pita is finally her own boss after achieving her dream of owning Sunshine and Sweets Café. She has no interest in the buyout offers, especially not as her attraction to her newest customer, Claire, is growing. Claire seems to feel their connection too, and Abby has hope that there could be a future for them.

This book was slower-paced than I'm used to. I enjoyed getting to know Claire and Abby. [Is Claire's name an homage to Outlander?] Both characters were interesting in their own right, but the story dragged on a little too much for me, and the payout was underwhelming. 3.4⭐

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?

CEO Claire is at the top of her game. Her hard-won success has been achieved by following a simple and strict set of rules:
1. Business always comes first
2. Succeed
3. Don’t fail
4. Never fall in love

Everything is going Claire's way, that is, until her latest project. In an effort to get a café owner to sell her property, Claire decides to go undercover to find out what the issue is.

Abby is finally winning at life and able to give back to everyone who helped her along the way. She's not interested in selling the café, no matter the offer. Some things can't be bought.

The sparks of attraction fly as soon as Claire and Abby meet, but is happy-ever-after a possibility for them?

Can Abby's warmth melt Claire's control and rules?
Can Claire see beyond the prison of her self-imposed rules and allow herself to be happy?

The attraction is instant and hot, and there's much to enjoy in this tale of people finding their person and allowing themselves to be vulnerable.

The pacing occasionally slows, but it's worth it as everything is brought together and a way forward is found.

Claire and Abby are a cute couple, and I enjoyed their story.


*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*

This book is a fun and heartfelt romance. Claire, a high-powered executive, goes undercover to convince Abby, a café owner, to sell her beloved shop, but things get complicated when sparks fly between them. The chemistry is undeniable, and their growing connection feels genuine, making you root for them despite the secrets in play. The tension builds as Claire wrestles with her loyalty to her career versus her feelings for Abby. It's a charming read with a satisfying mix of romance, drama, and a touch of sweetness.

I waded through. I would even describe it as half a slow burn, and not the burn part. I just felt it was a long time waiting for the plot bump trailed in the synopsis. Fortunately when it happened the impact wasn't dragged out as some misunderstanding. It was a barrier but more on one side than the other. I was more engaged with the last quarter which meant I rounded up!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Abby has works years as waitress to now owning Sunshine and Sweets Café she enjoys serving her community and protecting her values. Claire work her way into becoming a CEO who has never let anything distract her from her goals and it’s has cause her personal relationships but you learn why she has those walls up. When she learns that Abby the owner of cafe refuses to sell she goes undercover to get a read on the woman what she didn’t count is a attraction to Abby who warmth brings on feelings she tries to keep inside. This was enjoyable read both characters have chemistry I like the growth Claire goes through.

I enjoyed to read this novel. The plot has sense and is well written. The interactions between characters was interesting. It was fun to see one of the main characters fighting her own rules and trying to to fight agaisnt the impossible.
The dual POV was good, it made you understand both characters better and to read what is on their minds. The connection between them was sweet but the miscommunication made me ick, and thats why the 3 stars instead of 4. But I understand the point of it. The book is weel written and interesting. I enjoyed to read it.

<b>Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me with a free copy. Opinions are my own and are freely given.</b>

I liked this novel! Mostly! It was a good story with nice characters, well written and executed. I definitely was enjoying myself the entire way through. At the same time, I found that the story dragged at times and there was a frustrating lack of communication that left me somewhat on edge throughout the story. This novel had some wonderful character interactions, a badass pet tarantula, and a somewhat rushed and underwhelming insta-love romance. I keep waffling back and forth on a rating, but I think I have finally settled. I will be looking for more novels by this author, because it was good, so I think that is a solid endorsement.

Highlights:
-The protagonists were cute! Very simply, I liked them, separate and together.
-There was a lot of character growth to be had! Claire goes on quite the journey. It was incredibly obvious and occasionally agonizing, but overall enjoyable and satisfying!
-Good writing. I felt like it flowed well, and I was engaged with the story the entire time. There were some good narrative devices used such as the rules, which I think were quite effective.
-There were a lot of parts that were fun, plain and simple. A lot of little bits I liked. I realize this is extremely vague, but it’s the simple truth!
-There was a secondary mystery in this novel which I liked, outside the main plot. It added a little something extra which was enjoyable, even if it was resolved quickly and off screen which was a disappointment. Regardless, I liked that there were a few extra elements thrown in on top of the main conflict which made the novel more interesting and feeling fuller.
-I loved the older ladies. Side character win.
-Loved the tarantula!

Nitpicks:
-It was a bit repetitive at times, sometimes on the same page. Almost like it was an editing issue? Not a big deal but it was noticeable enough it was a bit strange.
-Something felt off, as though this was a sequel but none of my googling can find a prior novel. The kid’s romance story kept getting referenced as though it was something we are supposed to be familiar with, but it was never properly explained. In fact, this happened a lot with a few different elements. If this is a sequel then it was the opposite of obvious, and if it wasn’t then there is some very strange writing choices made where I do not understand the objective.
-The characters spent far too much time simply not talking to each other about anything important. The plot dragged as a result, with very little development over large chunks of time/pages. The rational made sense for why it was like this, but that doesn’t mean that it was the best choice for a novel.
-The protagonists feelings progressed RAPIDLY for the amount of time they spent together and interactions that they had. Maybe all the absent pining did a lot of heavy lifting for the relationship development? It still felt very fast though.
-There is a trope that I dislike which was used near the end of this novel. Writing reviews without spoilers is annoying! They basically “cheated” on some character/relationship development and I think it could have been better done.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.

Julia Underwood’s The Mogul Meets Her Match is an enchanting tale that beautifully navigates the realms of ambition, love, and personal discovery, all set against the backdrop of a small-town café and a high-stakes corporate world. The story centers around Abby, a passionate café owner who has dedicated years to cultivating her dream of providing warmth and nourishment to her community, and Claire, a successful CEO on a mission to absorb Abby’s beloved establishment into her corporate empire.

From the outset, Underwood skillfully contrasts Abby's warmth with Claire's corporate rigidity. Abby’s refusal to sell her café, despite numerous lucrative offers, is not just a matter of business; it represents years of hard work, passion, and a deep-rooted sense of identity. Claire, determined to secure a pivotal piece for her IT Consolidation project, initially appears as the embodiment of ambition. However, her character is layered, revealing her own vulnerabilities and the inner conflict that arises when she meets Abby.

The chemistry between the two women is electric, fueling the narrative as Claire goes undercover to understand the woman behind the café. This decision sets off a chain of events that not only challenges Claire’s professional goals but also her rules—rules that have served her well in her career but begin to crumble in the face of genuine connection. Underwood captures this internal battle with finesse, highlighting the emotional stakes that rise as Claire grapples with her feelings for Abby while trying to adhere to her hard-earned business principles.

Underwood's writing shines with sharp dialogue and profound emotional depth. The pacing is well-judged, allowing readers to savor the moments of tension and tenderness between Abby and Claire. The impasse created by Claire’s deception adds layers to the story, keeping readers on edge as they wonder how the two women will reconcile their vastly different worlds. Underwood's talent for crafting relatable characters and realistic situations makes the emotional resolution both fair and satisfying.

As this was my first experience with Julia Underwood's work, I found myself thoroughly impressed by her character development and storytelling ability. The layers of ambition, honesty, and the complicated dance of love versus duty are portrayed with authenticity and heart. It's particularly refreshing to see two strong women navigating their own paths, each with their own dreams and obstacles, encouraging readers to root for their eventual union.

Ultimately, The Mogul Meets Her Match is a delightful and thought-provoking read. It explores the risks of falling in love while being anchored in one's values, making it a compelling narrative of personal growth and transformation. Underwood’s ability to blend humor with deeper themes leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the most challenging rules to break are the ones we impose on ourselves. I look forward to delving into more of Underwood's work, eager to see how she continues to explore the intricate balances of life, love, and ambition.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

abby is living the dream... she is finally doing what she loves best and thats feeding the people that come into her cafe.... that someone wants to buy it really doesnt interest her at all.... she has spent years working hard to get to this point and nothing and nobody is getting in her way... so though she gets offers to buy her out she refuses

claire is very successful and nothing and nobody stands in her way.... that the owner of a cafe refuses all the offers of selling is a little disturbing but claire is at the top of her game and doesnt really see any obstacles..... but there is a time limit

so claire goes undercover to scope out this cafe and owner ....thats when her problems begin but all she has to do is remember her rules.... those very same rules that got her to the top of her empire

the only thing is claire wants to throw those rules away not long after she meets abby.... she must stick to her rules

a fun read when you realise how much claire has to fight her own rules to find peace it was an interesting fight and learning curve for her

*The Mogul Meets Her Match* by Julia Underwood is a captivating romance that blends corporate ambition with personal vulnerability. Claire Beauchamp, a driven CEO who lives by strict rules to maintain her success, faces her toughest challenge yet when a small café stands in the way of her company’s latest project. Determined to win, she goes undercover to negotiate with the café’s owner, but what she doesn’t anticipate is her growing attraction to Abby Pita, the passionate and determined woman behind Sunshine and Sweets Café.

Underwood does a brilliant job of contrasting Claire’s corporate rigidity with Abby’s warmth and independence. Abby, having fulfilled her dream of running her own café, is fiercely protective of her business and her values. Their chemistry is electric, with each interaction pulling Claire further from her carefully constructed rules. As the stakes rise, both women grapple with their feelings and the potential fallout from Claire’s deception, creating a tension that keeps readers deeply engaged.

With its sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and well-paced plot, *The Mogul Meets Her Match* is a delightful story about ambition, honesty, and the risks of falling in love. Julia Underwood skillfully weaves together themes of trust and personal growth, leaving readers rooting for Claire and Abby to find a way to bridge their worlds. It’s a heartfelt and satisfying read that proves love can challenge even the most steadfast rules.