An Unexpected Match

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Two guarded hearts…

Unexpectedly drawn together

Former foster child Kinsey Zaleski has built a new life as a dental receptionist for her foster dad, Dr. Martin. But her hard-won peace is rattled by Hunt Vargo, the brooding, battle-scarred handyman fixing up the dental office. A former army captain, Hunt isn’t looking for love—especially with someone as sunny and feisty as Kinsey, who always seems to misunderstand him. When a shady figure from Kinsey’s foster-care past resurfaces, Hunt protectively jumps in to play the part of her fake boyfriend, only to find the budding attraction between them is all too real. With both their hearts wounded and exposed, can they find the courage to let love in?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin  Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance

Book 1: Their Surprise Reunion
Book 2: Christmas Promises
Book 3: An Unexpected Match

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


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Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy/sunshine. Fake dating. Shelley Shepard Gray. Three phrases that make my reader heart happy, especially when they all pertain to the same book, and that’s exactly what An Unexpected Match delivered. Dental receptionist Kinsey Zaleski and office handyman Hunt Vargo don’t get off to the best start. Her sunniness and sass versus his brusque manner make the perfect breeding ground for misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Don’t worry though, Gray keeps the tone light, and in fact brings in a little humor to counteract their most recent tiff. Namely, some mistaken assumptions involving the Loaves of Love food bank and what Hunt is doing there. And if you’re familiar with this series you know that Edna, the director of Loaves of Love, is a matchmaker at heart, so you know she’s got big plans for Kinsey and Hunt. True to form, however, they don’t really need her help to fall in love. Because the truth is, the battle-scarred former soldier already can’t stop thinking about Kinsey, and when she needs a fake boyfriend to discourage a volatile character from her foster-care past, he jumps at the chance to play the part.

This is when I really became invested in the story because oh my heart, Hunt’s tender side comes out when he’s in super protective / fake boyfriend mode. Every time he called her ‘honey’, I melted a little more. There’s something so swoony and endearing about a gruff guy showing that he can be a softie when his heart gets involved but can still turn lethally serious when his woman’s safety is at stake. And I adored his conversations with the dogs he spends time with at the rescue shelter. Kinsey is no shrinking violet but she doesn’t really take her own needs into consideration, so I was glad she had Hunt in her corner (as well as a few of his friends, whom we’ve met before and were fun to see again). The little dash of suspense that Gray wove into their story was the perfect plot device to bring Kinsey and Hunt closer together and fan their cautious friendship into a sweet romance that gave me all the feels.

Bottom Line: The combination of Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature warmth, two wonderfully layered main characters, and a fake dating romance between this grumpy/sunshine couple made An Unexpected Match an entertaining read from start to finish. Hunt and Kinsey help each other become stronger versions of themselves, and it’s fun watching their relationship grow from awkward interactions to friendship to falling in love. Adorable shelter dogs, a matchmaking food bank director, and dashes of suspense were certainly no hardship to read about either! And I also loved the nod to Gray’s popular Amish fiction, a little treat tucked away for her loyal readers. An Unexpected Match would be a great next read for fans of grumpy/sunshine romances, the fake dating trope, and this author’s prolific backlist.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Match by Shelley Shepard Gray (2026)
Matchmaker Knows Best #3
+334-page Kindle Ebook story pages 7-334

Genre: Clean Romance

Rating as a movie: PG-10 for adversities

Featuring: Excerpt Paragraph, Letter From Author, Note to Reader - Ebook Accessibility Features, Partial Bibliography for Shelley Shepard Gray - Harlequin Heartwarming, A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance, and Inspirational Cold Case Collection; Medina, Ohio; Grumpy/Sunshine, Dental Office Receptionist, Army Veteran, Handyman, Food Bank Volunteers, Baking Bread, Multiple POVs, Matchmaking, Former Foster Kid, Animal Shelter, Tricenarian, Vicenarian, PTSD, Fake Dating, Close Proximity, Age Gap, Abuse, Harassment, Family Dynamics, Community, Advertisement for The Rancher's Reunion by Lisa Childs and Home to Her Cowboy by Sacha Summers, Excerpt from His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter - Chapter One, Publisher's Links

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🦷☎️🪖🧰🥖🍞

​I absolutely adored this story! The only issue was that the author couldn't seem to decide if Kinsey was 21 or 26. I was a little sad to see this one come to an end, but this was easily the best story of the series. They have all been great, so I was pleased to see it end on such a high note. Honestly, the last page made me wish there were six books in this series instead of just three!
​While this author is known for Christian fiction, this book is pure clean romance. There are some elements of romantic suspense, but not quite enough for it to be put in that category.
​Recommend to others: Yes! I absolutely loved this series.

Recommend to others: Yes. Loved this series.

Matchmaker Knows Best
1 Their Surprise Reunion (2025)
2 Christmas Promises (2025)
3 An Unexpected Match (2026)

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean romance that brings the smiles.

Kinsey finally feels grown up. She has her own place and a job as a dental receptionist. Ever since her parents died when she was eleven she has felt lost and scared. Her last set of foster parents have been the closet to being family. In fact that is who she works for, her foster dad.

Hunt was the boy next door but he was already grown and serving in the military when she came around. After suffering a horrific military ending accident he has returned home and works as a handyman. Dr. Martin hired him to refresh the dental office.

Hunt and Kinsey get off on the wrong foot. Through a series of awkward moments they become friends that leads to a fake dating scenario to protect Kinsey from someone in her past.

This has all my favorite tropes especially grumpy/sunshine. I love a good grumpy guy and a bubbly girl that makes him turn into a big teddy bear. All men need that one woman who lets them be soft and mushy.

I thought this might be the last in this series but I’m hoping the epilogue is an insight to a possible future story.

Whether SSG writes contemporary romance, Amish romance, or historical romance you are guaranteed a good read.

I received a complementary copy from the author with no requirement to leave a review. The above positive review is in my own words and my own thoughts on the book.

#bookstagrammer #kentuckybooklover #readersofinstagram

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is my favorite of the series.
Kinsey was brought up in foster homes after the unexpected death of her parents. She finally was placed with a fabulous couple who took her in and consider her their daughter. She works as a dental receptionist and finds time to help make bread at Loaves of Love food bank.

Hunter is a veteran who is a handyman around town. He is usually doing more than one job at a time. Right now he has many jobs on his plate, including working at the same office as Kinsey.

A man from Kinsey's past has returned and to keep him at a distance it is suggested that Kinsey find a boyfriend....enter Hunter. As Kinsey and Hunter spend more time together they find themselves attracted to each other. What starts off as pretend has now become an unexpected match.

I really do think this book is my favorite of the three. I thought both Kinsey and Hunter made a cute couple and the storyline was great. The story flowed nicely and I read it all in one setting. Highly recommend!!!

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Match, the third book in the Matchmaker Knows Best Romance, is another wonderful book by Shelley Shepard Gray. 

I have completely loved this series I am sorry to see it end, and please don't ask me to pick a favorite.

Kinsey and Hunt one is sassy; the other is the perfect amount of grumpy to make for the perfect pairing. This story will definitely keep your attention with the sweetness of their story and toss into the mix trips to the dog shelter and the entire story feels like a big warm hug. 

An Unexpected Match is a wonderful faith-based, clean romance, that also has some danger and mystery which keeps you turning the page to find out what is going to happen next. I love books that kept me guessing, includes a little danger, mystery and clean romance all in one. This story checks all of my boxes.

I would highly recommend this story, while it could be read as a stand- a- lone, I suggest reading the entire series because you don't want to miss out on all the wonderful stories. 

#shelleyshpardgray
#harlequin
#anunexpectedmatch

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartfelt novel! One I very much enjoyed as I do all of her books.
But I this one will be my favorite of this series.
2nd chance romance, overcoming painful pasts along with some delicious bread! Who couldn't love this book!
I finished it in a few hours it was so good!
Gray always does an excellent job with her storytelling and making her characters realistic.
I especially like it when she adds a bit of mystery to it to keep you turning the pages.
I feel just like Kinsey at times. Hunt too.
I found myself rooting for them against all the odds that were stacked against them throughout their journey called life.
They stole my heart from the very beginning and never let go.
I highly recommend this novel. Such a wonderful read!
5 stars for some excellent writing. Well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Match by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sincere and well-crafted romance novel. The author’s approachable and engaging writing style contributes positively to the work. I appreciate the contrasting personalities of Kinsey and Hunt; their differing temperaments—one optimistic, the other more reserved—create an engaging dynamic. The element of mystery contributed additional depth to the narrative. The integration of faith was skillfully incorporated throughout the storyline. An Unexpected Match is a touching tale of overcoming the past, healing, romance, second chances, and faith. An Unexpected Match is the third book A Matchmaker Knows Best Romances. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the first two books in this charming series. I like that we got to visit Loaves of Love again (it is a special place). An Unexpected Match is a sweet story that will leave you smiling.

[Rachel Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading all the "Matchmaker Knows Best" books in this mini series. Although this is book number 3, they can be read as stand alone stories since they have different main characters.

If you do happen to read them all in order, you will recognize previous mentioned characters, especially Edna from "Loaves of Love"-what a treasure-I love her!

Kinsey works as a dental receptionist at her foster dad's office and there she meets handyman and former army captain Hunt. Their friendship starts off rocky with unfounded assumptions, awkwardness and plain dislike. Once they get to know each other better with some help from Edna and others in the town; they start to enjoy and help each other out.

I liked the flow of the book, relatable characters and of course the town! I loved this sweet, contemporary romance by one of my favorite authors-easy to read, fun, reading! 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Story

Kinsey and Hunt have both experienced their fair share of difficulties and suffering. While those difficulties have been as different as night and day, they each have scars that show what they've endured. Their story drew me in immediately and had me turning pages as fast as I could to see how it would all turn out. There are so many sweet, endearing, and romantic interactions. A slight touch of intrigue is also blended into the story, adding a key element to it, as it keeps the reader guessing about the characters and the outcome of their relationship. The result is a fantastic and touching story of overcoming, healing, second chances, and love.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected match.
A clean uplifting romance by.
Shelley Shepard Gray.

I have become a quick fan of shelley's.

Simply a wonderful sweet clean romance.
A girl with a past, she just can't seem to get away from. Losing her parents. Memories hurt, but it 's time to move on to the future.
Life can be sweet.

Hunt vargo,
Former army captain, now, home because of being hurt while being deployed.
A handyman for everyone around the town.
Not only a handyman, but a handsome man.
With the big heart. Has demons of his own from his past.

A fake dating, begins, and sometimes it leads to other things. This was the perfect story. So much back history for both characters.
Simply the sweetest. I have loved the whole series.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

AN UNEXPECTED MATCH was such a feel good read.

Kinsey is a former foster child working as a dental receptionist and Hunt is a brooding former army captain working as the office handyman. When someone from Kinsey's past shows up, Hunt pretends to be her boyfriend and their fake relationship quickly becomes real.

I absolutely adored Hunt. He's protective and caring, and watching him open up was beautiful. The chemistry between him and feisty Kinsey was wonderful - they balanced each other out perfectly.

Shelley Shepard Gray writes wounded characters with such care. Both Kinsey and Hunt have guarded hearts and seeing them find the courage to let love in was truly heartfelt.

This is the perfect book for when you want something sweet and uplifting.I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Phyllis Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Matchmaker Knows Best series. It follows Kinsey, a former foster child that is currently a dental office receptionist for her last foster father, and Hunt, a battle scarred former army captain and now a handyman at that dental office. It is a fun romance between two extremely different personalities. When a bad character from Kinsey's past starts giving her problems, it is Hunt who comes to her rescue. Love is not always easy to find, but with a matchmaker in the background, it eventually finds its way. This is a feel-good book to read that leaves you with a smile on your face.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Matchmaker Knows Best series, in which dental receptionist and former foster child Kinsey Zaleski finds herself confronted by the man who'd bullied her during her first foster family experience. A friend suggests she have a fake boyfriend who can scare off the man bothering her, so she asks handyman Hunter Vargo if he'll help her. He's happy to do so even though falling in love isn't something he wants. But Kinsey draws him in more than he ever imagined and soon what started as fake becomes more and more real--for both of them.

Now what are they going to do? And what will Hunt do about that guy who keeps showing up when Kinsey least expects it?

[Kim Hambleton-Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Match by Shelley Shepard Gray was too good to put down. Shelley Shepard Gray tells the story of Kinsey and Hunt. There is some tension, friendship, acceptance, and love found in this book. There was a bit of danger and some sweet dogs. All of this made for one of the best books I have read in a very long time. When I was nearing the end of the book, I literally got off work and sat in my car in the parking lot and finished it before leaving for home. I did receive an ARC of this book. I am amazed by Shelley Shepard Gray’s storytelling ability. #ShelleyShepardGray #AnUnexpectedMatch #BookReview #BestAuthor

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinsey Zaleski didn't start out in foster care. However, circumstances brought her into that world. After a few rough years, she was able to settle just a little. Now an adult and working for her former foster dad, Kinsey feels like her life is just how she wants it. Only one problem, Hunt Vargo has her turning just a little topsy turvy. When a haunt from her past shows up, Hunt jumps to her defense and vows to protect her. Close quarters brings other problems. Will the threat be resolved before hearts become tangled? I received an ARC from the author. A review was not required.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in Gray’s A Matchmaker Knows Best series, I think this one was my favorite. While you could read it as a stand alone, I recommend reading books 1 and 2 so you understand some of the subtle nuances in book 3.

Kinsey feels so unwanted and longs for acceptance. Hunt knows no one will want him with his battle scars. They band together for Kinsey’s protection and both find unexpected healing.

This clean romance also includes a mystery and danger. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #3 in the A Matchmaker Knows Best series but it can be read as a standalone book.

Once again we go back to a story that partly takes place at the Loaves of Love food bank. I am sad that this series is over now, I have fallen in love with the characters in the whole series.

This is a clean romance with a bit of a mystery and a little danger that keeps you wanting to read to find out what happens.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Debbie Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a trip back to Medina Ohio for this sweet story. Edna from Loaves of Love food pantry is up to her matchmaking skills with Kinsey and Hunt. Both have challenging pasts but are on the path of overcoming their past and forging new lives. Can that life include each other? Read this tory to find out. This book is filled with wonderful characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own. This book releases on April 28th.

[Taylor Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book in the series. I loved the storyline and especially loved the couple, Kinsey and Hunt, visiting the dogs at the shelter. I hope it inspires people to do the same! Great story as usual! If you love reading light hearted romance, you won’t be disappointed! All opinions are my own, but I did receive a complimentary copy from the author.

[Jessica Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful love story between two troubled hearts! Follow Kinsey and Hunt as they discovered love, forgiveness, and hope for the future. Such a sweet story filled with smiles. Another amazing book by an outstanding author! Preorder your copy today!!! I received a complimentary copy, and loved every page!

[Mitsi Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. I loved Kinsey. She did a good job of making something of herself after going through foster care. Hunt was such a good guy. His story was interesting too. I read this book in like 3-4 days. Hard to put down!! Loved how it ended too!!

[Debbi Sprang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edna from Loaves of Love is at it again. This time she set her eyes upon Hunter Virgo and Kinsey Zaleski. Both were hurting from their past, and couldn’t seem to get past it. Will they put their guards down and allow love to grow and change their future?

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This book is delightful. I love to escape in a story and Kinsey, Hunt, and the Martins took me to a place of smiles and tears. I love this book. My thanks to Shelley Shepard Gray for honoring me with an advance copy to read and enjoy. My pleasure to leave this review.

[Tonya Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Shelley Shepherd Gray have read all her books and look forward to what she has releasing next.

[Milissa Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me wanting to continue reading! Definitely kept me wanting to know how this love story would end!!! Miss Edna from Loaves of Love once again helped with making a perfect love match

[Gladys]

Amazing story about Kinsey and Hunter living in their past that they can't see what is in front of them. But family and friends do. You did it again Shelley Shepard Gray

[Mrs. Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to review an ARC copy of this beautiful story of a young woman raised in foster care, as she tries to find her way to independence. Loved it!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Match

I love this series. So good. Hunt and Kinsey’s is really good. They are both such hard workers. I loved how Hunt loved dogs, that he visited the local rescue. Kinsey came from the foster system. Someone from a past foster home is haunting her. Hunt plays her fake boyfriend to help her out. Will their relationship develop into more? An unexpected match is a fast reading book, I recommend reading it.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Rita Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exceptional book from Shelley Shepard Gray once I started reading didn't want to put it down. Edna the matchmaker wanting to see everyone with someone and happy. Can't wait to see Edna finds another couple to bring together.