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Perfect Fit: A Novel
A hilarious and heartfelt rom-com about having it all, slowing down to see the big picture, and finding out that the person you least expect could be your perfect fit
Josephine Davis has spent her entire twenties building Revenant, a fashion brand headquartered in downtown Austin. When her biggest investor orders Josie to hire a consultant, the last person she expects to be working with is Will Grant – the twin brother of her ex best friend.
Sure, Will and Josie may have shared one mistake of a kiss during senior spring break nine years ago, but they’ve never been friends. She remembers him as moody; he always thought of her as shallow. Romance isn’t on the table for either of them until they blink, and realize there’s a reason they can’t stay away from each other.
But there’s Will’s sister to consider, whom Josie hasn’t spoken with since their falling out. Not to mention, Will and Josie live seventeen hundred miles apart. And it’s not like she has time for a boyfriend anyway when she’s an overworked CEO. As Josie’s burnout looms while she falls deeper and harder for Will, she contends with the fact that eventually, she’ll have to make a stay alone to be productive, or slow down to be in love.
Josephine Davis has spent her entire twenties building Revenant, a fashion brand headquartered in downtown Austin. When her biggest investor orders Josie to hire a consultant, the last person she expects to be working with is Will Grant – the twin brother of her ex best friend.
Sure, Will and Josie may have shared one mistake of a kiss during senior spring break nine years ago, but they’ve never been friends. She remembers him as moody; he always thought of her as shallow. Romance isn’t on the table for either of them until they blink, and realize there’s a reason they can’t stay away from each other.
But there’s Will’s sister to consider, whom Josie hasn’t spoken with since their falling out. Not to mention, Will and Josie live seventeen hundred miles apart. And it’s not like she has time for a boyfriend anyway when she’s an overworked CEO. As Josie’s burnout looms while she falls deeper and harder for Will, she contends with the fact that eventually, she’ll have to make a stay alone to be productive, or slow down to be in love.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,005 reviews
January 12, 2026
"I didn't think this would ever happen to me," I admit, the words tripping off my tongue.
His lips graze mine, close but still resisting. "Being this much in love?"
"Being at peace," I explain, repeating his same sentiment. "That's why I get to love you. You helped me find it."
I absolutely loved this book. This was the romance book I've been looking for when I've been disappointed by my previous reads, and I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the setting; was giving The Intern vibes if anyone has seen that movie. Just really loved the feel of the atmosphere that was being described and the love and passion for the job that Josie was outputting. I really loved her character too. Such a humble female CEO character that was still working hard and finding her place the world but also dealing with stress and burnout, even when doing something you started out loving.
And Will. Good grief. This man was amazing in every single way. He was such a good man, had a great personality and sense of humor, and was amazing at his job. At one point, Josie remarks to herself that watching a man with such professional competency is a turn on, and I couldn't agree more.
And throughout all of this, they are communicating, being honest with each other about their feelings and why they may have reservations. But they were there for each other from the word go. Whether it was professionally, romantically, or even just as friends. This was really a beautiful relationship to read about and this is a top 2 or 3 book for me this year so far.
Couldn't recommend this was one more 🩷
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
His lips graze mine, close but still resisting. "Being this much in love?"
"Being at peace," I explain, repeating his same sentiment. "That's why I get to love you. You helped me find it."
I absolutely loved this book. This was the romance book I've been looking for when I've been disappointed by my previous reads, and I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the setting; was giving The Intern vibes if anyone has seen that movie. Just really loved the feel of the atmosphere that was being described and the love and passion for the job that Josie was outputting. I really loved her character too. Such a humble female CEO character that was still working hard and finding her place the world but also dealing with stress and burnout, even when doing something you started out loving.
And Will. Good grief. This man was amazing in every single way. He was such a good man, had a great personality and sense of humor, and was amazing at his job. At one point, Josie remarks to herself that watching a man with such professional competency is a turn on, and I couldn't agree more.
And throughout all of this, they are communicating, being honest with each other about their feelings and why they may have reservations. But they were there for each other from the word go. Whether it was professionally, romantically, or even just as friends. This was really a beautiful relationship to read about and this is a top 2 or 3 book for me this year so far.
Couldn't recommend this was one more 🩷
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 12, 2024
Infinity stars, yet again!
I was going to mention in my second review how tightly I would hug this story (if it were possible), only to realise that I wrote the almost exact same words in my first review.
My love for this story, the characters and everything in between for ‘Perfect Fit’ is indescribably big! I cannot tell you guys how much I love, adore and relate to this book! 🥹
————————
I just got approved for the audiobook!!!!
Guess who's going to read this wonderful book again for the second time, even though it hasn't even been two months since this book was read. ME! 🥹 While listening to the audiobook, naturally.
_____________________
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
Infinity Stars!
Attention!!!
Since this book isn't released yet, I want to mention that there may be a few spoilers in this review.
So proceed at your own caution!
For the triers, for the tired ones,
and for anyone who ever thought:
If I don't have the right outfit I'm not going.
If I get told now what book would I choose to tightly hug and not easily let go of, it would be this book 'Perfect Fit'.
This book caught my attention ever since I saw the cover reveal and just then I decided to read the blurb as well and at that precise moment I knew I would fall deeply in love with this book. Turns out, I was right. From the first chapter I was a goner for 'Perfect Fit'.
I'd wanted to read this author's debut novel since it came out, but unfortunately never found the right time to do so. But, I was also very fortunate to receive an arc for this, because I was already too excited for this book and had no idea how I was going to wait a but longer till its release.
The quotes! *SIGHS DREAMILY* Too many quotes in this book that made my heart flutter.
You know a book is GOOD when you find yourself highlighting many many lines in every few page.
''I know your fever's about to hit. I can wrap you up in my arms. Get under the covers with you. Keep you warm. Make you feel not alone. I can let your head rest against my chest and that way, you'll feel another person's heartbeat, in sync with yours. That's the kind of help I can be. Even though I can't take away your... physical pain, I can make you feel good in a different way.''
Will Grant, you have my heart, it is yours. It had been a hot second for me to find a (new) book boyfriend, but the way we got introduced to our main male character/love interest I knew he would find his place in my heart.
Where the heck is my cheesiness and the hopeless romanticness coming from. *tsk*
''You should have me. You do have me. I think, from now on, forevermore, you will probably always have me.''
The friendships and the relationships in this book were everything I could ask for and more! Josie being an IT GIRL and a BOSS BITCH while being extremely kind, loving and down to earth, and of course, her wanting to make everyone in her surroundings happy and being emotional and vulnerable is something that spoke to me the most. I related to her character immensely.
''I want to be there while you test each one and pick your favorites. I want to carry you around in my arms and then put you down and let you stand on your own two feet while you build something out loud that used to live inside your head. I want to stand on the sidelines and clap for you and then take you somewhere private and (....) you. But mostly, Josie, I want to be a good person with you. Because you make me feel better about myself, just by being you.''
The female friendships and the friendships, in general. Josie's relationship with Camila, and how mature and communicative they were towards one another, all because of Josie's past friendship with her former best friend. Then, we have her ex bff Zoe (who happens to be her high-school bestfriend and also her her new consultant's twin sister), with whom she hasn't spoken a single word for almost a decade. Even her relationship with her now bff's fiancé was incredible adorable, though we haven't seen too much of it. But, still.
''I want to make you a deal.''
''What deal?''
''If you wake up one morning and decide you want to try out soft living. We do it together. Even if it's only for a little while. If you want to drop everything, then I will, too.''
"What if I was okay with being your collateral damage?" he whispers.
My breath hitches. "What?"
"What if you took from me what you wanted and left the rest? I can take it." His voice is deep in his throat, breath warm on my skin. "Use me. Please.
It would be an honor. I can only exist for you in moments like this one. I can be scarce when you need me not to exist."
Overall, a fantastic book and hands down one of my FAVORITE books that I have read this year. I will think about this book for a while, I just know it.
''The point is, Will. If you don't think I'm a fraud, then maybe I'm not one. You were the first person to see every messy part of who I am and believe in me anyway.''
''I want your messy parts.''
''I want yours, too. I want your list of worst things and i want your biggest regrets. I want your bad days. You're not just a good person, you're a good-for-me person. And you make me feel like I'm worth something more valuable than my actual net worth.''
_______________________
I was looking forward to this book ever since it was announced, I’m beyond excited to read this one! 🥹
I was going to mention in my second review how tightly I would hug this story (if it were possible), only to realise that I wrote the almost exact same words in my first review.
My love for this story, the characters and everything in between for ‘Perfect Fit’ is indescribably big! I cannot tell you guys how much I love, adore and relate to this book! 🥹
————————
I just got approved for the audiobook!!!!
Guess who's going to read this wonderful book again for the second time, even though it hasn't even been two months since this book was read. ME! 🥹 While listening to the audiobook, naturally.
_____________________
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
Infinity Stars!
Attention!!!
Since this book isn't released yet, I want to mention that there may be a few spoilers in this review.
So proceed at your own caution!
For the triers, for the tired ones,
and for anyone who ever thought:
If I don't have the right outfit I'm not going.
If I get told now what book would I choose to tightly hug and not easily let go of, it would be this book 'Perfect Fit'.
This book caught my attention ever since I saw the cover reveal and just then I decided to read the blurb as well and at that precise moment I knew I would fall deeply in love with this book. Turns out, I was right. From the first chapter I was a goner for 'Perfect Fit'.
I'd wanted to read this author's debut novel since it came out, but unfortunately never found the right time to do so. But, I was also very fortunate to receive an arc for this, because I was already too excited for this book and had no idea how I was going to wait a but longer till its release.
The quotes! *SIGHS DREAMILY* Too many quotes in this book that made my heart flutter.
You know a book is GOOD when you find yourself highlighting many many lines in every few page.
''I know your fever's about to hit. I can wrap you up in my arms. Get under the covers with you. Keep you warm. Make you feel not alone. I can let your head rest against my chest and that way, you'll feel another person's heartbeat, in sync with yours. That's the kind of help I can be. Even though I can't take away your... physical pain, I can make you feel good in a different way.''
Will Grant, you have my heart, it is yours. It had been a hot second for me to find a (new) book boyfriend, but the way we got introduced to our main male character/love interest I knew he would find his place in my heart.
Where the heck is my cheesiness and the hopeless romanticness coming from. *tsk*
''You should have me. You do have me. I think, from now on, forevermore, you will probably always have me.''
The friendships and the relationships in this book were everything I could ask for and more! Josie being an IT GIRL and a BOSS BITCH while being extremely kind, loving and down to earth, and of course, her wanting to make everyone in her surroundings happy and being emotional and vulnerable is something that spoke to me the most. I related to her character immensely.
''I want to be there while you test each one and pick your favorites. I want to carry you around in my arms and then put you down and let you stand on your own two feet while you build something out loud that used to live inside your head. I want to stand on the sidelines and clap for you and then take you somewhere private and (....) you. But mostly, Josie, I want to be a good person with you. Because you make me feel better about myself, just by being you.''
The female friendships and the friendships, in general. Josie's relationship with Camila, and how mature and communicative they were towards one another, all because of Josie's past friendship with her former best friend. Then, we have her ex bff Zoe (who happens to be her high-school bestfriend and also her her new consultant's twin sister), with whom she hasn't spoken a single word for almost a decade. Even her relationship with her now bff's fiancé was incredible adorable, though we haven't seen too much of it. But, still.
''I want to make you a deal.''
''What deal?''
''If you wake up one morning and decide you want to try out soft living. We do it together. Even if it's only for a little while. If you want to drop everything, then I will, too.''
"What if I was okay with being your collateral damage?" he whispers.
My breath hitches. "What?"
"What if you took from me what you wanted and left the rest? I can take it." His voice is deep in his throat, breath warm on my skin. "Use me. Please.
It would be an honor. I can only exist for you in moments like this one. I can be scarce when you need me not to exist."
Overall, a fantastic book and hands down one of my FAVORITE books that I have read this year. I will think about this book for a while, I just know it.
''The point is, Will. If you don't think I'm a fraud, then maybe I'm not one. You were the first person to see every messy part of who I am and believe in me anyway.''
''I want your messy parts.''
''I want yours, too. I want your list of worst things and i want your biggest regrets. I want your bad days. You're not just a good person, you're a good-for-me person. And you make me feel like I'm worth something more valuable than my actual net worth.''
_______________________
I was looking forward to this book ever since it was announced, I’m beyond excited to read this one! 🥹
December 5, 2024
fun and light hearted read! i loveee how the author added some pop culture references into it. as a fashion girlie who’s love language is acts of service i DEVOURED this
October 4, 2024
Will Grant oh my god
May 30, 2024
Clare has crafted a perfect love story in PERFECT FIT. I loved these characters from page one and could not wait to see them come together. Perfect Fit is a perfect book.
June 11, 2025
when a girl boss girl bosses just a tiny bit too much and needs a total green flag man to help fill in a few missing pieces in her life ... and they’re the perfect fit. see what i did there? yeah okay ... let’s move on.
josephine! and! will! were so amazing together, despite the fact that i did feel their chemistry was lacking a bit at points. they balanced each other out nicely and provided what the other needed in their lives. they were both really strong characters individually so they just added a little ✨extra✨ for each other.
i’ve quickly fallen in love with clare gilmore’s writing and storytelling and can confirm she’s becoming a favorite author for me. her books are so wholesome and emotional and just so perfect for what i look for in a romance <3
pre-read:
reading another clare gilmore bc never over was a five star and i feel like this could be too? 🤞🏼
josephine! and! will! were so amazing together, despite the fact that i did feel their chemistry was lacking a bit at points. they balanced each other out nicely and provided what the other needed in their lives. they were both really strong characters individually so they just added a little ✨extra✨ for each other.
i’ve quickly fallen in love with clare gilmore’s writing and storytelling and can confirm she’s becoming a favorite author for me. her books are so wholesome and emotional and just so perfect for what i look for in a romance <3
pre-read:
reading another clare gilmore bc never over was a five star and i feel like this could be too? 🤞🏼
June 11, 2025
✨The reason you're my perfect fit is because you're imperfect. I happen to love your imperfections.✨
I feel like this book is going to be my personality for the next few months cuz I freaking loved it, and I'm gonna keep recommending it till you get sick of me & finally pick it up!!!
We follow Josephine Davis, the CEO of Revenant, a clothing company who's looking for a consultant to further expand her business. The last person she expects to take up that job is Will Grant, the brother of her ex-best friend, who also happens to be the reason why the friends had a fallout. Even though she knows it's a bad idea to be working close when they both have a history, Jo also knows that he's the best at his job and takes up his offer. Little did she know that he's going to be the one who riles her up and makes her give up all her rules just to be beside him!!
Josephine Davis takes the crown of being the craziest workaholic I've ever seen! She cannot stay without doing anything work related for even a moment, and also happens to be her worst critic. Because of her people pleasing and overthinking nature (so relatable), she's constantly getting anxious even for small things. But all this anxiety seems to stem from the thought of not letting her business go down the drain, and I can definitely understand why she feels that way. She started her business when she was going through a hard time and has worked her ass off to bring it to the current position, so the thought of losing it because of a small misstep terrifies her.
Even though Jo is heavily focused on her work, she doesn't forget to spend time with her friends. She's the sort of person who'd even die for their friends, and that made me admire her so much cuz we all know that such friends are hard to come by these days!!! And it was so heartwarming to see her make amends and reconnect with Zoe, the twin sister of Will Grant.
Will freaking Grant!!! - the man who has made me lose sleep, and the one who has officially taken up his spot among my top book boyfriends. It's so obvious from the start that he has fallen hard for Jo back then & hasn't moved on even now. But he tries to keep distance between them because Jo asked, and is such a man of manners! But what I liked most about him is his quietness!!!! Whenever Jo is going through a hard time or having an anxiety attack, he doesn't bombard her with questions rather he stays quietly by her side, offering her comfort and assuring her that everything will be fine. He's also the staunch supporter of Jo, he hypes her up during every step of the business and keeps reminding her of her worth.. it's so rare to find a guy who doesn't feel inferior to a girl boss, much less support her through every step!!!😭🤌🏻
Not to mention the fact that Will is a reader, cook, a great listener, and a man who's taken acts of service to the next level, tell me what more can anyone want from a partner?!!! He makes Jo feel at ease with him, and gives her the space she needs to make up her own mind and doesn't pressure her at any point of the novel. That's what made their slowburn of a romance more beautiful!!
The narrator has done a wonderful job of portraying the characters, I don't think I would've become this connected with the characters & their feelings if it weren't for the narrator. There were moments where I had to look at the ceiling to stop myself from tearing up, and that shows how good of a job the narrator has done!!!
This book made me realise that I'm an absolute sobbing mess for second chance romances!! Also, Clare has become my new favorite author and I cannot wait to read her backlist now!!
Huge thanks to NetGalley & RB Media for the audiobook Arc!!
I feel like this book is going to be my personality for the next few months cuz I freaking loved it, and I'm gonna keep recommending it till you get sick of me & finally pick it up!!!
We follow Josephine Davis, the CEO of Revenant, a clothing company who's looking for a consultant to further expand her business. The last person she expects to take up that job is Will Grant, the brother of her ex-best friend, who also happens to be the reason why the friends had a fallout. Even though she knows it's a bad idea to be working close when they both have a history, Jo also knows that he's the best at his job and takes up his offer. Little did she know that he's going to be the one who riles her up and makes her give up all her rules just to be beside him!!
Josephine Davis takes the crown of being the craziest workaholic I've ever seen! She cannot stay without doing anything work related for even a moment, and also happens to be her worst critic. Because of her people pleasing and overthinking nature (so relatable), she's constantly getting anxious even for small things. But all this anxiety seems to stem from the thought of not letting her business go down the drain, and I can definitely understand why she feels that way. She started her business when she was going through a hard time and has worked her ass off to bring it to the current position, so the thought of losing it because of a small misstep terrifies her.
Even though Jo is heavily focused on her work, she doesn't forget to spend time with her friends. She's the sort of person who'd even die for their friends, and that made me admire her so much cuz we all know that such friends are hard to come by these days!!! And it was so heartwarming to see her make amends and reconnect with Zoe, the twin sister of Will Grant.
Will freaking Grant!!! - the man who has made me lose sleep, and the one who has officially taken up his spot among my top book boyfriends. It's so obvious from the start that he has fallen hard for Jo back then & hasn't moved on even now. But he tries to keep distance between them because Jo asked, and is such a man of manners! But what I liked most about him is his quietness!!!! Whenever Jo is going through a hard time or having an anxiety attack, he doesn't bombard her with questions rather he stays quietly by her side, offering her comfort and assuring her that everything will be fine. He's also the staunch supporter of Jo, he hypes her up during every step of the business and keeps reminding her of her worth.. it's so rare to find a guy who doesn't feel inferior to a girl boss, much less support her through every step!!!😭🤌🏻
Not to mention the fact that Will is a reader, cook, a great listener, and a man who's taken acts of service to the next level, tell me what more can anyone want from a partner?!!! He makes Jo feel at ease with him, and gives her the space she needs to make up her own mind and doesn't pressure her at any point of the novel. That's what made their slowburn of a romance more beautiful!!
The narrator has done a wonderful job of portraying the characters, I don't think I would've become this connected with the characters & their feelings if it weren't for the narrator. There were moments where I had to look at the ceiling to stop myself from tearing up, and that shows how good of a job the narrator has done!!!
This book made me realise that I'm an absolute sobbing mess for second chance romances!! Also, Clare has become my new favorite author and I cannot wait to read her backlist now!!
Huge thanks to NetGalley & RB Media for the audiobook Arc!!
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October 27, 2025
﹙🪷﹚— 4.25 stars ᰋ
[ reading time - 22/10/2025 - 26/10/25 ] ⊹
guys this made my heart flutter and reinstate my fondness for romances [ real life is slowly making me lose hope in love... ] but we're back to being delusional and imagining a future w my made up man 😻
November 1, 2024
Happy slightly belated pub day to this masterpiece!!!!! Still one of my favorites!
This was actually the perfect romance for me, omg. Top 5 contemporary romance books of all time for me easily!!
First and foremost, if you love a more women's fiction leaning romance and to have hella emotional depth to your characters and the relationship in the romances you're reading, this is an absolute must read. I love a good rom-com, but my preferred types of rom-coms are the ones that are also going to make me sob and really connect to the characters' backstories, and this very much did that. Both of the main characters are absolutely flawed individuals, but they come together and make each other better just for being part of each others' lives, and that is the best sort of romance story in my personal opinion. There was so much character growth, both individually and with the relationships in this book whether they be romantic, platonic, or familial. I absolutely loved it.
Second, I so badly needed a strong (but not ice-queen) feminist icon of a main character, and Josie delivered that in spades. I mean come on; she's a literal CEO. A literal boss, yet is still so kind and helpful, and just trying to make a life for herself that makes a positive impact on the world. I absolutely love her.
And Will--omggg. The acts of service!!!!!!! And the way he is not intimidated by Josie being such a strong, independent woman, and supported her/did not dim her sparkle. We love to see it! Also watching him better himself both personally and in his career, for both himself and the people in his life, made his story so heartwarming.
The chemistry between them was palpable from page one. And THE BANTER. I absolutely ate it up. It felt so natural and realistic, while still being so funny and honest.
To the Emily Henry/Abby Jimenez/etc fans that like a little Elle Woods sparkle in their FMCs--You must read it!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was actually the perfect romance for me, omg. Top 5 contemporary romance books of all time for me easily!!
First and foremost, if you love a more women's fiction leaning romance and to have hella emotional depth to your characters and the relationship in the romances you're reading, this is an absolute must read. I love a good rom-com, but my preferred types of rom-coms are the ones that are also going to make me sob and really connect to the characters' backstories, and this very much did that. Both of the main characters are absolutely flawed individuals, but they come together and make each other better just for being part of each others' lives, and that is the best sort of romance story in my personal opinion. There was so much character growth, both individually and with the relationships in this book whether they be romantic, platonic, or familial. I absolutely loved it.
Second, I so badly needed a strong (but not ice-queen) feminist icon of a main character, and Josie delivered that in spades. I mean come on; she's a literal CEO. A literal boss, yet is still so kind and helpful, and just trying to make a life for herself that makes a positive impact on the world. I absolutely love her.
And Will--omggg. The acts of service!!!!!!! And the way he is not intimidated by Josie being such a strong, independent woman, and supported her/did not dim her sparkle. We love to see it! Also watching him better himself both personally and in his career, for both himself and the people in his life, made his story so heartwarming.
The chemistry between them was palpable from page one. And THE BANTER. I absolutely ate it up. It felt so natural and realistic, while still being so funny and honest.
To the Emily Henry/Abby Jimenez/etc fans that like a little Elle Woods sparkle in their FMCs--You must read it!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 3, 2024
A Perfect Gift by Clare Gilmore
Contemporary romance. Enemies to friends to lovers, and second chance troupes.
CEO Josephine Davis is busy building Revenant, a fashion brand in Austin, Texas. An investor is insisting on contracting with a business consultant. After an inconvenient biking accident between Josie and Will Grant, he takes on the job. Soon the two are traveling across the country and further to Europe and South America expending the business contracts. The more time Josie and Will spend together, the more their attraction and relationship grows. But Josie is busy handling multiple roles within the firm and there is a rumor her co-owner is leaving the firm. Josie’s not convinced she has time for a relationship.
This stated out really cute with banter and feelings of attraction even though they have history. I enjoyed the story but she held on to the “I don’t know” for way too long. A little too much angst about the friend. I did love the final chapter, resolution, and epilogue.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. Enemies to friends to lovers, and second chance troupes.
CEO Josephine Davis is busy building Revenant, a fashion brand in Austin, Texas. An investor is insisting on contracting with a business consultant. After an inconvenient biking accident between Josie and Will Grant, he takes on the job. Soon the two are traveling across the country and further to Europe and South America expending the business contracts. The more time Josie and Will spend together, the more their attraction and relationship grows. But Josie is busy handling multiple roles within the firm and there is a rumor her co-owner is leaving the firm. Josie’s not convinced she has time for a relationship.
This stated out really cute with banter and feelings of attraction even though they have history. I enjoyed the story but she held on to the “I don’t know” for way too long. A little too much angst about the friend. I did love the final chapter, resolution, and epilogue.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
January 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
OH MY GOODNESS💖!!! I absolutely LOVED this one even more!! After reading Claire Gilmore's debut novel, The Love Interest and calling it the perfect office romance in my review I just knew I had to read the Perfect Fit. Clare Gilmore honestly has a gift for writing warm, genuine, and deeply satisfying romances. But it is so much more than a romance! It's a story about healing, growth, making peace with the past, and having the courage to move forward and choose what truly matters. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and it deserves ALL the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OH MY GOODNESS💖!!! I absolutely LOVED this one even more!! After reading Claire Gilmore's debut novel, The Love Interest and calling it the perfect office romance in my review I just knew I had to read the Perfect Fit. Clare Gilmore honestly has a gift for writing warm, genuine, and deeply satisfying romances. But it is so much more than a romance! It's a story about healing, growth, making peace with the past, and having the courage to move forward and choose what truly matters. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and it deserves ALL the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 29, 2024
3 ˖⁺‧✮
i like to begin my reviews with general thoughts. however, in this case, i’ll start with characters because i liked them much more than story/plot:
josie i really liked the main character, Josie. i connected to her in so many different ways; mostly to her habits and the way she thinks. she can’t see anything expect her work and even though i found her annoying i couldn’t deny similar characteristics.
will again, he was doing some crazy annoying stuff as an adult but his love toward josie covers everything he did. he is the most patient person i’ve read about lately. he was there every time she needed him; he made her feels safe and helped her overcome workaholism and challenges on her way.
-
they did wrong as teenagers, we won’t deny it. but zoe did wrong too. i really think is important to communicate! please!!! they just had to talk to figure everything out.
-
why 3 stars? too many scenes i skipped. i believe the book could be shorted and it would be more investing that way. but still would recommend for fast readers!🤍
anyway, work trip scenes…🤭
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin for approving my request
i like to begin my reviews with general thoughts. however, in this case, i’ll start with characters because i liked them much more than story/plot:
josie i really liked the main character, Josie. i connected to her in so many different ways; mostly to her habits and the way she thinks. she can’t see anything expect her work and even though i found her annoying i couldn’t deny similar characteristics.
will again, he was doing some crazy annoying stuff as an adult but his love toward josie covers everything he did. he is the most patient person i’ve read about lately. he was there every time she needed him; he made her feels safe and helped her overcome workaholism and challenges on her way.
-
they did wrong as teenagers, we won’t deny it. but zoe did wrong too. i really think is important to communicate! please!!! they just had to talk to figure everything out.
-
why 3 stars? too many scenes i skipped. i believe the book could be shorted and it would be more investing that way. but still would recommend for fast readers!🤍
anyway, work trip scenes…🤭
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin for approving my request
January 14, 2025
Sophomore slump? Don’t know her.
Clare Gilmore absolutely slayed her sophomore release. Perfect Fit is like a love letter to millennial women addicted to the grind, whose sense of worth is directly tied to the work they do and the perception others have of them. (👋🏻 it’s me, hi!) Josie’s journey is a lot of our journey’s and I cried with pride in my heart when she finally had enough.
And my god, WILL GRANT. How do I even put this man into words? He is perfection. My physical copy is going to be a mess of annotations when this book releases, thanks to all of the swoon-worthy moments he provides. He loves Josie in exactly the way she needs him to - with care and intention and space. This man’s love language is DEFINITELTY acts of service - from loading uhauls to club reservations to caretaking to filling her fridge, Will shows Josie love in every moment.
I will definitely be reading my eARC over and over and over. So grateful to SMP for sending a copy my way.
Clare Gilmore absolutely slayed her sophomore release. Perfect Fit is like a love letter to millennial women addicted to the grind, whose sense of worth is directly tied to the work they do and the perception others have of them. (👋🏻 it’s me, hi!) Josie’s journey is a lot of our journey’s and I cried with pride in my heart when she finally had enough.
And my god, WILL GRANT. How do I even put this man into words? He is perfection. My physical copy is going to be a mess of annotations when this book releases, thanks to all of the swoon-worthy moments he provides. He loves Josie in exactly the way she needs him to - with care and intention and space. This man’s love language is DEFINITELTY acts of service - from loading uhauls to club reservations to caretaking to filling her fridge, Will shows Josie love in every moment.
I will definitely be reading my eARC over and over and over. So grateful to SMP for sending a copy my way.
April 11, 2025
This does contain spoilers sorry <3
Wow - okay I’m gonna be the ONLY honest one here bc you are all liars.
This book does very much read like a fan-fiction. The dialogue is wildly childlike. it felt strange. I constantly kept saying to myself “aren’t you almost 30?” Everything just happens to fall into place during the entirety of the book. All of the characters ALL sound the same. They all speak the same, they all use the same verbiage. 1000% sure their sentences were created with CHAT GPT. I genuinely felt like AI wrote half this book bc it was so uncanny how they were talking.
Not only that - my least favorite thing is when the author writes the character’s internal dialogue like this: “person B said XYZ bc this thing in their past and now I understand why they said previous statement” WE AS THE READER ARE ALSO READING THIS BOOK - YES WE CAN INFERE AS WELL INSTEAD OF YOU TELLING US WHAT IT MEANT. The entire book is over explaining OVER AND over again. Who was the editor? Bc yall were NOT editing I’ll say that. This book COULD have, SHOULD HAVE been 200 pages shorter.
Also. The BIG thing that is her BIG downfall is that she kissed her best friend’s brother 10 years ago. Like this ONE thing she did has followed her for 10 years - ALSO what lead to them kissing was so weirdly random and strange. YOU JUST got the call your grandma DIED and the first thing you wanna do is make out with some dude who YOU EVEN SAY you barely know? INTERESTING BEHAVIOR. Like all of their big mishaps are so wildly minor IMO (slight exception for Will).
So you’re both outcasts at school but now the whole school is slut shaming you? Weird as hell - idk about yall but I couldn’t remember jack shit about the “outcasts” at my school so why would I be slut shaming them? Strange. Also strange that she’s can’t get over her falling out with a girl she knew for ONE year in high school. I’ve been friends with people for YEARS and don’t even THINK about them unless prompted but this girl is like HAUNTED by the fact she “lost” this girl over some dumb issue.
ALSO. Strange that you two haven’t SEEN or spoken to each other in 10 years after that ONE kiss and now you’re randomly like “hey btw I remembered ten years ago how I made those mistakes and basically I’m practicing the 12 steps to fix them. wow also you’re so hot so cool so like I need to fix the past” personally idgaf about some random dude I kissed 10 years ago but that’s just me girlie pop.
ALSO, It just happened so fast there was absolutely no chemistry between them. NONE like I could not tell you ANYTHING that happened between them that made me think “wow these two must like each other”. everyone in in here had ALL of these make believe issues??? That frankly did not exist.
ALSO. The spicy scene? Omg i was EMBARRASSED reading it was so cringey corny 😳. I wish my eyes could be cleansed from that unfortunately they cannot.
NEXT. The last downfall of this book was that was IMMENSELY boring. IT WAS SO BORING. Like what even happened??? but I had to finish it so I could confidently rate this book ONE single star. I want you to read this book and like one week later come back and try and tell me the synopsis. Go ahead, I’ll wait. I’ve watched 30 second tiktoks with better plot and suspense.
That is all.
Wow - okay I’m gonna be the ONLY honest one here bc you are all liars.
This book does very much read like a fan-fiction. The dialogue is wildly childlike. it felt strange. I constantly kept saying to myself “aren’t you almost 30?” Everything just happens to fall into place during the entirety of the book. All of the characters ALL sound the same. They all speak the same, they all use the same verbiage. 1000% sure their sentences were created with CHAT GPT. I genuinely felt like AI wrote half this book bc it was so uncanny how they were talking.
Not only that - my least favorite thing is when the author writes the character’s internal dialogue like this: “person B said XYZ bc this thing in their past and now I understand why they said previous statement” WE AS THE READER ARE ALSO READING THIS BOOK - YES WE CAN INFERE AS WELL INSTEAD OF YOU TELLING US WHAT IT MEANT. The entire book is over explaining OVER AND over again. Who was the editor? Bc yall were NOT editing I’ll say that. This book COULD have, SHOULD HAVE been 200 pages shorter.
Also. The BIG thing that is her BIG downfall is that she kissed her best friend’s brother 10 years ago. Like this ONE thing she did has followed her for 10 years - ALSO what lead to them kissing was so weirdly random and strange. YOU JUST got the call your grandma DIED and the first thing you wanna do is make out with some dude who YOU EVEN SAY you barely know? INTERESTING BEHAVIOR. Like all of their big mishaps are so wildly minor IMO (slight exception for Will).
So you’re both outcasts at school but now the whole school is slut shaming you? Weird as hell - idk about yall but I couldn’t remember jack shit about the “outcasts” at my school so why would I be slut shaming them? Strange. Also strange that she’s can’t get over her falling out with a girl she knew for ONE year in high school. I’ve been friends with people for YEARS and don’t even THINK about them unless prompted but this girl is like HAUNTED by the fact she “lost” this girl over some dumb issue.
ALSO. Strange that you two haven’t SEEN or spoken to each other in 10 years after that ONE kiss and now you’re randomly like “hey btw I remembered ten years ago how I made those mistakes and basically I’m practicing the 12 steps to fix them. wow also you’re so hot so cool so like I need to fix the past” personally idgaf about some random dude I kissed 10 years ago but that’s just me girlie pop.
ALSO, It just happened so fast there was absolutely no chemistry between them. NONE like I could not tell you ANYTHING that happened between them that made me think “wow these two must like each other”. everyone in in here had ALL of these make believe issues??? That frankly did not exist.
ALSO. The spicy scene? Omg i was EMBARRASSED reading it was so cringey corny 😳. I wish my eyes could be cleansed from that unfortunately they cannot.
NEXT. The last downfall of this book was that was IMMENSELY boring. IT WAS SO BORING. Like what even happened??? but I had to finish it so I could confidently rate this book ONE single star. I want you to read this book and like one week later come back and try and tell me the synopsis. Go ahead, I’ll wait. I’ve watched 30 second tiktoks with better plot and suspense.
That is all.
December 26, 2024
4.5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 AHHHHH🥲 This was one of those “every woman in her 20s should read this” books!!!!💖 This was so refreshingly communicative and it covered so many AMAZING topics like working in a corporate setting, dealing with burnout, asking for help and friendship (& friendship breakups.) I thought that our FMC and MMC were a life-altering amount of charming and I absolutely adored them both. I absolutely LOVE Clare Gilmore’s writing and I cannot wait to follow along with her previous and future books!!!
March 7, 2025
if you’re looking for a romance with actual yearning, tension, and COMMUNICATION (yes you read that right), then this is the book for you.
you know how with some books, it’s hard to actually picture the couple together? they fall in love too fast, they’re incompatible, or they’re just plain wrong for each other? you’ll find none of that with this book. this book is for the romantics, even the cynics. you cannot read this book and not end up believing in love by the end.
some favorite quotes:
“You can’t look at me like that,” I get out. He shakes his head, and when he speaks, his voice is wistful. “But it’s been a while since I last got to look.”
He leans a shoulder against the restroom doorframe. “Let the record show I tried,” he rasps. “You tried?” I repeat. “I tried to accomplish what you want from me. I tried not to be attracted to you. It doesn’t work. Never has. Not last night, not today. I want you just the same.”
“You’re so fucking gorgeous when you smile like that.”
you know how with some books, it’s hard to actually picture the couple together? they fall in love too fast, they’re incompatible, or they’re just plain wrong for each other? you’ll find none of that with this book. this book is for the romantics, even the cynics. you cannot read this book and not end up believing in love by the end.
some favorite quotes:
“You can’t look at me like that,” I get out. He shakes his head, and when he speaks, his voice is wistful. “But it’s been a while since I last got to look.”
He leans a shoulder against the restroom doorframe. “Let the record show I tried,” he rasps. “You tried?” I repeat. “I tried to accomplish what you want from me. I tried not to be attracted to you. It doesn’t work. Never has. Not last night, not today. I want you just the same.”
“You’re so fucking gorgeous when you smile like that.”
December 18, 2024
As a girl who sews, and is a part of a generation very aware of mental health issues and burnout, as soon as I heard the premise of Perfect Fit, I knew I would enjoy this book. What I didn't anticipate though, was how much I would fall in love with this author's writing. From page one, I started falling in love with these characters, as I found them to be written with such sincerity. And while I really enjoyed the romantic plot line and the all the yearning, I also loved Josie's individual arc regarding mental health. I found that Clare Gilmore perfectly balanced the tone of this book, including both heartwarming, and realistically sad moments. In that sense, this story reminded me of Emily Henry's writing. I definitely recommend picking this one up if you haven't already!
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan Audio for the ARCs in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan Audio for the ARCs in exchange for an honest review!
March 17, 2025
Very modern very liberal contemporary rom-com.
The author is trying to overdo it with her inclusivity package 🙄
- Lgbtq representation check ✔️
- Ethnic diversity representation check ✔️
- Woman CEO check ✔️
- No family values-ish check ✔️ (all of the characters don't even know their nieces and nephews names 🙄)
- Weed smoking check ✔️
- Besottedemasculated MMC who is smitten with the MFC the moment he sees her and changes his whole life dynamic and gives up his job and offers himself as whatever the MFC needs him to be check ✔️
I am not a fan of a long time separation, especially when they got separated when they were merely 17 years old and the only interaction they had at that time was a brief conversation and a kiss.
10 years later, they "literally" bump into each other and their attraction is reignited (didn't know there was attraction when they were teenagers in the first place!) 🤷♀️.
He starts questioning his life choices. She starts questioning her life goals.
She's still deadpan on focusing on her career. He makes sure he is there for her, would take any scrap she gives him and promises not to interfere in her career oriented life.
In other words a willing fly on her wall, ready for when she needs some buzzing in her life.
The only saving grace is that the author did not abuse the I am a strong independent woman and I don't need a man in my life but I am gracious enough to let you share your life with me instead, but rather both MCs made it plain and clear that after they fell in love with each other everything they did and thought was in reference to him/her. And I liked that. A Lot!
Oh! I was also pleasantly surprised that the MFC did not make it her life's mission to have regular ONS since she is too busy to date and that she' been actually celibate for the past 4 years! Impressive 👏
BUT! (Because there is always a But ☝️), the MMC, on the other hand is NOT a manwhore, mind you, he is a man who has thoroughly dated a lot of women. There is a difference 🙄
It's a cute book, the story is nice but it suits more generation Z's and generation Alpha's.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
67) "Red Cover"
Squares Count: 35
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
The author is trying to overdo it with her inclusivity package 🙄
- Lgbtq representation check ✔️
- Ethnic diversity representation check ✔️
- Woman CEO check ✔️
- No family values-ish check ✔️ (all of the characters don't even know their nieces and nephews names 🙄)
- Weed smoking check ✔️
- Besotted
I am not a fan of a long time separation, especially when they got separated when they were merely 17 years old and the only interaction they had at that time was a brief conversation and a kiss.
10 years later, they "literally" bump into each other and their attraction is reignited (didn't know there was attraction when they were teenagers in the first place!) 🤷♀️.
He starts questioning his life choices. She starts questioning her life goals.
She's still deadpan on focusing on her career. He makes sure he is there for her, would take any scrap she gives him and promises not to interfere in her career oriented life.
In other words a willing fly on her wall, ready for when she needs some buzzing in her life.
The only saving grace is that the author did not abuse the I am a strong independent woman and I don't need a man in my life but I am gracious enough to let you share your life with me instead, but rather both MCs made it plain and clear that after they fell in love with each other everything they did and thought was in reference to him/her. And I liked that. A Lot!
Oh! I was also pleasantly surprised that the MFC did not make it her life's mission to have regular ONS since she is too busy to date and that she' been actually celibate for the past 4 years! Impressive 👏
BUT! (Because there is always a But ☝️), the MMC, on the other hand is NOT a manwhore, mind you, he is a man who has thoroughly dated a lot of women. There is a difference 🙄
It's a cute book, the story is nice but it suits more generation Z's and generation Alpha's.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
67) "Red Cover"
Squares Count: 35
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
June 22, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was everything!!!! I had so much fun reading it. I gotta say that I liked this one even more that "love interest". This author has so much potential 👏🏻
I went into this one without knowing that it was a second chance romance and what a pleasant surprise it was 🤭 the yearning had me on my kness. I love when I found books with complex stories and characters, because it feels realistic and I can see myself relating with the plot / characters.
I did tear up a couple of times because Josie made me feel like looking at a mirror. On the other hand, Will was such a goner for her. My acts of service king!!! 😭 "what if I was okay with being your collateral damage?" PLEASE 😭😭😭😭 The chemistry and connection was instant since the beginning, making this the perfect romance to me honestly 💕
Aside from the romance, this touches other topics like working in the corporate world, the fear of not being enough, social expectations, friendships and so many more aspects that made this super interesting and fascinating!!
Thank you NetGalley for the reader advance copy.
This was everything!!!! I had so much fun reading it. I gotta say that I liked this one even more that "love interest". This author has so much potential 👏🏻
I went into this one without knowing that it was a second chance romance and what a pleasant surprise it was 🤭 the yearning had me on my kness. I love when I found books with complex stories and characters, because it feels realistic and I can see myself relating with the plot / characters.
I did tear up a couple of times because Josie made me feel like looking at a mirror. On the other hand, Will was such a goner for her. My acts of service king!!! 😭 "what if I was okay with being your collateral damage?" PLEASE 😭😭😭😭 The chemistry and connection was instant since the beginning, making this the perfect romance to me honestly 💕
Aside from the romance, this touches other topics like working in the corporate world, the fear of not being enough, social expectations, friendships and so many more aspects that made this super interesting and fascinating!!
Thank you NetGalley for the reader advance copy.
October 26, 2025
I think this is more of a 4.75! I loved this so much!!!! WILL grant is all you need to know!!!!
November 3, 2024
Going to be sick over how much I loved this book. Perfect Fit is a sort of second chance, “we have history” romance and I loved every bit. Josie & Will know each other from high school, have history, and run back into each other 10 years later. This story managed to stay lighthearted while also dealing with topics like burnout, worrying what people think about you, friendships, and never feeling good enough no matter what you do.
Josie never feels good enough and is scared to let someone in bc she feels like she always has to be on her A game at work. I loved how Will was there for her, doing everything he could (my acts of service king), while also still respecting Josie’s boundaries. Add him to my list of favorite mmcs bc this man was a man in LOVE willing to do whatever he could for Josie.
Josie cares too much about what others think about her and fears she will never be good enough for anyone (hello, it’s me). She was such a real, relatable character and her character growth was fantastic. I love how Josie & Will were friends to lovers with acknowledgment of their feelings bc their relationship progression felt more real to me.
I’m normally not a fan of romances in the workplace setting but I was very entertained by the story and felt like it just worked. I loved both of these characters, their friends, and their story so much. It was funny and cute while also being a story with depth. I loved it so much 💓
“But I was never meant to be your hero. I honestly think you were meant to be mine.”
“It's miraculous to be understood, and then to be wanted anyway.”
Josie never feels good enough and is scared to let someone in bc she feels like she always has to be on her A game at work. I loved how Will was there for her, doing everything he could (my acts of service king), while also still respecting Josie’s boundaries. Add him to my list of favorite mmcs bc this man was a man in LOVE willing to do whatever he could for Josie.
Josie cares too much about what others think about her and fears she will never be good enough for anyone (hello, it’s me). She was such a real, relatable character and her character growth was fantastic. I love how Josie & Will were friends to lovers with acknowledgment of their feelings bc their relationship progression felt more real to me.
I’m normally not a fan of romances in the workplace setting but I was very entertained by the story and felt like it just worked. I loved both of these characters, their friends, and their story so much. It was funny and cute while also being a story with depth. I loved it so much 💓
“But I was never meant to be your hero. I honestly think you were meant to be mine.”
“It's miraculous to be understood, and then to be wanted anyway.”
June 8, 2025
this was just so precious. will is so precious.
josie is an overworked CEO of her fashion company and she hires will as a consultant to help improve the business. buttt will and josie knew each other in high school.. it’s her ex-best friend’s twin brother👀.
there was so much to love about this book. the friendship aspect was so sweet. i love the idea of friendships changing but not ending. we grow and change and so do our friendships, but that doesn’t mean they have to end. i love the way will speaks to her & the way he serves her. he’s an act of service king and i love him for that! they COMMUNICATE! which shouldn’t be hard but man some romance books are lacking in that aspect. these characters are mature adults who know how to communicate their feelings and man it’s refreshing.
there’s some pop culture references in here & i usually don’t like that but it was honestly fun. especially because one of the references was one direction 🤭
when will takes care of josie when she’s sick it reminded me of justin from just for the summer and he’s one of my all time favs!!
i love that we get to see what josie and will do after they confess their love. so many times in romance books when love is spoken, the book ends shortly after. but that doesn’t happen here! but it’s still very much a slow burn and these two know and love each other so much by the end of this story. they don’t even kiss until chapter 27!!
so good!!
🔥SPICE🔥 some references and innuendo throughout. skip pages 235-236, 248-253, and second half of 280- 281.
🤐LANGUAGE🤐 frequent use of the F word and occasional other swear words
josie is an overworked CEO of her fashion company and she hires will as a consultant to help improve the business. buttt will and josie knew each other in high school.. it’s her ex-best friend’s twin brother👀.
there was so much to love about this book. the friendship aspect was so sweet. i love the idea of friendships changing but not ending. we grow and change and so do our friendships, but that doesn’t mean they have to end. i love the way will speaks to her & the way he serves her. he’s an act of service king and i love him for that! they COMMUNICATE! which shouldn’t be hard but man some romance books are lacking in that aspect. these characters are mature adults who know how to communicate their feelings and man it’s refreshing.
there’s some pop culture references in here & i usually don’t like that but it was honestly fun. especially because one of the references was one direction 🤭
when will takes care of josie when she’s sick it reminded me of justin from just for the summer and he’s one of my all time favs!!
i love that we get to see what josie and will do after they confess their love. so many times in romance books when love is spoken, the book ends shortly after. but that doesn’t happen here! but it’s still very much a slow burn and these two know and love each other so much by the end of this story. they don’t even kiss until chapter 27!!
so good!!
🔥SPICE🔥 some references and innuendo throughout. skip pages 235-236, 248-253, and second half of 280- 281.
🤐LANGUAGE🤐 frequent use of the F word and occasional other swear words
October 22, 2024
I love romance that’s full of friendship, depth, and humor, and Gilmore delivers all three. Not quite a second chance romance, but close enough, Josie’s and Will’s backstory created some history but allowed for present day matters to take center stage. I liked the independence and maturity both displayed especially in times of vulnerability. There was a realness to it all that was refreshing. Overall, a slow burn, endearing romance.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
My favorite book by Clare. 🥹🥹
__________________________________
Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore 👗
This is one of those soul touching level books for me. The way I related to the main character and the romantic relationship between Josie and Will are one of my favorite things I have ever read. I absolutely loved Clare's debut and have been incredibly excited about this one. It lived up to my expectations and then some.
Josie is the CEO of the fashion company she started in college. She's aiming to take the next step for her company by opening up a brick and mortor store and get verified as a B corp. In order to help achieve that she brings in a consultant who ends up being someone from her past. The brother to her high school ex best friend, Will. The same Will who she kissed back in high school and then resulted in the loss of her best friend. As they continue to spend time together it's obvious something is there between them, but there's other things they have to consider before diving into the romantic relationship such as Josie's commitment to her compnay and how Will's sister will react to them reconnecting.
It's told in Josie's POV only, and I think that was perfect. I love Will. I'd do anything for Will. But I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not getting his POV. Josie is the main character and the focus of this book with Will coming in to show her what she can have when it comes to a romantic relationship depsite her incredibly demanding work life. Josie's feelings towards her work, the way she worries about how she is perceived by others and tries to limit it to the best of her ability, and her hesitancy towards a romantic relationship due to it not feeling fair to give them such little of her time. It all hit VERY close for me, it was honestly a little bit scary. I can only wish I have the chance to experience the relationship Josie and Will did. The way that the two of them cared for each other, communicated with each other, and loved each other - truly a perfect fit.
If you take any book recommendations from me, please make it one of Clare's books!
💕 second chance, in a way
💻 workplace
🤒 caretaking
✈️ a little traveling
👏🏼 no third act breakup
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
__________________________________
Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore 👗
This is one of those soul touching level books for me. The way I related to the main character and the romantic relationship between Josie and Will are one of my favorite things I have ever read. I absolutely loved Clare's debut and have been incredibly excited about this one. It lived up to my expectations and then some.
Josie is the CEO of the fashion company she started in college. She's aiming to take the next step for her company by opening up a brick and mortor store and get verified as a B corp. In order to help achieve that she brings in a consultant who ends up being someone from her past. The brother to her high school ex best friend, Will. The same Will who she kissed back in high school and then resulted in the loss of her best friend. As they continue to spend time together it's obvious something is there between them, but there's other things they have to consider before diving into the romantic relationship such as Josie's commitment to her compnay and how Will's sister will react to them reconnecting.
It's told in Josie's POV only, and I think that was perfect. I love Will. I'd do anything for Will. But I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not getting his POV. Josie is the main character and the focus of this book with Will coming in to show her what she can have when it comes to a romantic relationship depsite her incredibly demanding work life. Josie's feelings towards her work, the way she worries about how she is perceived by others and tries to limit it to the best of her ability, and her hesitancy towards a romantic relationship due to it not feeling fair to give them such little of her time. It all hit VERY close for me, it was honestly a little bit scary. I can only wish I have the chance to experience the relationship Josie and Will did. The way that the two of them cared for each other, communicated with each other, and loved each other - truly a perfect fit.
If you take any book recommendations from me, please make it one of Clare's books!
💕 second chance, in a way
💻 workplace
🤒 caretaking
✈️ a little traveling
👏🏼 no third act breakup
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
August 14, 2024
it truly felt like fate when the first ARC i was accepted for was a book by clare gilmore. i read her debut novel “love interest” last year and absolutely loved it. her sophomore novel is no different; it truly did not disappoint!
this might be one of the healthiest representations of a relationship i have read about in a very long time. this was a beautiful story, not just about love, but also about friendships, personal growth, and navigating life as a young woman. set in the heart of austin, texas, the story follows josie, a young CEO trying to juggle her clothing company, her best friend’s bachelorette party, and the launch of her first physical clothing store. oh, and she's also trying (and failing) not to fall for her ex-best friend's twin brother, will.
the characters were so lovable!! josie’s a total girl-boss, but she’s also dealing with burnout and putting way too much pressure on herself. and will? he’s just the sweetest, a guy who’s secure in himself and totally supportive of josie’s ambitions. together, they navigate their conflict with open communication, which is such a breath of fresh air—so thankful for the lack of dramatic third-act breakups lol!
“perfect fit” comes out in october, and i highly, highly recommend checking it out! a special thank you to netgalley and st. martin's press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
this might be one of the healthiest representations of a relationship i have read about in a very long time. this was a beautiful story, not just about love, but also about friendships, personal growth, and navigating life as a young woman. set in the heart of austin, texas, the story follows josie, a young CEO trying to juggle her clothing company, her best friend’s bachelorette party, and the launch of her first physical clothing store. oh, and she's also trying (and failing) not to fall for her ex-best friend's twin brother, will.
the characters were so lovable!! josie’s a total girl-boss, but she’s also dealing with burnout and putting way too much pressure on herself. and will? he’s just the sweetest, a guy who’s secure in himself and totally supportive of josie’s ambitions. together, they navigate their conflict with open communication, which is such a breath of fresh air—so thankful for the lack of dramatic third-act breakups lol!
“perfect fit” comes out in october, and i highly, highly recommend checking it out! a special thank you to netgalley and st. martin's press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
“You should have me. You do have me. I think, from now on, forevermore, you will probably always have me.”
This was so fun and cute! It’s a CEO(FMC) x Consultant (MMC) romance that was nicely done and the first book I’ve read from this author. Josephine has to work with Will, who is the twin brother of a best friend she fell out with. They share some history and the book has a second-chance aspect to it that I enjoyed. Josephine is such a realistic character and I adored her. She’s a hardworking businesswoman and I love how much she cares about her company, friends, and her family. We also see some of the struggles she faces as a female CEO in the corporate world, especially with burnout and managing a work life balance. I liked seeing her character develop as she realized that her worth shouldn’t be tied to only her accomplishments because she is so much more than that.
Will Grant was the ultimate book boyfriend❤️ I adored the way he did so much for Josephine, considering their history. He was so patient with her, understood her well, and always met her where she was. I loved their chemistry because the pacing of the slowburn was so satisfying. I also appreciated the lack of a third act breakup because the communication between them was done well.
This book could have been better with less pop culture references because it felt cringey whenever mentioned. I wanted a bit more from that ending and the plot. I felt that the reconciliation with Zoe should have happened earlier in the book for better pacing. A lot of it felt more like “telling” rather than “showing” since she mostly came up in conversations.
But overall, this was really enjoyable and I loved the characters and romance!
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was so fun and cute! It’s a CEO(FMC) x Consultant (MMC) romance that was nicely done and the first book I’ve read from this author. Josephine has to work with Will, who is the twin brother of a best friend she fell out with. They share some history and the book has a second-chance aspect to it that I enjoyed. Josephine is such a realistic character and I adored her. She’s a hardworking businesswoman and I love how much she cares about her company, friends, and her family. We also see some of the struggles she faces as a female CEO in the corporate world, especially with burnout and managing a work life balance. I liked seeing her character develop as she realized that her worth shouldn’t be tied to only her accomplishments because she is so much more than that.
Will Grant was the ultimate book boyfriend❤️ I adored the way he did so much for Josephine, considering their history. He was so patient with her, understood her well, and always met her where she was. I loved their chemistry because the pacing of the slowburn was so satisfying. I also appreciated the lack of a third act breakup because the communication between them was done well.
This book could have been better with less pop culture references because it felt cringey whenever mentioned. I wanted a bit more from that ending and the plot. I felt that the reconciliation with Zoe should have happened earlier in the book for better pacing. A lot of it felt more like “telling” rather than “showing” since she mostly came up in conversations.
But overall, this was really enjoyable and I loved the characters and romance!
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 7, 2025
GREW ON ME.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I am not a corporate girlie so I feel like the beginning was a little lost on me and I wasn’t quite clicking with everything happening. Gratefully this got better over the course of the book and I found myself truly enjoying the story. I think if you come into this with a little more of a fiction lens than romance you’ll like it too. DON’T WORRY, there is romance, but there’s a really big focus on Josie and herself as she grows throughout the book.
I loved that Josie was hardworking and deliberate about who she was and what goals she had AND at the same time could recognize that maybe some of her decisions were creating a lifestyle that was racing towards burnout. That fine balance between work vs. life is hard sometimes and this explored it well.
The romance is very low angst, it’s a sweet story of two old friends running into each other again (literally) and how all of those previous memories resurfaced. I loved how supportive Will was and the way they learned to lean on each other.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: vague open door
- Violence: low
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I am not a corporate girlie so I feel like the beginning was a little lost on me and I wasn’t quite clicking with everything happening. Gratefully this got better over the course of the book and I found myself truly enjoying the story. I think if you come into this with a little more of a fiction lens than romance you’ll like it too. DON’T WORRY, there is romance, but there’s a really big focus on Josie and herself as she grows throughout the book.
I loved that Josie was hardworking and deliberate about who she was and what goals she had AND at the same time could recognize that maybe some of her decisions were creating a lifestyle that was racing towards burnout. That fine balance between work vs. life is hard sometimes and this explored it well.
The romance is very low angst, it’s a sweet story of two old friends running into each other again (literally) and how all of those previous memories resurfaced. I loved how supportive Will was and the way they learned to lean on each other.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: vague open door
- Violence: low
November 18, 2024
DNF at 85%. Their relationship is so immature, and who talks like that in modern times?? The “flirting” started to give me the ick and then I realized that I have free will and did not need to finish this book. Not sure if I should try other books by this author and was thoroughly confused by the high ratings.
December 5, 2024
Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. Buckle up friends we are going to rant city. (disclaimer: I know this book is loved by many, but once I get an ick with a book it’s over. I tried to overcome that here but I should have DNF’d.)
I did like this book until about the halfway mark.
What ruined this book for me and set me off on my quest to dislike this book was the following:
I liked this book until Josie said that people think she
Is shallow and a random male character said she is actually so obsessed with how she looks because of body dysmorphia. Sorry, I don’t buy it. I don’t buy that a man would say that. I don’t buy that Josie is not one of the most shallow people I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. This little exchange shattered my previous 4 star expectation for a rating. I don’t mind unlikable characters, but don’t try to squeeze in an explanation for people who don’t like Josie that doesn’t come from a doctor or her best friend. Body dysmorphia doesn’t go away because a man likes you.
Truly, I should have known that this book would not be for me. However, I didn’t realize I would be reading so much about what happened in high school for so long. I don’t enjoy reading about teenagers, but that can be overcome if as adults people aren’t so dramatic about it. How is it going to be almost a decade and you still haven’t reached the correct conclusion or reached out yet?
While I like to think I am a girl’s girl, I hate Josie. She is a fictional character, so I will allow it. She was not written in a way that is relatable at all. She talks about buying a golden doodle that would cost more than most people’s rent. She disguises her own ambition as being interested in sustainability and inclusive of all sizing without backing that up. You mean to tell me that she missed checking the sizing for the first pop-up event when she is such a micromanager at all times?
I didn’t root for Josie to succeed whether it was at being a CEO or wanting to try soft living. The lack of perspective she has in her late twenties is so bothersome.
Will Grant could have been fine. I love a man with dimples. But I didn’t enjoy the “banter” or the open door scenes past the halfway mark. I found myself actively laughing through some of it and cringing at other parts.
There were way too many pop culture references. Also, I’m sorry but girlboss has become an ironic term that my friends and I use ironically and I struggle to take the word seriously anymore.
Josie needs therapy & I need to be better about picking books to read.
I did like this book until about the halfway mark.
What ruined this book for me and set me off on my quest to dislike this book was the following:
I liked this book until Josie said that people think she
Is shallow and a random male character said she is actually so obsessed with how she looks because of body dysmorphia. Sorry, I don’t buy it. I don’t buy that a man would say that. I don’t buy that Josie is not one of the most shallow people I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. This little exchange shattered my previous 4 star expectation for a rating. I don’t mind unlikable characters, but don’t try to squeeze in an explanation for people who don’t like Josie that doesn’t come from a doctor or her best friend. Body dysmorphia doesn’t go away because a man likes you.
Truly, I should have known that this book would not be for me. However, I didn’t realize I would be reading so much about what happened in high school for so long. I don’t enjoy reading about teenagers, but that can be overcome if as adults people aren’t so dramatic about it. How is it going to be almost a decade and you still haven’t reached the correct conclusion or reached out yet?
While I like to think I am a girl’s girl, I hate Josie. She is a fictional character, so I will allow it. She was not written in a way that is relatable at all. She talks about buying a golden doodle that would cost more than most people’s rent. She disguises her own ambition as being interested in sustainability and inclusive of all sizing without backing that up. You mean to tell me that she missed checking the sizing for the first pop-up event when she is such a micromanager at all times?
I didn’t root for Josie to succeed whether it was at being a CEO or wanting to try soft living. The lack of perspective she has in her late twenties is so bothersome.
Will Grant could have been fine. I love a man with dimples. But I didn’t enjoy the “banter” or the open door scenes past the halfway mark. I found myself actively laughing through some of it and cringing at other parts.
There were way too many pop culture references. Also, I’m sorry but girlboss has become an ironic term that my friends and I use ironically and I struggle to take the word seriously anymore.
Josie needs therapy & I need to be better about picking books to read.
May 26, 2024
Meh. I wasn’t a fan. I found the main characters not likable. I thought Josephine was playing victim and pretty whiny throughout the whole book. I don’t know what to think of Will. He was a fixer who thought he broke everything? Huh? Additionally, the “incident” that changed the course of Jo’s life was a kiss on spring break. That was it? How was she slut-shamed when her and Zoe were social outcasts without friends? I don’t think anyone would have cared what they did. Things just didn’t add up for me. Lastly, the spice scenes were ridiculous. He touched her stomach and boom! Orgasm! Sounds like a light breeze would have set her off. At best, this is a library rental.
Thank you St.Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you St.Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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