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Common Threads #7
Meet Your Matcha
“It’s my life to ruin!”
Pippa Fleming is a woman who always has a plan… until she finally secures a coveted promotion and her dream job suddenly feels worse than getting caught under the sun as a redhead with no sunscreen. Exhausted and confused, Pippa seeks an escape by signing up for a reality dating show. Everyone is allowed one identity crisis, right? And where better to recharge than on a beach sipping cocktails with little umbrellas?
As long as she remembers she’s only here to have fun, not lose her heart…
“She was a walking red flag, so far out of my league that I couldn’t even see what league she was in.”
August Weather is laid back and content with his quiet life. But when his sister nominates him for a reality dating show, he sees it as a chance to experience the world outside of his small town. What he didn’t expect was to fall for someone like Pippa. She’s his complete opposite – prickly, vivacious, full of adventure and big dreams… and despises him on sight.
Except, he can’t stop thinking about her and finding out what lies beneath her guarded surface…
When the whirlwind of the show throws them together, Pippa and August discover how wrong first impressions can be. But, can their newfound connection survive the real world? Or will their differences sweep their love match out to sea?
'Meet Your Matcha' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Pippa Fleming is a woman who always has a plan… until she finally secures a coveted promotion and her dream job suddenly feels worse than getting caught under the sun as a redhead with no sunscreen. Exhausted and confused, Pippa seeks an escape by signing up for a reality dating show. Everyone is allowed one identity crisis, right? And where better to recharge than on a beach sipping cocktails with little umbrellas?
As long as she remembers she’s only here to have fun, not lose her heart…
“She was a walking red flag, so far out of my league that I couldn’t even see what league she was in.”
August Weather is laid back and content with his quiet life. But when his sister nominates him for a reality dating show, he sees it as a chance to experience the world outside of his small town. What he didn’t expect was to fall for someone like Pippa. She’s his complete opposite – prickly, vivacious, full of adventure and big dreams… and despises him on sight.
Except, he can’t stop thinking about her and finding out what lies beneath her guarded surface…
When the whirlwind of the show throws them together, Pippa and August discover how wrong first impressions can be. But, can their newfound connection survive the real world? Or will their differences sweep their love match out to sea?
'Meet Your Matcha' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2023
83 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Nanxi Wen
6 books262 followersNanxi Wen thought she was going to write the greatest historical novel. Turns out, her characters decided that they want to be in the 21st century with modern plumbing, online shopping, and reality TV shows.
She lives in New England with her husband and two young kids. When she is not despairing over word count, she enjoys reading, snacking, drinking coffee, sitting by the fireplace, hanging out with friends, and daydreaming.
Newsletter: https://nanxiwen.com/newsletter/
Social media: https://linktr.ee/nanxi
Website: https://nanxiwen.com/
She lives in New England with her husband and two young kids. When she is not despairing over word count, she enjoys reading, snacking, drinking coffee, sitting by the fireplace, hanging out with friends, and daydreaming.
Newsletter: https://nanxiwen.com/newsletter/
Social media: https://linktr.ee/nanxi
Website: https://nanxiwen.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 7, 2023
"Meet Your Matcha" by Nanxi Wen is a delightful rollercoaster of romance that serves up a perfect blend of opposites attracting. Pippa and August, our main characters, are so wonderfully mismatched that they somehow fit perfectly together.
Pippa, at a crossroads in both her personal and professional life, signs up for a reality dating show on a whim, not expecting much. August, content with his quiet life, is pushed into the reality dating world by his sister. Sparks fly when they meet, despite their initial misgivings about each other.
What sets this book apart is the balance of spice and sweetness in their budding relationship. The author skillfully unveils layers of their personalities, making them relatable and endearing.
The narrative is sprinkled with a mix of quirky events, steamy kisses, small-town charm, and unexpected twists. The story feels real and heartwarming, showcasing the magic that can happen when two people who appear worlds apart discover a connection.
In the end, "Meet Your Matcha" is a love story that proves how first impressions can be misleading, and sometimes, the person you least expect might be your perfect match. It's a journey worth taking, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it.
Pippa, at a crossroads in both her personal and professional life, signs up for a reality dating show on a whim, not expecting much. August, content with his quiet life, is pushed into the reality dating world by his sister. Sparks fly when they meet, despite their initial misgivings about each other.
What sets this book apart is the balance of spice and sweetness in their budding relationship. The author skillfully unveils layers of their personalities, making them relatable and endearing.
The narrative is sprinkled with a mix of quirky events, steamy kisses, small-town charm, and unexpected twists. The story feels real and heartwarming, showcasing the magic that can happen when two people who appear worlds apart discover a connection.
In the end, "Meet Your Matcha" is a love story that proves how first impressions can be misleading, and sometimes, the person you least expect might be your perfect match. It's a journey worth taking, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it.
Want to read
October 5, 2023
★★Live in KU★★
Yassss! It’s release day for Nanxi Wen and ‘Meet Your Matcha’! We’re so thrilled to welcome another story in the Common Threads series of standalones. This one is live in Kindle Unlimited and available on audio wherever you get your audiobooks!
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/47sJ7ot
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3QvB5p3
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3DO3H5k
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/47pfnsO
Audiobook: https://smartypantsromance.com/audiob...
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
“It’s my life to ruin!”
Pippa Fleming is a woman who always has a plan… until she finally secures a coveted promotion and her dream job suddenly feels worse than getting caught under the sun as a redhead with no sunscreen. Exhausted and confused, Pippa seeks an escape by signing up for a reality dating show. Everyone is allowed one identity crisis, right? And where better to recharge than on a beach sipping cocktails with little umbrellas?
As long as she remembers she’s only here to have fun, not lose her heart…
“She was a walking red flag, so far out of my league that I couldn’t even see what league she was in.”
August Weather is laid back and content with his quiet life. But when his sister nominates him for a reality dating show, he sees it as a chance to experience the world outside of his small town. What he didn’t expect was to fall for someone like Pippa. She’s his complete opposite – prickly, vivacious, full of adventure and big dreams… and despises him on sight.
Except, he can’t stop thinking about her and finding out what lies beneath her guarded surface…
When the whirlwind of the show throws them together, Pippa and August discover how wrong first impressions can be. But, can their newfound connection survive the real world? Or will their differences sweep their love match out to sea?
'Meet Your Matcha' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
October 7, 2023
Malheureusement je n'ai pas autant accroché à cette romance qu'avec les précédentes, ça arrive parfois que ni les personnages, ni leur histoire, ni le thème nous attire... Et ce fut le cas pour celui-là, j'ai mis plus de 2 semaines à le finir, alors qu'en quelques jours ça peut être plié quand je suis happée par une lecture, si ça c'est pas un signe ?
Première raison évidente du non-intérêt pour moi : les deux héros sont inscrits malgré eux à une télé-réalité pour trouver l'amour sur une île paradisiaque, un pitch super cliché. J'ai eu un peu de mal à rentrer dedans, on ne sait pas vraiment ce que font les participants dans cette émission, on est beaucoup dans la tête des héros, leur rencontre et comment ils vont chacun s'intéresser à l'autre alors ça partait un peu mal vue leur vie diamétralement opposée et leurs préjugés. Bon, et au moment où je prend goût à lire leur aventure, le tournage s'arrête et on passe sur la 2e partie du roman, l'après dans la vie réelle.
Ici, 2eme raison : August propose à Pippa de se fréquenter en dehors du contexte de l'émission pour voir si leur attraction mutuelle vaut la peine de s'investir dans une relation. Je vais pas vous mentir, à peine cette partie commencée, j'ai posé le livre pendant 4 jours avant de le reprendre pour lui donner sa chance jusqu'à la fin. Mais bon, je suis pas arrivée à couiner sur ce couple, ils sont mignon, mais ils manquaient tous les deux un petit truc en plus : surtout pour August, trop lisse, Pippa était plus ancré dans un contexte familiale particulier.
Cette romance n'est pas mal écrite, ce n'est pas parce qu'elle n'a pas fonctionné avec moi que ce sera forcément le cas avec d'autres. J'ai quand même aimé certains aspects du livre : la confrontation de Pippa avec ses parents, tout n'est pas parfait mais on comprend son caractère et la fin laisse envisager pour elle une évolution dans le bon sens ; j'ai aimé la soeur d'August et si elle était pas déjà en couple avec enfants, j'aurais aimé avoir un livre avec elle ^^ .
**************
Unfortunately I didn't liked this romance as much as the others, sometimes it happens that neither the characters, nor their story, nor the theme attracts us... And that was the case for this book, I took more than 2 weeks to finish it, whereas I can finish a boook in a few days when I get caught up in it, is that not a sign ?
First obvious reason for my lack of interest : the two heroes are unwillingly enrolled in a reality TV show to find love on a paradise island, a super cliché story. I had a little trouble getting into it, we don't really know what the participants are doing in this show, we just follow the heroes, their meeting and how they will be interested in each other even though they have a bad start considering their diametrically opposed lives and their prejudices. Well, and the moment I enjoyed reading their adventure, the filming stops and we move on to the 2nd part of the novel, the aftermath in real life.
Here, 2nd reason : August suggests that he and Pippa meet outside of the show to see if their mutual attraction is worth investing in a relationship. I'm not going to lie to you, as soon as I started this part, I put the book down for 4 days before picking it up again to give it a chance until the end. But hey, I couldn't swoon for this couple, they're cute, but they were both missing a little something : especially August, who was too bland, Pippa was more anchored in a particular family context.
This romance isn't poorly written, just because it didn't work with me doesn't mean it won't necessarily work with others. I still liked certain aspects of the book : Pippa's confrontation with her parents, everything is not perfect but we understand her character and the ending suggests that her situation is evolving in the right direction; I liked August's sister and if she wasn't already in a relationship with kids, I would have liked to have a book with her ^^.
-Read as an ARC-
Première raison évidente du non-intérêt pour moi : les deux héros sont inscrits malgré eux à une télé-réalité pour trouver l'amour sur une île paradisiaque, un pitch super cliché. J'ai eu un peu de mal à rentrer dedans, on ne sait pas vraiment ce que font les participants dans cette émission, on est beaucoup dans la tête des héros, leur rencontre et comment ils vont chacun s'intéresser à l'autre alors ça partait un peu mal vue leur vie diamétralement opposée et leurs préjugés. Bon, et au moment où je prend goût à lire leur aventure, le tournage s'arrête et on passe sur la 2e partie du roman, l'après dans la vie réelle.
Ici, 2eme raison : August propose à Pippa de se fréquenter en dehors du contexte de l'émission pour voir si leur attraction mutuelle vaut la peine de s'investir dans une relation. Je vais pas vous mentir, à peine cette partie commencée, j'ai posé le livre pendant 4 jours avant de le reprendre pour lui donner sa chance jusqu'à la fin. Mais bon, je suis pas arrivée à couiner sur ce couple, ils sont mignon, mais ils manquaient tous les deux un petit truc en plus : surtout pour August, trop lisse, Pippa était plus ancré dans un contexte familiale particulier.
Cette romance n'est pas mal écrite, ce n'est pas parce qu'elle n'a pas fonctionné avec moi que ce sera forcément le cas avec d'autres. J'ai quand même aimé certains aspects du livre : la confrontation de Pippa avec ses parents, tout n'est pas parfait mais on comprend son caractère et la fin laisse envisager pour elle une évolution dans le bon sens ; j'ai aimé la soeur d'August et si elle était pas déjà en couple avec enfants, j'aurais aimé avoir un livre avec elle ^^ .
**************
Unfortunately I didn't liked this romance as much as the others, sometimes it happens that neither the characters, nor their story, nor the theme attracts us... And that was the case for this book, I took more than 2 weeks to finish it, whereas I can finish a boook in a few days when I get caught up in it, is that not a sign ?
First obvious reason for my lack of interest : the two heroes are unwillingly enrolled in a reality TV show to find love on a paradise island, a super cliché story. I had a little trouble getting into it, we don't really know what the participants are doing in this show, we just follow the heroes, their meeting and how they will be interested in each other even though they have a bad start considering their diametrically opposed lives and their prejudices. Well, and the moment I enjoyed reading their adventure, the filming stops and we move on to the 2nd part of the novel, the aftermath in real life.
Here, 2nd reason : August suggests that he and Pippa meet outside of the show to see if their mutual attraction is worth investing in a relationship. I'm not going to lie to you, as soon as I started this part, I put the book down for 4 days before picking it up again to give it a chance until the end. But hey, I couldn't swoon for this couple, they're cute, but they were both missing a little something : especially August, who was too bland, Pippa was more anchored in a particular family context.
This romance isn't poorly written, just because it didn't work with me doesn't mean it won't necessarily work with others. I still liked certain aspects of the book : Pippa's confrontation with her parents, everything is not perfect but we understand her character and the ending suggests that her situation is evolving in the right direction; I liked August's sister and if she wasn't already in a relationship with kids, I would have liked to have a book with her ^^.
-Read as an ARC-
October 15, 2023
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
This is the 7th book in the Common Threads series, however it reads as a complete standalone. There are some familiar characters from other books in the series mentioned, but you don't have to read those first. If you want to read more about Pippa's best friend Tia and her story, you will want to read Give Love a Chai by the same author. I highly recommend it, but it isn't necessary to get to know Pippa and August.
What do you get when you put a wholesome small-town history teacher and a successful worldly lawyer together on a reality TV show? A really lovely opposites attract romance filled with self-acceptance and learning to find the people who love you as you are. Pippa is a successful attorney, but she doesn't find fulfillment in the wealth and success she has achieved. She is very aware of her privilege, but she is also aware that she isn't happy and something is missing in her life. In an attempt to locate what is missing she takes a six month sabbatical from her job, travels the world, and signs up for a reality dating show where the contestants have the opportunity to find true love. August teaches history at the local high school and coaches soccer. He is the biggest cinnamon roll ever. He is happy living in his small town where everyone is in everyone else's business and he never wanted more than he has. August's sister nominated him for the show while he is on summer break as a chance for him to take a chance on love. He is fun and kind and honest, something Pippa is not used to, so when they meet and have instant chemistry she immediately pushes him away for the jerks she is familiar with.
It quickly becomes clear that August and Pippa have something special and as the show progresses they spend more an more time together getting to know each other. August is patient and willing to wait for Pippa to be ready for the big feelings that scare her about their relationship. She doesn't have many real connections in her life and being vulnerable is not something she is good at. They agree to see each other after the show ends and try to build something real instead of something fake for social media views, but neither of them is sure that they can survive the very real pressures the outside will throw at them.
I really loved getting to know August and Pippa. They were both very realistic characters. While their attraction was instant they took time getting to know each other before they jumped into anything physical, which I really appreciated. I'm not a fan of insta-love, and the author did a good job giving their relationship substance even though their relationship did progress quickly. This does have some angst, but it resolves itself quickly.
Overall this is another great installment to the Smartypants Universe, and I highly recommend it!
This is the 7th book in the Common Threads series, however it reads as a complete standalone. There are some familiar characters from other books in the series mentioned, but you don't have to read those first. If you want to read more about Pippa's best friend Tia and her story, you will want to read Give Love a Chai by the same author. I highly recommend it, but it isn't necessary to get to know Pippa and August.
What do you get when you put a wholesome small-town history teacher and a successful worldly lawyer together on a reality TV show? A really lovely opposites attract romance filled with self-acceptance and learning to find the people who love you as you are. Pippa is a successful attorney, but she doesn't find fulfillment in the wealth and success she has achieved. She is very aware of her privilege, but she is also aware that she isn't happy and something is missing in her life. In an attempt to locate what is missing she takes a six month sabbatical from her job, travels the world, and signs up for a reality dating show where the contestants have the opportunity to find true love. August teaches history at the local high school and coaches soccer. He is the biggest cinnamon roll ever. He is happy living in his small town where everyone is in everyone else's business and he never wanted more than he has. August's sister nominated him for the show while he is on summer break as a chance for him to take a chance on love. He is fun and kind and honest, something Pippa is not used to, so when they meet and have instant chemistry she immediately pushes him away for the jerks she is familiar with.
It quickly becomes clear that August and Pippa have something special and as the show progresses they spend more an more time together getting to know each other. August is patient and willing to wait for Pippa to be ready for the big feelings that scare her about their relationship. She doesn't have many real connections in her life and being vulnerable is not something she is good at. They agree to see each other after the show ends and try to build something real instead of something fake for social media views, but neither of them is sure that they can survive the very real pressures the outside will throw at them.
I really loved getting to know August and Pippa. They were both very realistic characters. While their attraction was instant they took time getting to know each other before they jumped into anything physical, which I really appreciated. I'm not a fan of insta-love, and the author did a good job giving their relationship substance even though their relationship did progress quickly. This does have some angst, but it resolves itself quickly.
Overall this is another great installment to the Smartypants Universe, and I highly recommend it!
October 10, 2024
I DNFed the last book by this author but this one was 100% better than that other one. This one was a fun premise where couples are on a reality show and two unlikely people meet to fall in love.
I don’t like her mom. I am glad that her dad was able to get through to her mom. I’m glad they patched things up after the events of the story. I’m glad they realized the error of their ways. More parents should allow their kids to be who or what they want. I sort of hoped she would gather the expensive and creepy dolls and light them on fire….but we can’t always get what we want.
Much better and with main characters that I actually cared about, this one redeems the author immensely.
I don’t like her mom. I am glad that her dad was able to get through to her mom. I’m glad they patched things up after the events of the story. I’m glad they realized the error of their ways. More parents should allow their kids to be who or what they want. I sort of hoped she would gather the expensive and creepy dolls and light them on fire….but we can’t always get what we want.
Much better and with main characters that I actually cared about, this one redeems the author immensely.
October 6, 2023
I received an ARC from @smartypantsromance today.
This was another enjojable read in this series.
This was another enjojable read in this series.
October 8, 2023
“It was as if I had lived in pastel until I met Pippa and now experienced the full spectrum of colors.”
Meet Your Matcha by Nanxi Wen was a lovely, multi-location romp. I couldn’t stop smiling from start to finish. Hallmark swoon-worthy romance meets reality TV dating show hijinx. Pippa Fleming had her whole life planned down to the last hairpin. But when she achieved her ultimate career goal, the win felt empty. Stepping back from her high-powered position, she puts her ambitious energy toward a different goal. Finding love in an unconventional place. August is the Gooeyest cinnamon roll with extra cinnamon sugar drizzle. The affable teacher is bighearted, thoughtful, and a bit out of his element on the destination dating show. When the beguiling socialite heiress captures his attention, the path to love may not be smooth, but the attraction is undeniable. Pippa is a down-to-earth, brilliant sweetheart who protects what’s hers. The only thing better than a cinnamon roll with a growly side is one who is genuinely startled by his possessive, growly side. I loved Pippa and August. The icing on top of this sweet love story were the KITC cameos. So many lovely moments with the Chicago crew, but my favorite was Kat and her on-brand ode to cheese. Nanxi Wen��s storytelling, dynamic & enchanting characters, and spicy slow-burn romance made this book a wonderful adventure.
Jensen Olaya and James Anderson Foster were new-to me narrators. Jensen Olaya portrayed Pippa with a vivacious, alluring, lovable energy. She brought Pippa’s relatable, inspiring, dazzling character to life so beautifully, she became an instant book bestie. James portrayed August’s soft spoken, heart-melting, magnetic character perfectly. His narration of Nanxi’s cinnamon roll guy next door was superbly swoony. Jensen and James were a perfect pair in style, pacing, and characterizations. I was smitten with Meet Your Matcha from the minute I pressed play.
Meet Your Matcha by Nanxi Wen was a lovely, multi-location romp. I couldn’t stop smiling from start to finish. Hallmark swoon-worthy romance meets reality TV dating show hijinx. Pippa Fleming had her whole life planned down to the last hairpin. But when she achieved her ultimate career goal, the win felt empty. Stepping back from her high-powered position, she puts her ambitious energy toward a different goal. Finding love in an unconventional place. August is the Gooeyest cinnamon roll with extra cinnamon sugar drizzle. The affable teacher is bighearted, thoughtful, and a bit out of his element on the destination dating show. When the beguiling socialite heiress captures his attention, the path to love may not be smooth, but the attraction is undeniable. Pippa is a down-to-earth, brilliant sweetheart who protects what’s hers. The only thing better than a cinnamon roll with a growly side is one who is genuinely startled by his possessive, growly side. I loved Pippa and August. The icing on top of this sweet love story were the KITC cameos. So many lovely moments with the Chicago crew, but my favorite was Kat and her on-brand ode to cheese. Nanxi Wen��s storytelling, dynamic & enchanting characters, and spicy slow-burn romance made this book a wonderful adventure.
Jensen Olaya and James Anderson Foster were new-to me narrators. Jensen Olaya portrayed Pippa with a vivacious, alluring, lovable energy. She brought Pippa’s relatable, inspiring, dazzling character to life so beautifully, she became an instant book bestie. James portrayed August’s soft spoken, heart-melting, magnetic character perfectly. His narration of Nanxi’s cinnamon roll guy next door was superbly swoony. Jensen and James were a perfect pair in style, pacing, and characterizations. I was smitten with Meet Your Matcha from the minute I pressed play.
October 21, 2023
I enjoyed the author’s first book, Give Love A Chai, but this book totally blew me away and I loved it! I loved the whole reality tv dating show aspect of the book, even if I don’t like to watch those shows really. But one thing I liked was how these two characters were dealing with it. I loved watching how Pippa dealt with her first two dates, even though I was mad she didn’t pick August when she had the chance at first. There was a lot of the miscommunication that at first bugged me. And I will admit at the end it did too in how it made the story go for that final bit. However, I loved the way Pippa was right there, when she finally figured things out, not giving up on him. Both characters had their own bouts of the miscommunication or refusing to believe what the other was saying.
However, both characters were lovable as the story went along, and I once again really enjoyed all the other characters in the book. I liked not only the look back at our couple from the first book by this author, but also some of the new people we met, like August’s family. A perfect sophomore story from someone who is becoming a new favorite author for me!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
However, both characters were lovable as the story went along, and I once again really enjoyed all the other characters in the book. I liked not only the look back at our couple from the first book by this author, but also some of the new people we met, like August’s family. A perfect sophomore story from someone who is becoming a new favorite author for me!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
September 24, 2023
I really, really liked this book. It was different and fun and I loved that I got to have a peak at some of my favorite KITC characters too. It has just the right amount of spicy between the two main character’s August and Pippa, not over blown or over done. My favorite of Nanxi Wen’s SPR books so far. Oh, and I got to revisit characters from Give Love a Chai as well.
October 22, 2023
Pippa is at both a personal and professional crossroads and she somehow gets talked into signing up for a reality show (thanks, Tia) and, well, she doesn't have a lot of expectations. So she goes into it with the (healthy) idea that love rarely hits as quickly and she's likely not going find her one true honey-bunny with cameras pointing in her direction every time she turns around.
No lie, she might not have intended to find love and she might have fought it (HARD), but she feels that zing the first time she lays eyes on August.
On August's end, he also doesn't expect to find love on a reality show. In fact, he'd be happy with nothing more than a few fun stories to tell once all is said and done. Except...that first time he lays eyes on Pippa he feels that zing. While his initial impression of her might have been that she's a high-maintenance lady who wouldn't fit into his small-town life, he starts to figure out that Pippa had layers that she rarely showed anyone.
And then THINGS HAPPEN. Well, eventually. Still, things start happening and the two are very bad about hiding their interest. Mostly because they're both pretending that they're not interested.
A couple of REALLY bad dates, a non-edible charcuterie board (whhhyyyyyy?), more than a few steamy kisses, small town shenanigans, family secrets, a man who loves his life, and a lady who throws herself whole-heartedly into their relationship. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
No lie, she might not have intended to find love and she might have fought it (HARD), but she feels that zing the first time she lays eyes on August.
On August's end, he also doesn't expect to find love on a reality show. In fact, he'd be happy with nothing more than a few fun stories to tell once all is said and done. Except...that first time he lays eyes on Pippa he feels that zing. While his initial impression of her might have been that she's a high-maintenance lady who wouldn't fit into his small-town life, he starts to figure out that Pippa had layers that she rarely showed anyone.
And then THINGS HAPPEN. Well, eventually. Still, things start happening and the two are very bad about hiding their interest. Mostly because they're both pretending that they're not interested.
A couple of REALLY bad dates, a non-edible charcuterie board (whhhyyyyyy?), more than a few steamy kisses, small town shenanigans, family secrets, a man who loves his life, and a lady who throws herself whole-heartedly into their relationship. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 1, 2023
Meet Your Matcha is book #7 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City world, Penny Reid Book Universe. This is an opposites-attract steamy romance and will be enjoyed more if read after Give Love a Chai.
29-year-old Pippa Fleming is a patent attorney who just reached her goal of becoming a partner in her NYC law firm. The next day she requested a 6-month leave of absence so she could figure out what she really wanted to do with her life. Her best friend, Tia from Give Love a Chai, convinces her to sign up for a reality dating show. The only thing that Pippa did outside of her 70-hour workweek was party hard at nightclubs.
August Weather is a high school history teacher in his small hometown just outside of Boston. He is content with his quiet life, babysitting his twin nephews and hanging out with his friends. He yearns to find his special woman and get married. So when his sister nominates him for a reality dating show, he sees it as a chance to experience a tropical island and meet new women.
August is totally blown away when he meets the stunningly beautiful redhead, Pippa, on St. Lucia. She is rude to him, so he hangs out with another contestant who is more introverted like him. When Pippa gets falling-down drunk, he comes to her rescue and reveals what a true gentleman that he is. Pippa is attracted to the boy-next-door August, but she is reluctant to get involved with him because she feels like her life is such a mess. On the surface they seem to have nothing in common, so they have to try hard to make their relationship survive once the show is over.
Meet Your Matcha is a good story written in an unusual style. Pippa’s life is messy, but she is an overachiever, so the reader knows that she will find her way. August is the perfect hero, in my opinion, and doesn’t need to change. He just needs to find Miss Right outside of his small town. Any reader who has enjoyed watching any of the reality dating shows on TV, like The Bachelor, will like this book. All of the behind-the-scenes TV stuff makes the story more authentic.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from SmartyPants Romance for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
29-year-old Pippa Fleming is a patent attorney who just reached her goal of becoming a partner in her NYC law firm. The next day she requested a 6-month leave of absence so she could figure out what she really wanted to do with her life. Her best friend, Tia from Give Love a Chai, convinces her to sign up for a reality dating show. The only thing that Pippa did outside of her 70-hour workweek was party hard at nightclubs.
August Weather is a high school history teacher in his small hometown just outside of Boston. He is content with his quiet life, babysitting his twin nephews and hanging out with his friends. He yearns to find his special woman and get married. So when his sister nominates him for a reality dating show, he sees it as a chance to experience a tropical island and meet new women.
August is totally blown away when he meets the stunningly beautiful redhead, Pippa, on St. Lucia. She is rude to him, so he hangs out with another contestant who is more introverted like him. When Pippa gets falling-down drunk, he comes to her rescue and reveals what a true gentleman that he is. Pippa is attracted to the boy-next-door August, but she is reluctant to get involved with him because she feels like her life is such a mess. On the surface they seem to have nothing in common, so they have to try hard to make their relationship survive once the show is over.
Meet Your Matcha is a good story written in an unusual style. Pippa’s life is messy, but she is an overachiever, so the reader knows that she will find her way. August is the perfect hero, in my opinion, and doesn’t need to change. He just needs to find Miss Right outside of his small town. Any reader who has enjoyed watching any of the reality dating shows on TV, like The Bachelor, will like this book. All of the behind-the-scenes TV stuff makes the story more authentic.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from SmartyPants Romance for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2023
She is a woman on the cusp of achieving all her dreams and can't figure out why she is unhappy. He is the typical kind, guy-next-door-type she underestimated when they first met on a reality TV show.
Pippa is unhappy with her perfect-from-the-outside life. The day she makes partner at work she announces a sabbatical. Her best friend suggests she apply for a reality TV show where she could possibly find love. Immediately, Pippa dismisses the idea but then decides on a whim to go for it.
At first the show feels like a sham she knew it would be. So much fakeness all for ratings. When she first meets all the other contestants there is one man that is definitely on her do not disturb list.
August is quiet, unassuming, and as normal as a human can be. School teacher, soccer coach from a small town. His sister nominated him for this ridiculous show but he came anyway just to see if he could find someone. When he first meets Pippa it's clear she is way out of his league and yet he can't leave her alone.
The first couple days on the island are full of miscommunication and insecurities between Pippa and August. But by the end of the two weeks, their answer about their relationship status shocks several people from the show. Knowing reality is actually the world they will be returning to, they have to decide if love is the right choice for them.
Dual POV, reality show setting, opposites attract, spicy.
My first reaction to this story is there is too much angst. Shew. Even when they are briefly happy there is the weight of knowing something heavy is going to threaten. The set up for the couple being on a reality TV show was not something I really enjoyed or wanted to read in the first place. But the author did a great job with the pacing of the storyline and showing the ugly side of filming their love story. The 3rd quarter conflict had me in tears. Nice HEA and Epilogue but I would have liked more happy moments.
Pippa is unhappy with her perfect-from-the-outside life. The day she makes partner at work she announces a sabbatical. Her best friend suggests she apply for a reality TV show where she could possibly find love. Immediately, Pippa dismisses the idea but then decides on a whim to go for it.
At first the show feels like a sham she knew it would be. So much fakeness all for ratings. When she first meets all the other contestants there is one man that is definitely on her do not disturb list.
August is quiet, unassuming, and as normal as a human can be. School teacher, soccer coach from a small town. His sister nominated him for this ridiculous show but he came anyway just to see if he could find someone. When he first meets Pippa it's clear she is way out of his league and yet he can't leave her alone.
The first couple days on the island are full of miscommunication and insecurities between Pippa and August. But by the end of the two weeks, their answer about their relationship status shocks several people from the show. Knowing reality is actually the world they will be returning to, they have to decide if love is the right choice for them.
Dual POV, reality show setting, opposites attract, spicy.
My first reaction to this story is there is too much angst. Shew. Even when they are briefly happy there is the weight of knowing something heavy is going to threaten. The set up for the couple being on a reality TV show was not something I really enjoyed or wanted to read in the first place. But the author did a great job with the pacing of the storyline and showing the ugly side of filming their love story. The 3rd quarter conflict had me in tears. Nice HEA and Epilogue but I would have liked more happy moments.
October 3, 2023
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Common Threads #7
Troupes- opposites attract, reality TV show, mutual pinning,
Representation- N/A
CW- Toxic assholes
Nanxi’s second book and addition to the Common Threads series is a Reality! Now I’m not much on reality TV but Nanxi has made this book a story in 2 parts. Part one in the Reality TV setting and part 2 in the adorable small town on Beach Falls which made small town loving heart very happy!
Part one is fun, crazy destination dates and our MC’s dancing around one another trying to figure their shit out. With the rest of the contestants acting like fools and just the chaos of Reality TV. The Second part is where all the feels are at. I loved watching Pippa come into her own person finally settling into a life she has decided to choice for herself. And the Way August loves her is just swoony. They both had some trauma to get over to get to their HEA but they defiantly pull on those heart strings while they do!
This is also a Slow burn book! Spicy times don’t really take off till end of part 1 and even then all the good stuff is in part 2. So beware the sizzle!
This was a fun and different story for this series, but we got some awesome cameos from Nico, Dan and Kat, Tia and Andrew and just the smallest hint of Cipher System's!
I’m super excited to read the next in this series and for Charlies book in the future!
Thank you Nan Wen and Smartypants Romance for this advanced copy, all options and nonsense are my own!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Common Threads #7
Troupes- opposites attract, reality TV show, mutual pinning,
Representation- N/A
CW- Toxic assholes
Nanxi’s second book and addition to the Common Threads series is a Reality! Now I’m not much on reality TV but Nanxi has made this book a story in 2 parts. Part one in the Reality TV setting and part 2 in the adorable small town on Beach Falls which made small town loving heart very happy!
Part one is fun, crazy destination dates and our MC’s dancing around one another trying to figure their shit out. With the rest of the contestants acting like fools and just the chaos of Reality TV. The Second part is where all the feels are at. I loved watching Pippa come into her own person finally settling into a life she has decided to choice for herself. And the Way August loves her is just swoony. They both had some trauma to get over to get to their HEA but they defiantly pull on those heart strings while they do!
This is also a Slow burn book! Spicy times don’t really take off till end of part 1 and even then all the good stuff is in part 2. So beware the sizzle!
This was a fun and different story for this series, but we got some awesome cameos from Nico, Dan and Kat, Tia and Andrew and just the smallest hint of Cipher System's!
I’m super excited to read the next in this series and for Charlies book in the future!
Thank you Nan Wen and Smartypants Romance for this advanced copy, all options and nonsense are my own!
October 16, 2023
Favorite Quotes:
In my world, people puffed themselves up, never down. If someone said they owned a yacht, it meant that they sailed in a dinghy once. If they called themselves an international sports star, they barely made the practice squad in Svalbard, Norway.
... she had proceeded to warble at the top of her lungs the ABCs. Or rather, the ABUs, because she “no like c.” When I tried to argue with her that c followed b, she had asked why. At that moment, with all of my education and work experience, in the face of toddler logic, I had no answer… After a day with her, I had decided that whoever came up with the phrase “taking candy from a baby” had never met a real kid.
Don’t get a big head, but you’re not awful.
What other lies has he told you about me? If he says I’m bossy, I’m not… I just have a natural way of giving directions.
Even knowing that there was nothing to feel guilty about, one stare from Mrs. Fleming made me feel like a kid caught eating Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve.
My Review:
This was an engaging and entertaining read that was laced together with spiky humor, family drama, a fledgling romance, and volcanic sensual scenes. The main characters were an authentic and unusual mix of small-town and big city, and while I adored August, Pippa was not always likable and a slowly acquired taste, although I had faith that the clever wordsmith would eventually get Pippa where she should be and enjoyed her awakening and the end result.
In my world, people puffed themselves up, never down. If someone said they owned a yacht, it meant that they sailed in a dinghy once. If they called themselves an international sports star, they barely made the practice squad in Svalbard, Norway.
... she had proceeded to warble at the top of her lungs the ABCs. Or rather, the ABUs, because she “no like c.” When I tried to argue with her that c followed b, she had asked why. At that moment, with all of my education and work experience, in the face of toddler logic, I had no answer… After a day with her, I had decided that whoever came up with the phrase “taking candy from a baby” had never met a real kid.
Don’t get a big head, but you’re not awful.
What other lies has he told you about me? If he says I’m bossy, I’m not… I just have a natural way of giving directions.
Even knowing that there was nothing to feel guilty about, one stare from Mrs. Fleming made me feel like a kid caught eating Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve.
My Review:
This was an engaging and entertaining read that was laced together with spiky humor, family drama, a fledgling romance, and volcanic sensual scenes. The main characters were an authentic and unusual mix of small-town and big city, and while I adored August, Pippa was not always likable and a slowly acquired taste, although I had faith that the clever wordsmith would eventually get Pippa where she should be and enjoyed her awakening and the end result.
January 14, 2024
This was a total miss for me. The book could use another round of edits before publication. There are lots on inconsistences, particularly with the character's personalities.
This feels like two different books. I absolutely hated the first half. The dating show angle felt lazy and not creative at all. The reality show wasn't realistic either, the producers wouldn't let participants take off their mics and wander off together, amoung other things that wouldn't fly. The second half is better but it's a lot of telling without showing.
Also the book BARELY ties in to the Knitting in the City series. One character from those books shows up in tiny role. Otherwise, it doesn't take place in the same city nor are the characters from there and it has nothing to do with knitting. Huge disappointment.
I won't read another book by this author but I will continue with this series only because my book club is reading it.
This feels like two different books. I absolutely hated the first half. The dating show angle felt lazy and not creative at all. The reality show wasn't realistic either, the producers wouldn't let participants take off their mics and wander off together, amoung other things that wouldn't fly. The second half is better but it's a lot of telling without showing.
Also the book BARELY ties in to the Knitting in the City series. One character from those books shows up in tiny role. Otherwise, it doesn't take place in the same city nor are the characters from there and it has nothing to do with knitting. Huge disappointment.
I won't read another book by this author but I will continue with this series only because my book club is reading it.
September 27, 2023
Another amazing addition to the Fall Smartypants Romance Lunch. I’ve enjoyed all the books in Common Threads Series and this one is so enjoyable.
Pippa is funny, adventurous and a bit stressed out. She is having a bit of a crisis and needs time away from her job and her life! She decide to go on an adventure that ends up behind hilarious, endearing and who knew she’d fall in love.
August…i adore him! He’s is so kind, gentle and an observer. His sister set him up for an adventure that he wasn’t expecting. I love his honesty and his demeanor.
These two are a bit opposite but find themselves pulled to one another. They are funny, flirty and have great banter. Enjoyed seeing cameos of other characters in the series.
Full of laughs, adventures and a fabulous HEA will have you binge reading this wonderful story!
Pippa is funny, adventurous and a bit stressed out. She is having a bit of a crisis and needs time away from her job and her life! She decide to go on an adventure that ends up behind hilarious, endearing and who knew she’d fall in love.
August…i adore him! He’s is so kind, gentle and an observer. His sister set him up for an adventure that he wasn’t expecting. I love his honesty and his demeanor.
These two are a bit opposite but find themselves pulled to one another. They are funny, flirty and have great banter. Enjoyed seeing cameos of other characters in the series.
Full of laughs, adventures and a fabulous HEA will have you binge reading this wonderful story!
October 10, 2023
Meet Your Matcha is book #7 in the Common Threads series. Pippa Fleming has achieved her goal of becoming a partner at her law firm at the age of 29. She is not satisfied with her life choices and takes a leave of absence to figure out what she really wants. Her best friend suggests she go on a reality dating show for an adventure. August Weather is a quiet high school teacher that is satisfied with his life. His sister feels like he needs something more and nominated him for the same show. Pippa and August could not be more different but there is an immediate attraction. There was a lot of miscommunication and a behind the scenes look at reality dating shows. Quite a bit of angst but a satisfying happily ever after.
October 9, 2023
Unfortunately I just didn't connect with this book. I didn't connect with the characters and the writing just didn't grab me. I'm sure it's just me. I read the first three chapters and then skipped to the end. And wasn't interested in reading anymore. To be fair, it's probably a two-star rating for me. I was really surprised because I've loved all the prior books in this series. And I'm really looking forward to the next one.
October 15, 2023
I loved this story! It's so cute and fun and there a unexpected things happening that made it golden. Pippa and August are on a dating reality show. No expectations and just basically along for the ride. Neither of them saw the other coming, but the connection is there even tho they both try to avoid it. They didn't start out on the right foot, but their views change the more they connect. It just made me smile so much.
October 20, 2023
Check out an Excerpt HERE
***4 Stars***
This was a cute, fun read that, for the most part, I found that I could totally relate to where both Pippa and August were coming from and their hang ups, but the whiplash these two gave me was real. Oh. So. Real.
Now, I liked both Pippa and August. Pippa is all kinds of vivacious and someone you know you’d have a good time with, but she’s also introspective and more aware of what’s going on around her ~ most of the time ~ than people realize. August is low key, introspective and a bit awkward, but still a really good guy.
Their “meet cute” wasn’t so cute, but they connected ~ whether they wanted to or not ~ and when they were together and just being themselves (as much as they could with cameras in their faces) they showed me how good they could be together. But the conversations they had with themselves in their heads kinda did me in. I fully understood that both had their insecurities, and I did like it when they actually communicated, but it took so much effort for them to speak up. As for that big ‘ole sinkhole in their journey ~ not unexpected and the situation surrounding it was not cool by any means, but still! I growled. But I did like how things worked out for them in the end.
Even though there was a lot of whiplash going on, I still enjoyed Pippa and August and the journey they both went on when it came to finding a way to deal with and move beyond the walls they put around themselves. I loved Annie and even Greta and will never, ever go on a “reality” show.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
***4 Stars***
This was a cute, fun read that, for the most part, I found that I could totally relate to where both Pippa and August were coming from and their hang ups, but the whiplash these two gave me was real. Oh. So. Real.
Now, I liked both Pippa and August. Pippa is all kinds of vivacious and someone you know you’d have a good time with, but she’s also introspective and more aware of what’s going on around her ~ most of the time ~ than people realize. August is low key, introspective and a bit awkward, but still a really good guy.
Their “meet cute” wasn’t so cute, but they connected ~ whether they wanted to or not ~ and when they were together and just being themselves (as much as they could with cameras in their faces) they showed me how good they could be together. But the conversations they had with themselves in their heads kinda did me in. I fully understood that both had their insecurities, and I did like it when they actually communicated, but it took so much effort for them to speak up. As for that big ‘ole sinkhole in their journey ~ not unexpected and the situation surrounding it was not cool by any means, but still! I growled. But I did like how things worked out for them in the end.
Even though there was a lot of whiplash going on, I still enjoyed Pippa and August and the journey they both went on when it came to finding a way to deal with and move beyond the walls they put around themselves. I loved Annie and even Greta and will never, ever go on a “reality” show.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 8, 2023
Beetje teleurstellend. Heb het einde maar geskipt eigenlijk. Het begon snel, daarna normaal en daarna weer afgeraffeld. Snapte het probleem eigenlijk niet echt. Het was een beetje lauw. En we lezen later niks meer over die show terug. Wel jammer dat ze haar zo veroordeelde
October 11, 2023
Rounding up to a 4. It got a bit slow at times, but they are a cute couple.
It was great to get cameos from Nico, Dan, Kat and her fromage. Wish there had been a little more development of Annie and Tia friend stories for some more juiciness.
It was great to get cameos from Nico, Dan, Kat and her fromage. Wish there had been a little more development of Annie and Tia friend stories for some more juiciness.
October 10, 2023
This should have been better. It had all the elements I like, but there was too much tell and not enough show to get me to connect with these two [except in the sexy times where these two come off like teenagers].
So disappointing.
So disappointing.
October 13, 2023
Smartypants Romance does it again. What a marvelous romp! And included in this fabulous and funny HEA are all the things I love - reality television behind the scenes, matchas, small towns, big cities, and steamy scenes. I stayed up too late to finish this and I would do it again!
Read
January 14, 2024DNF at 55%. So many issues with this book. This book is badly in need of an editor. My biggest issue is that the characters are not well developed and their internality and motivations are very inconsistent. It’s hard to be attached to characters that you can’t understand as people.
January 17, 2024
This was boring, inconsistent, and needed a developmental editor to tease out the good things it had going on. Almost every narrative choice was lazy or cliched, the dialogue was awful, and I never felt connected to any characters.
October 11, 2023
I didn’t think I could love a romance about a reality show
But Nanxi Wen made me fall in love with Pippa and August. Their relationship felt true and was such a great contrast to the reality love match show. (No shade on those who like reality shows, just not my jam). Their romance was swoony and exciting and real. I have really enjoyed this author’s writing. Read this in one sitting when there were many other things to do. It was a yummy read!
But Nanxi Wen made me fall in love with Pippa and August. Their relationship felt true and was such a great contrast to the reality love match show. (No shade on those who like reality shows, just not my jam). Their romance was swoony and exciting and real. I have really enjoyed this author’s writing. Read this in one sitting when there were many other things to do. It was a yummy read!
October 8, 2023
Screams, “My friend wrote this book!”
I am so proud of you and this wonderful sophomore novel, Nanxi! 🥰
I am so proud of you and this wonderful sophomore novel, Nanxi! 🥰
October 12, 2023
Reality show romance
I learned a bit about reality shows. The story is okay. Pippa was hard for me to understand. Some sexy times.
I learned a bit about reality shows. The story is okay. Pippa was hard for me to understand. Some sexy times.
October 15, 2023
Another fun read in the Common Threads series. Had a few of past characters pop up in this story about 2 folks who go on a reality show to find love.
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