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Hearts for Hire #1
Lucky Match
After one date, I realized that would never be enough…
Lucky Maguire
I started Lucky Match, a dating service, as an enjoyable way to earn some extra cash. That’s how I ended up on a date with my super hot Economics Professor.
Here’s my three step plan to seduce my teacher:
Convince Hayes to fake date me.
Inform him that we were never fake dating; it was always real.
Make him fall in love with me.
How many dates will it take for Hayes to realize I’m his lucky match?
Hayes Brantley
After my divorce, I decided it's time for a change. After missing being with a man for the past twelve years of my loveless marriage, I'm finally free to make up for lost time.
I called Lucky Match to hookup with someone who looks like the sexy student I can’t stop fantasizing about. I had no idea I’d end up with the real deal.
Is a second chance at love worth risking my career and another broken heart?
Lucky Match is a gay male escort romance with an HEA. This sweet heat, teacher/student story includes college roommates, meddling brothers, fake dating, a wise aunt full of Irish wisdom, an epic karaoke battle, and a pride parade.
Lucky Maguire
I started Lucky Match, a dating service, as an enjoyable way to earn some extra cash. That’s how I ended up on a date with my super hot Economics Professor.
Here’s my three step plan to seduce my teacher:
Convince Hayes to fake date me.
Inform him that we were never fake dating; it was always real.
Make him fall in love with me.
How many dates will it take for Hayes to realize I’m his lucky match?
Hayes Brantley
After my divorce, I decided it's time for a change. After missing being with a man for the past twelve years of my loveless marriage, I'm finally free to make up for lost time.
I called Lucky Match to hookup with someone who looks like the sexy student I can’t stop fantasizing about. I had no idea I’d end up with the real deal.
Is a second chance at love worth risking my career and another broken heart?
Lucky Match is a gay male escort romance with an HEA. This sweet heat, teacher/student story includes college roommates, meddling brothers, fake dating, a wise aunt full of Irish wisdom, an epic karaoke battle, and a pride parade.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
107 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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May 9, 2025
RATING 3.5 STARS
Lucky Match is book one in the Hearts for Hire series by Raquel Riley. This is a MM, age gap (13 years) forbidden, student/professor romance.
Lucky Maguire is twenty years old and is starting his freshman year at Waltham University. Lucky always felt like his life lived up to his name, always lucky. He took two years off before starting college but is ready to live his best life as a gay man. Only he finds out on day one that this university is not accepting at all of the gay community. But being true to his namesake, he easily made other living arrangements and moved off campus. Only now he’s going to need to figure out how to make some extra income. He comes up with the idea of starting a male escort business, Lucky Match Male Escort Service.
Hayes Brantley is thirty three years old and is a business economics professor. After getting out of a nine year marriage to a woman who cheated on him, Hayes is ready to explore his bi-sexual side. But he is fully aware of the lack of acceptance at the campus where he teaches so he’ll just have to be discreet. But also, Hayes suffers from lack of self confidence and anxiety. How can he ever meet a man when he’s too scared to even date? When he sees the fliers for Lucky Match, it’s the perfect solution. He can practice dating with one of their escorts.
On the first day of classes, Lucky is completely taken with his new professor and at the same time, Hayes can’t take his eyes off one of his new students. Much to his surprise, on his first date with a male escort, it’s the very same student waiting for him!
“The only man I wanted to know better was the only man I couldn’t have.”
While Hayes is determined to stay away from his student to keep his job, Lucky is determined to break down Hayes defenses and make him his!
There are both good things and things I didn’t enjoy about this book. I loved the way that Hayes challenged himself each day to try to overcome his anxiety and shyness. And, I really liked the sort of role reversal with Hayes and Lucky. But, the rest of the story seemed a bit choppy maybe? It’s hard to put into words. The school is horrible, what the Alpha Fraternity does and gets away with. But, then, that’s just kind of dropped. I read somewhere that there is an ongoing theme throughout the series so I’m thinking that is what it is? There were a few times when I thought something was going to happen regarding that but it didn’t. I didn’t feel the connection between Hayes and Lucky the way I wanted to, no swooning at all. The ending was cute and sweet though.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Lucky Match is book one in the Hearts for Hire series by Raquel Riley. This is a MM, age gap (13 years) forbidden, student/professor romance.
Lucky Maguire is twenty years old and is starting his freshman year at Waltham University. Lucky always felt like his life lived up to his name, always lucky. He took two years off before starting college but is ready to live his best life as a gay man. Only he finds out on day one that this university is not accepting at all of the gay community. But being true to his namesake, he easily made other living arrangements and moved off campus. Only now he’s going to need to figure out how to make some extra income. He comes up with the idea of starting a male escort business, Lucky Match Male Escort Service.
Hayes Brantley is thirty three years old and is a business economics professor. After getting out of a nine year marriage to a woman who cheated on him, Hayes is ready to explore his bi-sexual side. But he is fully aware of the lack of acceptance at the campus where he teaches so he’ll just have to be discreet. But also, Hayes suffers from lack of self confidence and anxiety. How can he ever meet a man when he’s too scared to even date? When he sees the fliers for Lucky Match, it’s the perfect solution. He can practice dating with one of their escorts.
On the first day of classes, Lucky is completely taken with his new professor and at the same time, Hayes can’t take his eyes off one of his new students. Much to his surprise, on his first date with a male escort, it’s the very same student waiting for him!
“The only man I wanted to know better was the only man I couldn’t have.”
While Hayes is determined to stay away from his student to keep his job, Lucky is determined to break down Hayes defenses and make him his!
There are both good things and things I didn’t enjoy about this book. I loved the way that Hayes challenged himself each day to try to overcome his anxiety and shyness. And, I really liked the sort of role reversal with Hayes and Lucky. But, the rest of the story seemed a bit choppy maybe? It’s hard to put into words. The school is horrible, what the Alpha Fraternity does and gets away with. But, then, that’s just kind of dropped. I read somewhere that there is an ongoing theme throughout the series so I’m thinking that is what it is? There were a few times when I thought something was going to happen regarding that but it didn’t. I didn’t feel the connection between Hayes and Lucky the way I wanted to, no swooning at all. The ending was cute and sweet though.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 9, 2022
2.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Lucky Match is a low-angst, professor/student, instalove novel that was something that I enjoyed reading in between several long and heavy books.
This story follows Hayes, a newly divorced, professor. He's always been bisexual but has never had the opportunity to explore with men until he divorced his pregnant wife. Don't worry kids, the baby isn't his! In one of his business classes he meets Lucky, a student who instantly captures his attention.
An escort business - Lucky Match - brings Lucky and Hayes together. While I loved the premise of this story, I found the book almost too instalove for my liking. And Hayes came off dumb, when he clearly isn't. I wished I had the chance to see him be a bit more assertive in their relationship. However, the book did have some great positives:
- The side characters, specifically Lucky's roommates and Hayes' brother - I hope there is more planned out for them, because I could see things going a bunch of different directions!
- The karaoke party - What a hit! I smiled the entire time I read that scene. It was fantastic!
- The dates - Lucky is pretty swoonworthy and he plans some epic outings for him and Hayes.
I didn't find it particularly high on spice, but this is definitely a book that you can digest in one sitting if you're looking for something low on drama.
2/5 🌶
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Lucky Match is a low-angst, professor/student, instalove novel that was something that I enjoyed reading in between several long and heavy books.
This story follows Hayes, a newly divorced, professor. He's always been bisexual but has never had the opportunity to explore with men until he divorced his pregnant wife. Don't worry kids, the baby isn't his! In one of his business classes he meets Lucky, a student who instantly captures his attention.
An escort business - Lucky Match - brings Lucky and Hayes together. While I loved the premise of this story, I found the book almost too instalove for my liking. And Hayes came off dumb, when he clearly isn't. I wished I had the chance to see him be a bit more assertive in their relationship. However, the book did have some great positives:
- The side characters, specifically Lucky's roommates and Hayes' brother - I hope there is more planned out for them, because I could see things going a bunch of different directions!
- The karaoke party - What a hit! I smiled the entire time I read that scene. It was fantastic!
- The dates - Lucky is pretty swoonworthy and he plans some epic outings for him and Hayes.
I didn't find it particularly high on spice, but this is definitely a book that you can digest in one sitting if you're looking for something low on drama.
March 19, 2023
Lucky Match was a fun, low angst, low drama, instalove story about a college professor (Hayes) and student (Lucky). Hayes is hesitant for several reasons, but Lucky is persistent to make him his.The college their at is not ldbtq+ friendly, and some scenes were hard to read (see trigger warnings), but liking the direction the series is heading to try rectify that. Also, like the setup for the rest of the couples, especially Riley and Reed, they intrigued me the most. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the rest of the series!
March 15, 2022
This was a low angst quirky story!! Lucky Match is an escort service that Lucky Maguire starts after moving out of the college dorms. He and group of friends go to homophobic college, and all have had runs in with someone there. They all move into Lucky’s aunt’s cottage. Lucky meets his business professor; Hayes Brantley and he’s gone for him!! Hayes is recently divorced and a home body. His brother challenges him to step out of his comfort zone. Overall, this was really good, with some really quirky characters. The story was really well written, highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
March 23, 2022
RTC but sweet and low angst books are my absolute kryptonite and this one was no exception and I really enjoyed it. I had a good time reading this one, I just couldn’t connect with the story fully. It was still a really cute lower angst story.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
March 23, 2022
My Recommendation: Pass. This reads like a poorly edited debut novel from an author with WAY too many ideas. Many of the ideas could've been great with more effort, cutting out 1/3 of the random asides (including but not limited to the adages, Lucky's internal monologues, the various loose ends, the introduction of random characters) and A LOT of editing to take the mediocre characters and plot to great characters with a decent plot. Riley has potential as an author, the ideas were there—too many if I'm honest—but the execution fell short, and I may revisit their work in the future, but not until they get quite a few more books under their belt and a higher rating than what the average currently is on Goodreads because I'm not sure it's representative.
My Response: Nope. Unfortunately, that's the bulk of my response if you want to skip the overall review. When this landed in my inbox I said yes and had such high expectations because the cover looks well done and the premise was a great idea.* Unfortunately, the execution was lackluster at best.
Lucky Match is the tale of Lucky McGuire, a cocky student who started a dating service near his college campus, and Hayes Brantley, his recently divorced professor who's decided to lean into his bisexuality and date a man.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of Lucky Match via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
My Response: Nope. Unfortunately, that's the bulk of my response if you want to skip the overall review. When this landed in my inbox I said yes and had such high expectations because the cover looks well done and the premise was a great idea.* Unfortunately, the execution was lackluster at best.
Lucky Match is the tale of Lucky McGuire, a cocky student who started a dating service near his college campus, and Hayes Brantley, his recently divorced professor who's decided to lean into his bisexuality and date a man.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of Lucky Match via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
April 11, 2022
That was a super-fast-paced story, quite on the light side, and quite sweet.
I wasn’t swooned off my feet by this story, but it was a nice read.
The university isn’t LGBTQ friendly, on his first evening out Lucky experienced it the hard way, it took him a week to recover. Together with his roommate Cyan and the brothers Reid and Riley, they move from campus to Lucky’s aunt Sadie’s house. Much safer!
His Economic Professor is a sight to the eyes, Lucky tries everything to get his attention.
Newly divorced Hayes can’t take his eyes off his student Lucky, it’s the only thing allowed, nothing more can ever happen.
For a school project, Lucky creates Lucky Match, a dating service. Guess who called Lucky Match for a date? Yes, Hayes.
Hayes is shocked when he finds out his date is Lucky. Lucky convinced him it was alright and nothing will happen. Not quite honest, Lucky has also in mind to conquer this sweet Professor.
Lucky is a happy soul, always looking at the bright side.
The emotional balance between Lucky and Hayes felt a bit strange. Lucky was the one who took the lead. Hayes felt a bit weak, emotionally immature, and insecure.
I couldn’t connect with them as a couple. I expected something different and more complicated with a professor-student content.
It’s a super light read, everything was fast-paced, and the whole story is non to minimal development. Lucky is the sunshine of this story. It’s the first of a series, I enjoyed it but will keep it at this one.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
I wasn’t swooned off my feet by this story, but it was a nice read.
The university isn’t LGBTQ friendly, on his first evening out Lucky experienced it the hard way, it took him a week to recover. Together with his roommate Cyan and the brothers Reid and Riley, they move from campus to Lucky’s aunt Sadie’s house. Much safer!
His Economic Professor is a sight to the eyes, Lucky tries everything to get his attention.
Newly divorced Hayes can’t take his eyes off his student Lucky, it’s the only thing allowed, nothing more can ever happen.
For a school project, Lucky creates Lucky Match, a dating service. Guess who called Lucky Match for a date? Yes, Hayes.
Hayes is shocked when he finds out his date is Lucky. Lucky convinced him it was alright and nothing will happen. Not quite honest, Lucky has also in mind to conquer this sweet Professor.
Lucky is a happy soul, always looking at the bright side.
The emotional balance between Lucky and Hayes felt a bit strange. Lucky was the one who took the lead. Hayes felt a bit weak, emotionally immature, and insecure.
I couldn’t connect with them as a couple. I expected something different and more complicated with a professor-student content.
It’s a super light read, everything was fast-paced, and the whole story is non to minimal development. Lucky is the sunshine of this story. It’s the first of a series, I enjoyed it but will keep it at this one.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
March 5, 2022
I'm still fairly new to Raquel's writing but I really enjoyed reading this story. It's a low angst and sweet story. Economics professor Hayes is newly divorced and keen to explore his bisexuality and he he feels an instant to his young student Lucky in his first day in class but he feels he has to stay professional but Lucky is more determined. He comes up with a business plan which Hayes supervises, although he doesn't know what business he is planning. Lucky sets up an escorts business and Hayes unknowingly books Lucky. And that's the start of their relationship. Despite their age difference Hayes is the more insecure and submissive whereas Lucky is confident, cheeky and likes to be in charge. He helps challenge Hayes and make him a calmer and stronger person. I thought it was a lovely story 💜
March 23, 2022
I think it was okay-ish. Despite of over confident Lucky and a shy professor falling for each other.
The business was escort, but it was easy like Sunday morning. No major conflict except for Lucky's new friends Riley and Reid that I wanted so much to know their story (maybe in the future).
The story was good, but I think Hayes was a bit didn't sound like a professor at all. He sounded like in his twenties or something.
The plot was good, fluff and very low angst that I didn't crave at the moment.
So yeah, maybe I'll still read the next in the series for Reid and Riley.
March 12, 2022
Lucky Match is a low angst, professor/student, instalove book and I absolutely adored it!!!! It was so very sweet and steamy! I was hooked form the beginning. Hayes is newly divorced and is ready to explore the side of himself that is attracted to men. He has always been bisexual but was unable to explore that side of himself because he was married. He is instantly captivated by Lucky, a student in one of his classes. They are brought together by an escort service, Lucky Match. They instantly connect and develop a beautiful relationship. They are so perfect and sweet together and I loved reading their story. This was such a beautiful love story and I am so looking forward to more in the series!!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Hearts For Hire series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Hearts For Hire series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
July 2, 2022
Sweet and steamy
I loved the idea and premise of this book, so I was eager to start it. I was shocked that the first 20% was a little fast paced but I quickly became invested in ALL the characters. (Yes, side characters too!!! I hope they all get stories because I NEED THEM!!)
I loved the dynamic of this Professor/student story. The author had a lot of fun flipping this trope around and giving us something fun and unique. Not to mention, I'm a sucker for "role reversals". Usually there is the Dominant professor and shy student but in this book the younger character was dominant and the professor was more submissive. I love that!
I also love books with dating or escort services/ apps. So I was rooting for Lucky Match right from the start. I can't wait to read the next book in the series because I loved Cyan... and I am praying Riley and Reid get their own romance.
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 just because I enjoyed the second half so much.
I loved the idea and premise of this book, so I was eager to start it. I was shocked that the first 20% was a little fast paced but I quickly became invested in ALL the characters. (Yes, side characters too!!! I hope they all get stories because I NEED THEM!!)
I loved the dynamic of this Professor/student story. The author had a lot of fun flipping this trope around and giving us something fun and unique. Not to mention, I'm a sucker for "role reversals". Usually there is the Dominant professor and shy student but in this book the younger character was dominant and the professor was more submissive. I love that!
I also love books with dating or escort services/ apps. So I was rooting for Lucky Match right from the start. I can't wait to read the next book in the series because I loved Cyan... and I am praying Riley and Reid get their own romance.
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 just because I enjoyed the second half so much.
February 11, 2022
I had the pleasure of reading this book, its a breath of fresh air. A sweet story of a student falling head over heels for his professor, a professor recently divorced and wanting to experience being with a man. Lucky consumed Hayes from the very beginning and a beautiful relationship begins. Secondary characters are fun and make you want to read their stories. I don't want to give allot away. If you want to read a sweet enjoyable book, read Lucky Match. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series ❤
March 15, 2022
I received an early copy of this book and really enjoyed it. This is a student/teacher , opposites attract, and no angst.
Hayes is recently divorced and trying to “find himself” and taking on new daily challenges, which I found so much fun. Instant attraction when Lucky walks into class runs both ways but how will this a relationship work when Lucky is a student?
Their dates were super sweet. The secondary characters are just as amazing as two main characters. I seriously can’t wait for their stories too and for everyone to continue their friendships and love.
Hayes is recently divorced and trying to “find himself” and taking on new daily challenges, which I found so much fun. Instant attraction when Lucky walks into class runs both ways but how will this a relationship work when Lucky is a student?
Their dates were super sweet. The secondary characters are just as amazing as two main characters. I seriously can’t wait for their stories too and for everyone to continue their friendships and love.
April 9, 2022
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This was a super sweet, insta-love, low angst book. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Escort stories can go both ways for me and this one was done right. I felt the connection between both MCs and I read this is one sitting on a rainy day. If you need light and sweet this one is for you.
This was a super sweet, insta-love, low angst book. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Escort stories can go both ways for me and this one was done right. I felt the connection between both MCs and I read this is one sitting on a rainy day. If you need light and sweet this one is for you.
April 7, 2024
A completely different style from what I was expecting.
In a good way, not a bad way, though. I even made notes, but I don’t want to ramble for once.
To sum it up, this book was great. The writing style is very succinct and comes off as extremely realistic. It doesn’t use the typical storytelling vibe, but rather reads like real life thoughts/actions in play. Explanations are to the point, emotions are acknowledged and accepted, and the timeline moves without any stagnation or pages stretching out a scene/situation.
The foot stuff… not for me, but it was definitely an unexpected little detail that caused a double-take.😂
4.25/5. I’m excited to start the next part of the story! I’m loving these characters, the humour, the love, and the overall energy of the series so far, even though I’ve only read one book.
In a good way, not a bad way, though. I even made notes, but I don’t want to ramble for once.
To sum it up, this book was great. The writing style is very succinct and comes off as extremely realistic. It doesn’t use the typical storytelling vibe, but rather reads like real life thoughts/actions in play. Explanations are to the point, emotions are acknowledged and accepted, and the timeline moves without any stagnation or pages stretching out a scene/situation.
The foot stuff… not for me, but it was definitely an unexpected little detail that caused a double-take.😂
4.25/5. I’m excited to start the next part of the story! I’m loving these characters, the humour, the love, and the overall energy of the series so far, even though I’ve only read one book.
April 16, 2024
Lucky has ideas and they include an unconventional business and romance plan. I love the way we see Hayes grow as a person during the story. This book is a great start to a new series.
September 11, 2024
Round up to 3.5 stars.
Read
March 17, 2024dnf. felt like skeevy behavior from both MCs from the start. TW early homophobic violence. may be a shaky start and series improves.
September 4, 2024
Lucky Match is the first book in the ‘Hearts for Hire’ series. It stars Lucky Maguire, a college student, and Hayes Brantley, a professor. This is told in first person from Lucky and Hayes’ povs.
First the cover. This kind of simplistic cover is what’s common right now, and I don’t usually like them because there’s nothing unique about them, but this one I like because the colors are bright and work together.
The blurb gives a brief rundown of the plot, but here’s more info because it’s misleading. When I read the blurb, it comes across like a twink student with a crush on the hot professor. This isn’t the case at all. This is a light BDSM story but it doesn’t come across that way at the beginning. I’ll explain.
At the start, Hayes sounds in control, firm, willing to explore relationships with men since he’s suppressed that side of himself since he was married to a woman. Lucky came across as an eager student with a plan to get to know Hayes better. As the story progresses, the author changes the characters personalities. Hayes becomes coy, shy, and submissive. His voice changes and he acts like a meek woman in a harlequin romance. Lucky’s voice is highly inconsistent. With his friends he’s a goofy, wild, confident, young man. His inner voice is goal-focused, cunning, and manipulative. And finally, his voice used with Hayes is like a Dom or Daddy, pushing Hayes to try more sexual acts and treating him like his sub or boy. There’s never a consistent voice to Lucky and that was annoying as heck. There is also too much inner monologue on both Lucky and Hayes’ parts.
It turns out that Lucky is the dominant in the relationship and Hayes is the submissive. Something that is not mentioned in the blurb so readers don’t know they are going to read a light BDSM story. I didn’t care for Lucky because he was manipulative, and I didn’t care for Hayes because his personality changed as the story progressed. I couldn’t believe Lucky’s change of heart from a playboy to devoted boyfriend because it wasn’t conveyed through emotions to make me feel. It was told, not shown. I couldn’t believe in Hayes and Lucky as a couple.
Things I liked:
1) The secondary characters were interesting and were prominent in the book, which means they have their own books in the future.
2) I also liked the karaoke competition at the house. It was funny and the author did a good job of describing all the antics the characters got up to.
The big thing I have questions about is the escort service Lucky set up. I don’t know what state it’s in, but escort services could be considered close to prostitution, especially if one of the guys has sex with a client, despite what Lucky said, even if one of the employees did it on his own. Lucky said something like, ‘If they want to give you money for it, it’s up to you to take it or not or to have sex with them.’ That is prostitution if there’s money involved. And another thing, I would imagine an escort service has to have a business license to operate. I’m surprised that wasn’t mentioned in the story or by Hayes, or by Lucky. At least it wasn’t obvious to me. An escort service is a basic business that any pimp could operate. I thought it was not the wisest choice for a plotline, let alone Hayes agrees that an escort service was a viable business, and that it couldn’t possibly get one in trouble with the law if money and sex are involved.
Lucky Match started out okay, but went downhill once Lucky and Hayes started to go out and once the questionable escort service was created. I liked the side characters, but not Lucky or Hayes. Hayes was too weak and Lucky to manipulative. I give this book, 2 Stars. Since this is the first time I’ve read a book by this author, I might give them another try to see if their writing improves.
First the cover. This kind of simplistic cover is what’s common right now, and I don’t usually like them because there’s nothing unique about them, but this one I like because the colors are bright and work together.
The blurb gives a brief rundown of the plot, but here’s more info because it’s misleading. When I read the blurb, it comes across like a twink student with a crush on the hot professor. This isn’t the case at all. This is a light BDSM story but it doesn’t come across that way at the beginning. I’ll explain.
At the start, Hayes sounds in control, firm, willing to explore relationships with men since he’s suppressed that side of himself since he was married to a woman. Lucky came across as an eager student with a plan to get to know Hayes better. As the story progresses, the author changes the characters personalities. Hayes becomes coy, shy, and submissive. His voice changes and he acts like a meek woman in a harlequin romance. Lucky’s voice is highly inconsistent. With his friends he’s a goofy, wild, confident, young man. His inner voice is goal-focused, cunning, and manipulative. And finally, his voice used with Hayes is like a Dom or Daddy, pushing Hayes to try more sexual acts and treating him like his sub or boy. There’s never a consistent voice to Lucky and that was annoying as heck. There is also too much inner monologue on both Lucky and Hayes’ parts.
It turns out that Lucky is the dominant in the relationship and Hayes is the submissive. Something that is not mentioned in the blurb so readers don’t know they are going to read a light BDSM story. I didn’t care for Lucky because he was manipulative, and I didn’t care for Hayes because his personality changed as the story progressed. I couldn’t believe Lucky’s change of heart from a playboy to devoted boyfriend because it wasn’t conveyed through emotions to make me feel. It was told, not shown. I couldn’t believe in Hayes and Lucky as a couple.
Things I liked:
1) The secondary characters were interesting and were prominent in the book, which means they have their own books in the future.
2) I also liked the karaoke competition at the house. It was funny and the author did a good job of describing all the antics the characters got up to.
The big thing I have questions about is the escort service Lucky set up. I don’t know what state it’s in, but escort services could be considered close to prostitution, especially if one of the guys has sex with a client, despite what Lucky said, even if one of the employees did it on his own. Lucky said something like, ‘If they want to give you money for it, it’s up to you to take it or not or to have sex with them.’ That is prostitution if there’s money involved. And another thing, I would imagine an escort service has to have a business license to operate. I’m surprised that wasn’t mentioned in the story or by Hayes, or by Lucky. At least it wasn’t obvious to me. An escort service is a basic business that any pimp could operate. I thought it was not the wisest choice for a plotline, let alone Hayes agrees that an escort service was a viable business, and that it couldn’t possibly get one in trouble with the law if money and sex are involved.
Lucky Match started out okay, but went downhill once Lucky and Hayes started to go out and once the questionable escort service was created. I liked the side characters, but not Lucky or Hayes. Hayes was too weak and Lucky to manipulative. I give this book, 2 Stars. Since this is the first time I’ve read a book by this author, I might give them another try to see if their writing improves.
April 6, 2022
A different yet rather interesting and quirky plot filled with eccentric main characters and even more peculiar side characters! An enjoyable low angst story of opposites attract, professor/student couple that was so exciting to experience their growth together. With one being extremely confident in himself and the other struggling with who he is as a person. The flow of the book was absolutely remarkable, with a high support for equality included!
“𝕄𝕞𝕙𝕙𝕙𝕞𝕞, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥.”𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕖,’
For there being such an age gap, and a tremendous amount of hesitancy on Hayes’ behalf, their connection was immovable. Lucky’s filthy banter had me excitedly turning the pages seeking out more. And their chemistry was absolutely eruptive! Even with the constant buildup and patience, fireworks blasted through the roof!
‘𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔣𝔦𝔡𝔡𝔩𝔢, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔱𝔲𝔫𝔢,’
I absolutely loved the wise quotes from Aunt Sadie, who had to be my favorite character within the story. Her words of wisdom, though unorthodox, just added to this playful story. Hoping to see more from this new author real soon with so many possible couples on the horizon!
“𝕄𝕞𝕙𝕙𝕙𝕞𝕞, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥.”𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕖,’
For there being such an age gap, and a tremendous amount of hesitancy on Hayes’ behalf, their connection was immovable. Lucky’s filthy banter had me excitedly turning the pages seeking out more. And their chemistry was absolutely eruptive! Even with the constant buildup and patience, fireworks blasted through the roof!
‘𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔣𝔦𝔡𝔡𝔩𝔢, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔱𝔲𝔫𝔢,’
I absolutely loved the wise quotes from Aunt Sadie, who had to be my favorite character within the story. Her words of wisdom, though unorthodox, just added to this playful story. Hoping to see more from this new author real soon with so many possible couples on the horizon!
April 11, 2022
Check out our full post for LUCKY MATCH on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This was a super sweet, insta-love, low-angst book. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Escort stories can go both ways for me and this one was done right. I felt the connection between both main characters, and I read this is one sitting on a rainy day. If you need light and sweet, this one is for you.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 22, 2022
Lucky is excited to be in college with a little tuition help from his aunt but he is at a college where intolerance makes it safer to live off campus for him and his roommate. His aunt helps him out by renting her house that is an easy commute from campus to them but they need money. He decides to create a business plan that will allow them to make money to live on but not distract them from their goal. It does not hurt that one of his economics professors has caught his eye. So he decides to use the creation of the plan to help him spend time with his hottie professor, Hayes, and while spending time he might earn extra credit, get some assistance and flirt. Hayes is recently divorced from a woman and wants to explore his attraction to men. So when he signs up for the service and winds up with Lucky it is a happy coincidence as they both noticed each other right away on the first day of classes. The attraction was already there as well. A nice, low angst 4.5 star story with good characters and a HEA.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
March 23, 2022
This was fun! Professor Hayes, is recently divorced from Sarah his former best friend, trying to re-start his life dating men. He found it ironic that while ready to pursue his new life, he worked on a homophobic campus. Lucky, spent his life charmed with the luck genies lining up to make his life's path easier. His roommate tried to warn him that the college was homophobic. He didn't listen and was greated by a violent welcome by the jock fraternity. Hayes, was attracted to his new student, Lucky and tried to avoid him. Lucky was entranced and tried to start a relationship. Lucky came up with several solution for housing and dating. The author brought us some really fun supporting characters. The journey between Lucky and Hayes is fun. Reid and Riley are good guys and I look forward to their story. Does Hayes have an easy time coming out? Does the campus attitude change? Is Lucky Match successful? Nice story. Great characters. The author handled a sensitive topic with grace and great support. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily laaving a review.
March 17, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This comedy of errors ends up being rather freeing for both Lucky and Hayes, who strike up a clandestine relationship after a while. There is some forced separation and early vigilant professionalism on Hayes’ part, but he’s powerless to refuse Lucky’s continued wooing, and he develops some nice friendships with Lucky’s roommates, who are all young, cute, and a little silly. Actually, most of these characters are a little on the silly side, with some fun, yet juvenile humor that felt right for the under 21 set, but a stretch for 33-year-old Hayes. The story is breezy and entertaining, with some overt homophobia that seems to get mainly (inexplicably) quelled by a queer staff uprising.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This comedy of errors ends up being rather freeing for both Lucky and Hayes, who strike up a clandestine relationship after a while. There is some forced separation and early vigilant professionalism on Hayes’ part, but he’s powerless to refuse Lucky’s continued wooing, and he develops some nice friendships with Lucky’s roommates, who are all young, cute, and a little silly. Actually, most of these characters are a little on the silly side, with some fun, yet juvenile humor that felt right for the under 21 set, but a stretch for 33-year-old Hayes. The story is breezy and entertaining, with some overt homophobia that seems to get mainly (inexplicably) quelled by a queer staff uprising.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
March 21, 2022
Title - Lucky Match (Hearts For Hire #1)
Author - Raquel Riley
Genre - MM Romance
Published - March 2022
Pages - 221 Pages
What I Thought About The Book - This book was a slow starter for me, but once it got started I really enjoyed it. I fell in love with Lucky and Hayes. Lucky took a little while for me to warm up to as at the start he seemed to be a little naive and annoying. I think Hayes helped Lucky grow up a lot. I also think Lucky helped Hayes come out of his shell and helped him get what he truly wanted in his life. They truly do make a great couple. The story was well written, easy to follow and overall had a great and interesting plot. This is a new author to me and I am looking forward to more from this series, I really hope the next book is about Reid and Riley.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
Author - Raquel Riley
Genre - MM Romance
Published - March 2022
Pages - 221 Pages
What I Thought About The Book - This book was a slow starter for me, but once it got started I really enjoyed it. I fell in love with Lucky and Hayes. Lucky took a little while for me to warm up to as at the start he seemed to be a little naive and annoying. I think Hayes helped Lucky grow up a lot. I also think Lucky helped Hayes come out of his shell and helped him get what he truly wanted in his life. They truly do make a great couple. The story was well written, easy to follow and overall had a great and interesting plot. This is a new author to me and I am looking forward to more from this series, I really hope the next book is about Reid and Riley.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
August 13, 2022
3.5 Stars
Lucky Match was a light read with quirky characters that will keep you interested. It is uncomplicated and easy.
There is a lot of homophobia that drives a lot of the storyline. While I don't think it was mishandled, I wish it was given more depth or taken out to keep the lighthearted pace of the story. It felt out of place somehow because it felt void of emotion throughout most of it.
'There were some fun moments between Lucky and Hayes and with Lucky's roommates and Hayes' brother. I'm curious about their stories—if they get a story.
It was evident that Lucky and Hayes had chemistry and would eventually get together. They had an easy connection despite the complications.
If you're looking for a book that's an easy read, low on heat but high on chemistry, this book is for you.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Lucky Match was a light read with quirky characters that will keep you interested. It is uncomplicated and easy.
There is a lot of homophobia that drives a lot of the storyline. While I don't think it was mishandled, I wish it was given more depth or taken out to keep the lighthearted pace of the story. It felt out of place somehow because it felt void of emotion throughout most of it.
'There were some fun moments between Lucky and Hayes and with Lucky's roommates and Hayes' brother. I'm curious about their stories—if they get a story.
It was evident that Lucky and Hayes had chemistry and would eventually get together. They had an easy connection despite the complications.
If you're looking for a book that's an easy read, low on heat but high on chemistry, this book is for you.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
March 10, 2022
Ok. Parts of this book are kinda sweet and parts are a bit stalkery. Lucky even admits to being manipulative. That bit of the story made me a little uncomfortable and it had nothing to do with Lucky’s choice of a business. Hayes is desperate to be more open and honest with his life after his divorce and is trying to learn how to live life to the fullest. The actual backbone of the story is good but a few parts of the plot felt a little forced. I think Lucky acts with very little regard to the consequences of his actions and their effects on other people but He really does have an honest goal in mind and he does make Hayes happy. They really are a cute couple and have a nice HEA in their future. I just didn’t like Lucky as an overall character but I am going to occasionally find those I can’t connect with.
April 5, 2022
Lucky's first job with his new escort business is his professor, the same guy he had the hots for from the first day of class. Hayes notices that Lucky is just his type but knows as his professor he can't date a student. Fresh out of a divorce, he is hesitant to put himself out there and with the encouragement of his brother, he has daily challenges, one of them is to do something out of his comfort zone. So he makes a date with someone from Lucky Match. That just happens to be Lucky! They have chemistry off the charts. Lucky's friends/roommates add so much to the story and I am sure that they will have stories in the series themselves. This HEA story is a feel good, low angst, easy read that is full of tenderness, understanding and knowing when you've got the right one baby.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2022
After a Lucky suffers a homophobic attack, he and his roommate move in to Lucky's aunts house for their safety. They also find a few other friends to who are being targeted to move in with them and he starts Lucky Match to pay the rent.
Hayes is recently divorced from a woman and hasn't dated for 12 years and is quite shy and nervous about putting himself out there.
The attack was brief and tough to read, but so there are many fun moments in this book! Lucky is such a fun person! And Hayes is adorable. They really are well suited for each other. The dates were cute and I loved the side characters. I'm hoping Reid and Riley get a book and that they are next!
This is low angst, professor/ student, dual POV.
Hayes is recently divorced from a woman and hasn't dated for 12 years and is quite shy and nervous about putting himself out there.
The attack was brief and tough to read, but so there are many fun moments in this book! Lucky is such a fun person! And Hayes is adorable. They really are well suited for each other. The dates were cute and I loved the side characters. I'm hoping Reid and Riley get a book and that they are next!
This is low angst, professor/ student, dual POV.
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