Perfect Match

by Jerry Byrum

Thirty-four year old Madison Winston wants desperately to hold on to her job and take care of her teenage daughter, Selena. Madison loathes her boss, D.R. Fallington, the man making her life miserable. He has equal disdain for her, since he has no interest in a woman older than twenty-three. What started as an ordinary morning in Asheville, NC, at Fallington Enterprises was swiftly reversed by the company matriarch, Edna Fallington. Her sweeping decision sent Madison and D.R. hurtling deep into experiences neither expected. While her daughter clings to life, Madison’s hatred for D.R. festers, erupting when she discovers the intimate connection he has with her daughter. With a perfect mixture of raw emotions brewing, ex-prostitute, turned preacher woman, Ramona Brimstone, has some advice for Madison, but wonders if she is woman enough to do it. Nothing like “fire and brimstone” to fuel the undercurrents of a simmering romance.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance

425 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

Jerry Byrum is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of High Point University, and East Carolina University. After service in the U.S. Army, Jerry taught public school science six years, and served as a science consultant four years. He enjoyed a 25-year career as a national representative of the American Federation of Teachers, with assignments in more than 30 states. His passions are his family, writing, reading, teaching, speaking, and quilting. He writes and relaxes from the mountains to the coast of the variety vacationland, North Carolina. He enjoys writing edgy contemporary romance and erotic romance with strong female protagonists and other runaway characters usually on a mission to satisfy their passions. Jerry writes complete, stand-alone stories, and you may read them in any order. He is a member of the Romance Writers of America.

Reviews

[Maggie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally read romance fiction, but I decided to give Perfect Match a go. I’m very glad I did. The book overturns all the stereotypes that have kept me away from the genre – thin storylines, stereotyped characters and identikit plots. Perfect Match is a page-turner and kept me hooked from the word go. Meredith Winston is both feisty and flawed – capable of hard-nosed business decisions yet prejudiced against the book’s protagonist, Roscoe Fallington. I loved the way the battle Meredith’s daughter, Selena, wages to save her failing health mirrors her mother’s relationship with Roscoe. Both involve perfect matches! As for the cast of minor characters, they are a delight. I loved Pastor Ramona Brimstone, long-suffering Ned Stringer and the sharp-tongued Nurse Rachel.

I’ll be giving Jerry Byrum’s other romance titles a whirl in the hope of discovering another I enjoy as much as I did this one.

[Dayna R · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I gave it 2 stars: 1 because I enjoyed and believed the Selena character and 1 because there was potential in the storyline. The story was weird, very religion based and focused way too much on race. Also, the preacher had to remove her bra and shirt, then rub her breasts in order to figure what she was going to write her sermon about? It could have been a 5 star story but it lacked believability and flow. I knew what was going to happen with Selena and roscoe from the moment they met. Then, when Madison and Roscoe officially meet they're already into each other. Madison stated that DR (Roscoe) ignored her and never gave her the time of day, he even admits that he knows NOTHING about her... How are they already in love? How does Madison have feelings for him if she only knows his reputation (which she hates)? Very disappointed in this story and the writing needed work.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect Match" may not be the most intellectually challenging book you've ever read; you may not find the characters 100% believable; the ending may not be a surprise; but it's an entertaining read, just good clean fun. Isn't that a fiction author's number one job? If you want an intellectual challenge, there's some great physics books available. If you want a surprise ending, look in the mystery section. "Perfect Match" is refreshing GP-rated romance, and that's what it's supposed to be. If you start it you'll finish it, and you'll feel better after you do. That's a great value.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how you were able to intersperse biblical teachings in such a way that wasn't a sermon but rather a slow growing seed for the male lead as he searched his soul and matured throughout the book. I just can't say enough about your characters!!!! I loved ALL of them!!! Well done my friend, well done!!

[Tamia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. This was my 1st time I read this author and he did a great job of keeping the characters from becoming annoying.