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Brandt Brothers #1

Capitally Matched

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This condo may not be big enough for the both of them…

Charlotte Reid has always put her family first. Their bookstore was her whole life, but it’s never really felt like hers. Now, Charlotte’s left her small town behind for the chance to do something on her own terms. She needs to stay focused and make the best impression she can; this might be her one shot to change her life. That is, until the borrowed Washington D.C. condo she’s living in just added a distracting new amenity that wasn’t on the list: Hayden Brandt.

It's always been the plan that Hayden would take the CIO job at his brother’s company when offered it. Unfortunately, Hayden feels stifled by the sense of obligation and worse, now needs to rely on him for a place to live, too. Looking forward to some space of his own, Hayden’s surprised to find Charlotte already settled into the guest room of his brother’s condo. He figures his unexpected roommate will be easy to ignore, no matter how much her hair shines and her eyes shimmer. But then, the pranks start.

Hayden’s stuck in the past while Charlotte’s looking towards the future. Are these roommates all wrong for each other or might they be capitally matched?

Capitally Matched is the first book in the Brandt Brothers novels, a series of interconnected standalones about five brothers.

In these pages you’ll find forced proximity, a prank war, DC references, gossipy brothers, fabulous friends, a few open-door steamy scenes, lots of laughs, and even more heart. Happily ever after guaranteed!

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

56 people are currently reading
628 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Holm

7 books77 followers
Rachel grew up in Western PA and found her love of reading early in life, supported by her parents with frequent trips to the library and local bookstores. She stumbled into the bookish world in late 2020 and has embraced the bookish lifestyle whole-heartedly, diving headfirst into the Romance genre, becoming a book reviewer and Bookstagrammer, changing careers and taking a job at a bookstore and undertaking her first official novel-length writing project.

When not immersed in her bookish world, you can find Rachel hanging out with her husband and two cats, spending time with friends in the Washington DC area and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie (stephreadsallthebooks).
468 reviews20 followers
January 1, 2024
Oh man did I LOVE this book - it's the perfect blend of swoon, spice, and humor!

When Charlotte and Hayden find themselves accidental roommates for a few months, they start a fairly harmless prank war in order to try to force the other out. But as they start to spend more time together, they can't ignore the fireworks between them.

There's a really fine line with pranking that I often feel boarders on the side of being childish, but the pranks here were so funny! Nothing was over the top and honestly all of them were so funny (Jabba the Hut taped to a mirror? Hilarious!). Really the humor within this whole book is so on point - there's a joke about 3% in that I'm still thinking and laughing about! I highlighted so many lines and looking back at them, there is a really good balance of lines I highlighted because they are funny and lines I highlighted because they made me swoon and/or blush.

Both Hayden and Charlotte are struggling with family expectations and realizing they want something different for themselves - it was really lovely to see how well they supported and saw each other. There's a lovely amount of tension and their relationship trajectory feels real and authentic.

I highly highly recommend this book, particularly for people looking for a low angst swoonfest (Hayden can carry my books for me any day). It's a quick read full of heart and humor.

I did receive a complimentary eARC and am friends with the author, neither of which affected my review. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Jenn.
2,054 reviews328 followers
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December 15, 2025
So this was a book I picked up at Apollycon knowing nothing about it except it was a romance set in DC. Then a year later, I bought the next two in the series at the following Apollycon still having not read the first. I win at reading LOL. In my goal to read books I actually own, I finally decided to pick this one up. And I'm really glad that I did. This was super cute and a really quick read.

Both Charlotte and Hayden are living lives they feel aren't their own. Hayden is working for his brothers company in a very prominent role but he struggles being in a big city and he doesn't know if this career is what he wants. Meanwhile, Charlotte loves being in the big city and is hoping that her internship pays off otherwise she may have to go back to her small town and take over the family bookstore - something her mother has been pressuring her to do for years. Both also don't have places to live in the big city so they wind up sharing a condo - by hilarious circumstances - and trying to make do.

I will admit, when they started living together and somehow Charlotte decided a prank war was the way to get him to leave, I didn't know if I would like the book. It seemed a little childish. I just didn't understand Charlotte's frame of mind regarding that- I mean, this was the condo's owners brother and she was acting extremely childish. And then Hayden started retaliating and I was like, are they teenagers or adults? But once we got past that nonsense, I really enjoyed getting to know these two. I loved seeing Hayden with his family. And then bringing Charlotte into the fold. It was all so heartwarming.

If the rest of the series is as cute as this one, I have no doubt that I will enjoy them immensely. I'm off to read the next one!
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 1 book190 followers
January 18, 2024
A huge thank you to Rachel for sending me an early review copy!

Capitally Matched is a delightful, forced proximity romance set in D.C. It's full of pranks, lovely book references, and lots of delicious tension.

Charlotte Reid grew up in Holly Ridge, helping her parents manage the local bookstore. Frustrated by their desire to keep her there, and have everything stay the same, Charlotte has escaped to D.C. to undertake an internship and start forging her own path. She's arranged to stay at the apartment of a family friend's son while he's overseas. The only problem is it's not empty after all.

Hayden Brandt is starting work at his brother's company as their CIO, but it turns out he needs a place to stay so heads over to his brother's apartment to crash there until he can find his own place. Unfortunately, there's an irritating (and irritatingly cute) woman staying there already.

Neither of them has another place to go, so they agree to share, for now...but then they start playing pranks on each other in a bid to encourage the other to leave.

The characters are real, nuanced, and I'd love to hang out with them in real life. They're both trying to find their way, and navigating some tricky situations so we get to watch them grow and figure out who they want to be as the pages turn. While the pranks initially gave me a little bit of heartburn (due to my own experience with pranks gone wrong 😬) I really enjoyed their forced proximity and the way the pranks ultimately led to them getting to know each other better.

While I've only been to D.C. a couple of times, and always when the weather is spectacularly bad, this book has me looking at flight prices and planning a trip.

There are also tie-ins to Holly Ridge and characters from Rachel's debut, Carry Me Through Christmas, but this works perfectly as a stand-alone too.

Definitely pick up a copy of this one, you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Cat D | _basicbookworm.
677 reviews25 followers
January 14, 2024
Charlotte is ready to take a big leap and leave her small town and her family’s bookstore for an internship in DC. She got lucky and a family friend set her up with a free place to live while the owner is out of town. But when she comes back to the condo one day, Hayden Brandt, the brother of the condo’s owner, is there, and insists he is also staying there. With neither of them willing to leave the condo, they find themselves in a prank war. But as they get to know each other, they begin to find there might be an attraction between them.

This book stole my heart from the beginning. Charlotte and Hayden were an incredible couple. Their incredible chemistry was apparent from the moment they got in a prank war and it only got better from there! The pranks had me laughing out loud and were such a fun way to start the relationship. As the relationship progressed, there were still humorous moments that had me laughing, but there were even more swoon-worthy moments. Hayden was SO sweet and quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved how both Charlotte and Hayden supported each other as they made big leaps and changes in their lives and found their new paths, and especially how they included each other when building their new lives.

There’s also something so special about books set in DC, the city I’ve lived 20 minutes away from for almost my entire life. Rachel, who is also local to the area, did an amazing job describing the setting and made it so I could clearly picture all of the places the characters went. She even happened to mention a few of my favorite restaurants and influenced me to go out and buy a couple of meals.
Like I said, I adored this book and devoured it in one setting. I am so excited for the rest of the series because all of the Brandt brothers seemed fantastic and deserve their own HEAs.

I have to add, as a friend of the author, I am so incredibly proud of Rachel and the amazing things she is doing. There’s nothing more exciting than getting to witness your friends live their dreams.

Thank you to the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shanna - Cozy Grey Library.
269 reviews145 followers
January 14, 2024
This is a wonderfully sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed! What sets this book apart is its refreshing lack of the typical third-act breakup drama, allowing readers to enjoy the story of uninterrupted love.

One of the standout aspects of this story is how Charlotte gets to live her best life. From a charming condo to an unexpected and attractive roommate, a perfect internship, her love for books, a successful gala, and even tender care when she's sick, Charlotte's life seems like a dream come true. This story is all about the little joys and comforts of life that make it truly beautiful.

If you're in the mood for a fast, cozy, and heartwarming romance read this is the perfect choice for you. It's a delightful escape into a world of love and happiness without drama! 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5!
Profile Image for Amrutha Prasad.
316 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2025
Oh man. I knew I was getting into a lighthearted romance with this one and was eager for the DC-ness of it. But gosh, there’s so much detail about like, commuting that really isn’t necessary. And the dialogue???? Some of the corniest lines ever!! I couldn’t handle it.
Profile Image for Em Kinsler.
178 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2025
cute, predictable, decently written. the first horny scene had me thinking things were gonna get SPICY but they mostly didn’t. will i read the rest of the series? sure will!
Profile Image for Liz Kurschinske.
23 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
First off, Rachel I’m so proud to call you my sorority sister! You represent all that is good about AXO and I can’t wait to recommend these reads to as many sisters as possible. Feature in The Lyre anyone?!

I’ve just joined the bookish world in the last year and I feel like I had a similar experience really diving head first in. I didn’t think I would be one for contemporary romance but here we are. You are so brave to start your own writing journey. I can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind but I just don’t think I’m a writer. But I’ll be here to be a reader for whatever you put out into the world.

This book was amazing! I really felt a connection to both of the characters even with the book being a bit shorter. To be honest I’ve been preferring some of the shorter titles. I think a lot can be explored still in the length you provided. Sometimes even some of my favorite novels have left me frustrated halfway through because it feels drawn out. There doesn’t always need to be a frustrating obstacles to the happily ever after. You could’ve easily taken a turn to do a “miscommunication” path with when Charlotte was packing her things. But you didn’t and thank you for that.

I’m on to book #2! Just know you have a fan in me and I’ll be rooting you along. I’m also all about an ARC in the future.

LOVE IN THE BOND 🐞
Profile Image for Bethany.
827 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2024
Two unexpected roommates find love in Rachel Holm’s Capitally Matched. When Hayden Brandt suddenly finds himself in need of a place to live as he starts his job as CIO at his brother’s company, he is grateful to that brother for offering up his currently empty condo. As it turns out, though, that condo isn’t so empty after all.

Charlotte Reid is in Washington, D.C., for an internship with a nonprofit that supports independent bookstores. Thankfully, a loyal customer to her family’s bookstore arranged for Charlotte to stay at her son’s condo while he is away traveling for business.

What starts out as a prank war transitions into hanging out and then falling in love for the two roommates.

I adore the bookish main character, how supportive Hayden is—we love a caretaking moment, the forced proximity, the heat between the two MCs, and the Brandt family dynamics. I have a feeling I will fall a little in love with each Brandt brother as Holm continues writing this series. I’m especially looking forward to reading Hunter’s story. (I love a tattooed MMC.)

I received an advance copy of the book from the author. All review opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Justine.
87 reviews36 followers
January 18, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! It’s a quick read being just over 200 pages and it absolutely flies by - I could have read it in one sitting if I had the time.

The banter, and dialogue in general, was funny and relatable and the plot was well paced throughout. I loved both Charlotte and Hayden - they were well fleshed out and easy to connect to. Their relationship developed very naturally over the course of the book and I especially loved how open and honest their communication and consent was. It was so refreshing to have two characters who actually discuss issues with each other and don’t hide things for no reason! I also have to say how refreshing it was to have a stepmother and boss who weren’t evil, but instead were supportive and lifted the main character up. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the brothers in this series!

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet and funny romance with a little bit of spice! And its on Kindle Unlimited!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
359 reviews20 followers
January 16, 2024
It was so nice to be back with Charlotte after meeting her in Holm's first book - Carry Me Through Christmas - I was already looking forward to her getting her own happy ending before I even opened Capitally Matched and boy did Holm's deliver. The disastrous first meeting, the prank war that ends up bringing our MCs closer rather than pushing them apart, and the sweetest sick bed scene just brought a smile to my face the entire time I was reading. 

Add in fantastic new secondary characters (I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the Brandt Brothers), great bookish content (Charlotte is interning at an organization that supports indie bookstores!), some steam that had me blushing (I will not be able to look at the water taxi the same any more), no third act breakup (just some uncertainty they both work through like adults) and Capitally Matched is a delight from start to finish. 

Thanks to Rachel for my review copy!
Profile Image for Amanda.
454 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2024
I was lucky to get an ARC of this- I know…shame on me for taking so long to finish. Don’t take the 3 stars as anything bad- it’s more of 3.5 so I rounded up to four- it’s a cute slow burn story that once it gets spicy- it gets spicy.

The beginning of the book didn’t catch me quite as much as I would’ve liked. It seemed to take me awhile to get in to it- probably just me! At points I felt it was a bit too descriptive and it took away from the story or there were things in there that seemed like they didn’t really need to be. I could still
Imagine everything without every detail.

Once Hayden and Charlotte realized their attraction and took it to the next level though- everything seemed to speed up and the story seemed to fit together more.
So although the first 25-35% of the story didn’t grab me the rest of it did! It was a cute little story and seemed believable with the timeline- it wasn’t crazy exaggerated or anything which I really love!
Profile Image for Molly.
493 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2024
3.5 stars. A fun forced proximity, meet-disaster, enemies to lovers romcom that is set in DC -- the setting was super fun for me (although some things were less than realistic -- like the apparent nonexistent of the building height limits in DC). Charlotte and Hayden are accidental roommates who get locked in a prank battle, which was fun, but led to some secondhand embarrassment when the pranks go awry. This was a great use of forced proximity/roommates to lovers, though, and the book gets major points for have MCs in their 30s.

Thank you to the author, Rachel Holm, for providing me with an eARC of Capitally Matched in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha.
40 reviews
January 26, 2024
Thank you Rachel for sending me an advanced reader's copy!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. First off, I loved the setting (Washington DC and Old Town Alexandria, two places that will always warm my heart). It felt cute and quaint, but also very much like DC. I thought the characters were fun. Charlotte and Hayden both have their own intricacies, and I loved getting to know them (as well as Hayden's brothers). The romance is sweet and cozy. Their banter was so fun. One of my favorite parts is how well the characters communicate with one another, and how they try to balance their lives with their careers, and ultimately come to terms with what they want in life. Overall, it's a cute read that I didn't want to put down.

This book gets 3.5 🌟 rounded up to 4 🌟
Profile Image for Ashley- Ashleyreads13 .
533 reviews32 followers
January 7, 2024
I binged Capitally Matched in basically one sitting.

Charlotte is interning with a nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. She's landed an apartment in Washington D.C. and is ready to make some changes. Hayden, forced out of his apartment, gets the keys to his brother's apartment as he accepts the head position for his brother's company.....the same apartment Charlotte was given keys for. At first, they loathe shading a space. But in the city of Washington D.C. sometimes chemistry fireworks cannot be denied.

I enjoyed the fast pacing and text threads throughout Capitally Matched. I found myself often laughing out loud to the prank wars and swooning over Hayden's gestures towards Charlotte. As reading, I couldn't help having "firework" by Katy Perry stuck in my head for a specific/fun reason. Capitally Matched had some spicy scenes and some brotherly love placed throughout.

I received an arc of Capitally Matched through the author. However; that did not have an impact on this review or my experience reading.
Profile Image for A.
10 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2024
Enemies/roommates to lovers. Forced proximity. Prank wars. Spicy scenes. Happy ending.

Capitally Matched will leave your tummy full of butterflies while gasping at the spice, giggling over the cuteness, tearing up at the relatability of changing your career to follow your dreams, and setting new high standards for your dream partner.

Basically, if you are a fan of Nick with Jess, Jim with Pam, and Kathleen Kelly with Joe Fox, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Tara Sweeney.
5 reviews
January 11, 2024
I throughly enjoyed this, dare I say loved it! The characters, especially Hayden and Charolette are delightful. When they become accidental roommates, hilarity ensues! Prank wars that start as middle school level pranks, and get funnier as they go along! There is spice, Star Wars, and humor!

Their roommateness turns to friendship and blooms to something much more. This book was a hard one to put down as I just wanted to know how their story turned out! I can’t wait for the rest of the Brandt brothers stories!!

If you need a fun romance story that will have you giggling to yourself this is it!

Thank you to the author for providing me with my very first ARC in exchange for my honest review!
3 reviews
January 22, 2024
Charlotte and Hayden are the Perfect Match!

An excellent read - if you are in the market for low stakes drama and a guaranteed happy ending, Capitally Matched is for you. Charlotte and Hayden’s chemistry was so real, and perfectly spicy. I can’t wait to revisit the Brandt Brothers in Book 2!
Profile Image for Ashlee (bookswithnopictures).
1,469 reviews119 followers
Read
January 20, 2024
Within hours of moving to DC, Charlotte and Hayden find themselves in an unhappy living arrangement. Neither expects the other to be in the apartment but with a little luck and a lot of pranking, one is bound to flee for the sake of clean clothing and the perfect tasting coffee.
There's just something about a prank war that keeps me turning pages and eating popcorn. Would I want to be in their shoes? Absolutely not. This series starter is a fast read that'll make you want to run to your nearest bookstore and have the perfect bookish kind of day.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
124 reviews
November 28, 2024
this was honestly so underwhelming. i love a good forced proximity trope but the slow burn was not good enough for my tastes and them getting together felt anticlimactic. i thought the characters were also a bit immature, which i couldn't really get past. for example, having a prank war at age 30 and charlotte referring to being intimate with hayden as "doing the man" really threw me off.

bonus points for him carrying her book purchases from the bookstore and him taking care of her while she was sick
Profile Image for M.J.Swan.
955 reviews
December 29, 2024
This was capitally boring (excuse the pun). Also it just didn’t feel like the characters had any chemistry and the hero was just a white piece of bread without any real human characteristics. The ending was somehow too long even for a novella and it happened way too easily.
90 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2024
Capitally Matched” by Rachel Holm is a delightful romantic comedy that whisks readers away to the bustling streets of Washington D.C. With its charming characters, engaging plot, and plenty of heartwarming moments, this book is a joy to read from start to finish.

At the center of the story are Charlotte Reid and Hayden Brandt, two individuals from different worlds brought together by circumstance. Charlotte, always putting her family first, ventures out of her small town to pursue her dreams, only to find herself unexpectedly sharing a condo with Hayden, the brother of her landlord. Hayden, burdened by familial obligations, seeks solace and independence in the same condo, only to be greeted by the presence of Charlotte. Thus begins a hilarious and heartwarming journey as these two polar opposites navigate their newfound living situation.

Holm skillfully crafts the dynamic between Charlotte and Hayden, infusing their interactions with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. As they engage in a prank war and navigate their conflicting priorities, readers are treated to a delightful romance that unfolds against the backdrop of the nation’s capital. From exploring iconic D.C. landmarks to experiencing the city’s vibrant culture, the setting adds depth and richness to the story, immersing readers in the world of the Brandt brothers.

What truly sets “Capitally Matched” apart is its vibrant cast of characters. From the gossipy Brandt brothers to Charlotte’s supportive friends, each character adds layers of humor and heart to the narrative. As Charlotte and Hayden’s relationship blossoms, readers will find themselves rooting for their happily ever after, eagerly turning the pages to see how their story unfolds.

In addition to its charming characters and engaging plot, “Capitally Matched” also delivers plenty of steamy romance. Holm expertly balances the heat with moments of vulnerability and intimacy, creating a love story that feels both passionate and authentic.
Profile Image for Miles.
192 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2024
This book was low angst, with a few open door romance scenes (the one scene um 😳 iykyk) and I oddly found myself caring for Charlotte as if I were her friend too. She was truly likeable, and Hayden was honestly a dream. If men exist like that in real life... where are they?

It fell flat for me in a couple of ways, though. For me, I wish it were more about it's premise. If you promise me pranks, you better deliver, y'know? But at the same time, once I found out Hayden was 31 playing pranks like he was 16? Kinda weird for me. Speaking of Hayden's age, the timeline of this confused me a bit. Haydens mom died when he and his brother were 8, and at Thanksgiving it's mentioned their first with their stepmother was a decade ago. That would make Hayden 21. She also mentioned his youngest brother Spencer was 13 at the time, making him 23 now, and 8 years younger than Hayden. So that insinuates their mom died around the time Spencer was born, but it's also mentioned multiple times that it was hard living in a house with 5 teen boys. but if Spencer is 8 years younger... there's no way all of them could be teens at once. It was just really hard for me to wrap my head around the physics of it all, and I think that distracted from the story a bit as I tried to piece together what the hell was happening in the background there. Another thing was, while the scene on the boat was a great one, it felt a bit... rushed in.

Over all, this is a solid 3.5 star for me. Something that I thought was sweet, but not something I'd immediately jump to read again.

Thank you to Rachel Holm and her team for allowing me to snag and ARC of this book!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cee.
187 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2024
Charlotte’s leap from her cozy, small-town life and the comfort of her family’s bookstore to the bustling political hub of DC for an internship is like a plot ripped from a dreamer’s diary. A stay through a family connection seemed like striking gold, until she bumped into Hayden Brandt, the unexpected and decidedly stubborn guest at her temporary abode. Their unwillingness to surrender the condo to the other sparks a prank war that is as hilarious as it is inventive, setting the stage for a romance you didn’t see coming.

The chemistry between Charlotte and Hayden? Electrifying, from the get-go, fueled by their playful rivalry. Their prank battles aren’t just laugh-out-loud funny; they’re the quirky foundation of a relationship that blossoms beautifully from contention to undeniable attraction. Hayden, with his blend of charm and sweetness, steals the show (and quite possibly your heart), ascending the ranks to top-tier book boyfriend status.

What makes “Capitally Matched” by Rachel Holm an absolute gem is its heartwarming exploration of growth, change, and the courage it takes to pursue new paths—with someone special by your side. Watching Charlotte and Hayden support each other’s ambitions, navigate the uncertainties of new beginnings, and weave their lives together into a shared journey is the kind of stuff swoon-worthy moments are made of. This book is a delightful mix of humor, romance, and life’s unexpected turns, all set against the vibrant backdrop of DC. It’s a story about finding love where you least expect it and making room for it in the grand adventure of life.
Profile Image for Allie B • Literally Booked Solid.
663 reviews48 followers
January 18, 2024
💬 “For anyone who has put their faith in themselves and taken a leap; this one’s for you.”

There is something so special about being on the sidelines, cheering on dear friends as they go for their dreams…and wildly succeed. I am so damn proud of Rachel and what she’s accomplished by listening to her heart and just doing the damn thing.

I might be biased in my review, because I was fortunate to read an early, early version of this one, but I don't care. I loved Capitally Matched SO MUCH! It's a strong start to what is shaping to be an epic family series and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.

I immediately fell in love with Charlotte and Hayden from the get-go. They're both going through some rough patches and trying to find their way in life. The pair just work together and they balance each other out. They both are struggling with familial expectations, which gives them even footing to understand each other on a deeper emotional level.

I loved their banter, their chemistry and how communicative they were throughout their relationship. Them falling in love felt grown up and mature and not riddled with miscommunication or forced breakups to follow a formula.

Charlotte is a woman after my own heart with her checklists and spreadsheets with a love of romance books. I loved her ambition and drive and her journey paralleled so much of my own journey taking a leap of faith and she made me feel so seen.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am completely obsessed with Hayden! He's got a tough exterior, but is incredibly sweet on the inside. That man fell first and he had no qualms hiding it, which was just a breath of fresh air. He takes initiative and the lead when it comes to the relationship, all while making Charlotte feel valued and important with his words and actions. That man can carry my books all over a bookstore any day of the week. I love a good caretaking trope and Hayden taking care of Charlotte while she battled the flu about had my panties on fire.

I loved how both Charlotte and Hayden were straightforward and direct about their relationship. They didn't play games and were honest with their feelings and the possibility for their future together. Their easy chemistry was off the charts. I mean, that ferry boat scene 🥵🔥. I would be remised if I didn't mention the fantastic Washington, D.C. setting that made my history loving heart incredibly happy. The prank wars had me cackling (but also jotting down a few notes to try out later on unsuspecting family members).

Capitally Matched gives you...
💕 Enemies to Lovers
💕 Forced Proximity (roommates)
💕 Fast paced with low angst
💕 Prank Wars
💕 No third act breakup

Capitally Matched publishes January 22!
Profile Image for Dani (dtieds_allbookedup).
398 reviews11 followers
January 16, 2024
Dani’s Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Details: Many Open Door Scenes

Thank you to Rachel Holm for an advanced copy of this book.

Charlotte Reid has gone against her family's wishes and moved to Washington, DC to work for a non-profit instead of helping at the family-run bookstore. She needs to make the most of this opportunity so that she can change the direction of her life. However, this was easier before her new unexpected roommate stepped through her borrowed apartment.

Hayden has always been expected to take the CIO job at his brother's company when it was offered. However, Hayden feels stifled by the new responsibilities and tasks in this job. Even worse than taking a job at your brother's company is to also have to use his housing as well. Little did Hayden know that he would not be at his brother's apartment alone. He thought this would be an easy problem to ignore, until the pranks began.

I absolutely LOVED this book. The first meeting between Hayden and Charlotte was just so laugh out loud funny that I really didn't stop giggling throughout the entire book. I love the prank war that began between the two of them to gain independence of the apartment. However, when it mattered most, pranks were laid down and Hayden took care of a sick Charlotte. The connection between the two was undeniable and I enjoyed how they got to know each other slowly. The way that they supported each other in their dreams at work was incredible. Finally, there was NO 3rd act break-up!!

Read if you like:
💜 Forced Proximity
😂 Prank Wars
💜 Gossipy Brothers
👩‍❤️‍👨 Dual POV
Profile Image for Chelsey Readsbooks_.
170 reviews14 followers
January 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

I’ve been looking forward to this release for months!! There were so many things I loved in this book. I loved the return of some Holly Ridge characters but a new setting in DC, I loved the roommate trope, I loved Charlotte’s love of books (obviously), and as a past small business owner, I loved the focus on small businesses and the passion these characters had to help them excel. I REALLY loved the lack of a third act breakup!

I read this book pretty quickly. I wouldn’t have hated having a bit more to show them slowly realizing their feelings for each other towards the start of the book or seeing a bit more of either characters relationships With their families, but Rachel clearly got the idea across to show their familial relationships without having to give us too many familial scenes. I definitely wouldn’t have hated more spicy scenes but I did love the ones that were included!

This book made me want to go to my local small business bookstore tomorrow and fill up a big shopping bag. It even made me want to let my husband explain Star Wars to me!

I can’t wait to see what Holly Ridge resident will show up in Book 3 (Austin? Or will we get more Brandt Brother books?!)

TLDR: a fast(ish) read with minimal anxiety and a few spicy scenes featuring a relatable FMC and an MMC who makes a pretty good book boyfriend.
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books200 followers
June 29, 2024
The Review

What a compelling and heated romance! The antagonistic start to the main characters and their relationship was the perfect way to highlight their heat. The author put a remarkable amount of detail and heart into each main character and their background, allowing the reader to make an emotional connection with each of them instantly. The imagery in the author’s writing brought the city to life and elevated the passion of the romance between them both.

The major theme that connected Charlotte and Hayden was family obligations. While both come from very different backgrounds, they each fight an overwhelming sense of obligation to their family. Hayden feels less than enthused at his job working for his brother, and Charlotte feels pressure to leave behind her dreams to help run her parents' bookstore. This allowed the bond that formed between both main characters to feel more alive and engaging on the page.

The Verdict

Steamy, heartfelt, and entertaining author Rachel Holm’s “Capitally Matched” is a must-read contemporary romance and the perfect first entry in the Brandt Brothers series. The book earns its “swoon-worthy” reputation, highlighting the relatable family drama and relationships they have with one another and the passion between the two main characters that will keep readers eager for more from this amazing author.
Profile Image for Kimberly Allison.
111 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2024
who knew a prank war could get so hot 🥵

Charlotte is taking advantage of a friend’s offer to have her stay at her son’s empty apartment during her internship at a DC literary foundation. Before she may have to return to her hometown to take over her family’s indie bookstore.

Hayden has just been dumped by his girlfriend because her psychic said they weren’t compatible. So
Hayden’s brother offers his apartment to stay at while he’s in Europe. What Hayden doesn’t expect is someone else to be living there also… his brother’s old assistant forgot to share that detail before she left…

Charlotte can’t afford to lose her affordable housing on a minimum intern stipend, so she’s gonna prank Hayden out of it. Will Hayden cave or will it turn into war? & what happens when Charlotte’s charity fundraiser’s main benefactor drops out at the last moment & she gets the flu at the same time? Will she keep her job or be sent back to the bookstore?


📚 DC // Big City Romance
📚 Roommates to Lovers
📚 Forced Proximity
📚 Banter
📚 1st Book in Series
📚 Dual POV

This was my first Rachel Holm read! & holy moly I was hooked from the first page. The pranks wars at the beginning to the way Hayden knew Charlotte was his girl after taking care of her during her flu. Swoooned. I’m ready for book 2 to come out at the end of the month! & I’m so excited to meet her in September @ Authors in the Steel City! 🤩
Profile Image for Tiffany W.
463 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2024
I was so happy to be back in Holly Ridge( kinda) with that being said Rachel Holm is two for two for me!

Capitally match is ** chefs kiss**. It’s the perfect amount of romance, spicy, but also real life issues.

Hayden and Charlie both moved to DC for different reasons but fate would bring them together as accidental roommates with Hayden brother condo.

While Charlotte and Hayden both were on journey theirselves. Charlotte was taking a big leap leaving her family bookstore business and Hayden was trying to decide what makes him truly happy while working for his brothers company as CIO

I loved white reading Hayden‘s in Charlotte this relationship go from being strangers to pranksters( thankfully the pranks didn’t last long) roommates then lovers. I really enjoy the banter between the two. And let me just say “ he takes care of her” has slowly become one of my favorite micro tropes.

I also like that neither one of them gave up on their initial goals for being in DC while also still having faith is their relationship and kinda factoring each other in future plans.

I highly recommend reading this now, because it’s four brothers so at least three more books are coming!! I got a feeling Duncan or Hunter is next!
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