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Matchmaking in Granville #1
Meddling With Maverick
Meddling with Maverick is my favorite pastime...
When pranking my neighbor backfires and he lets the Matchmaking Mamas set him up, it's my duty to keep an eye on his dates.
If I sabtoage them in the process, that's just coincidence, right?
But when I call Maverick's bluff that I could be a better date, I find myself in the matchmaking hot seat.
I've been straight all my life, but the prospect of a real date, real kisses, maybe even real love with a man doesn't scare me.
It's easier to meddle with Maverick with an invite to his bed.
In fact, maybe I'll just meddle with him for life.
When pranking my neighbor backfires and he lets the Matchmaking Mamas set him up, it's my duty to keep an eye on his dates.
If I sabtoage them in the process, that's just coincidence, right?
But when I call Maverick's bluff that I could be a better date, I find myself in the matchmaking hot seat.
I've been straight all my life, but the prospect of a real date, real kisses, maybe even real love with a man doesn't scare me.
It's easier to meddle with Maverick with an invite to his bed.
In fact, maybe I'll just meddle with him for life.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
About the author
D.J. Jamison
84 books1,078 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ
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April 25, 2026
Meddling With Maverick is book one in the Matchmaking in Granville series by D.J. Jamison. The cover is what caught my attention with this one. It’s adorable. And, I do love romance books that have anything to do with florists.
Maverick is twenty seven years old and is about a year I believe, into owning his own florist shop in Granville. Maverick is an out, gay man but has been unlucky in love.
Damon Cassidy is nearly thirty years old and is a construction worker. He is straight, or so he believes. He also has been unlucky in love.
Mav and Damon live in a duplex so they share a wall and a driveway. We’ll just say that first impressions didn’t go well and for years, these two have been in a pranking war. The latest prank Damon played on Mav was to sign him up with the local Matchmaking Mamas. He never expected Mav to go ahead with the dates, seriously trying to see if any of them could lead to a real relationship. And, he never expected to feel extreme jealousy every time one of the men came to pick up Maverick. He tries to convince himself that he feels responsible since he set up the dating profile. That he just needs to make sure Mav is safe!
This is an enemies to lovers story. These two obviously were harboring feelings all those years but couldn’t recognize them behind all the pranks! When Damon claims he can take Maverick on a date that will make all previous dates pale in comparison, Mav can’t refuse the challenge. Let the games begin!
These two were cute and sweet. I also have to say that the smexy times were really hot! I haven’t read many books by this author, though, so I did feel a little lost with all the crossover characters. Especially in the beginning. It was a fun read, though, and I was happy to see these two find their HEA.
Maverick is twenty seven years old and is about a year I believe, into owning his own florist shop in Granville. Maverick is an out, gay man but has been unlucky in love.
Damon Cassidy is nearly thirty years old and is a construction worker. He is straight, or so he believes. He also has been unlucky in love.
Mav and Damon live in a duplex so they share a wall and a driveway. We’ll just say that first impressions didn’t go well and for years, these two have been in a pranking war. The latest prank Damon played on Mav was to sign him up with the local Matchmaking Mamas. He never expected Mav to go ahead with the dates, seriously trying to see if any of them could lead to a real relationship. And, he never expected to feel extreme jealousy every time one of the men came to pick up Maverick. He tries to convince himself that he feels responsible since he set up the dating profile. That he just needs to make sure Mav is safe!
This is an enemies to lovers story. These two obviously were harboring feelings all those years but couldn’t recognize them behind all the pranks! When Damon claims he can take Maverick on a date that will make all previous dates pale in comparison, Mav can’t refuse the challenge. Let the games begin!
These two were cute and sweet. I also have to say that the smexy times were really hot! I haven’t read many books by this author, though, so I did feel a little lost with all the crossover characters. Especially in the beginning. It was a fun read, though, and I was happy to see these two find their HEA.
May 10, 2026
Tropes: opposites attract, small town, prank war, animosity to love, neighbors, matchmaking
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: mild toys
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: a little small town homophobia
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they've known each other for years, so they've both dated other people since they've known each other. But neither of them have any interest in anyone else during this book, even though Maverick does go on a couple of dates.
3.5 stars
Maverick is 27, a florist, and gay. Damon is almost 30, he has identified as straight all his life but is about to have a bisexual awakening, and he works in construction. They are neighbors who got off on the wrong foot when they first met and they have had a prank war ever since. As one of the pranks, Damon set Maverick up with a profile with the meddling matchmaking ladies of their small town. And Maverick, kind of tired of being single and wanting to piss Damon off decides to go along with it and take some dates. That triggers demon to be jealous and after some pitiful dates, to issue a challenge that he could be a better date. And that date quickly reveals that Damon has a real interest in Maverick. And they start a thing. This is a really low angst story, with just a wee bit about miscommunication about whether this is just a hookup or the start of a relationship.
This was a pleasant enough story. The prank war was fun. I liked the little bit of animosity running between them, but also a lot of kindness and respect was underlying. I liked how Damon accepted his sexuality and didn't make a big deal out of being with a guy and being honest about it.
Some notable moments:
Relatable! "For the next few minutes, I worked my way through the tasting menu at lightning speed. I should’ve slowed down to really savor it, but it was just too delicious. Jamie nibbled at his share, prompting me now and then to give him some feedback to note for his boss. Apparently, “mmm” and “nom nom” wasn’t enough to go on."
"“Honey, you don’t get as old as I am without understanding that men are idiots.” She surprised a laugh out of me. “You know I’m a man too, right?” “Well, sure, so you’ve got double the challenge. You’re both idiots.” “Uh, thanks?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: mild toys
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: a little small town homophobia
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they've known each other for years, so they've both dated other people since they've known each other. But neither of them have any interest in anyone else during this book, even though Maverick does go on a couple of dates.
3.5 stars
Maverick is 27, a florist, and gay. Damon is almost 30, he has identified as straight all his life but is about to have a bisexual awakening, and he works in construction. They are neighbors who got off on the wrong foot when they first met and they have had a prank war ever since. As one of the pranks, Damon set Maverick up with a profile with the meddling matchmaking ladies of their small town. And Maverick, kind of tired of being single and wanting to piss Damon off decides to go along with it and take some dates. That triggers demon to be jealous and after some pitiful dates, to issue a challenge that he could be a better date. And that date quickly reveals that Damon has a real interest in Maverick. And they start a thing. This is a really low angst story, with just a wee bit about miscommunication about whether this is just a hookup or the start of a relationship.
This was a pleasant enough story. The prank war was fun. I liked the little bit of animosity running between them, but also a lot of kindness and respect was underlying. I liked how Damon accepted his sexuality and didn't make a big deal out of being with a guy and being honest about it.
Some notable moments:
Relatable! "For the next few minutes, I worked my way through the tasting menu at lightning speed. I should’ve slowed down to really savor it, but it was just too delicious. Jamie nibbled at his share, prompting me now and then to give him some feedback to note for his boss. Apparently, “mmm” and “nom nom” wasn’t enough to go on."
"“Honey, you don’t get as old as I am without understanding that men are idiots.” She surprised a laugh out of me. “You know I’m a man too, right?” “Well, sure, so you’ve got double the challenge. You’re both idiots.” “Uh, thanks?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
May 16, 2026
This is more of a 3.75 stars but I just can’t give it 4 full stars. It was a very fast read and I enjoyed a lot of it but it was missing substance. Everything happened too easily and there are so many characters from other books that it can be confusing. The town and its characters are basically a 3rd MC.
The pranks between Maverick and Damon were cute but Damon sure did jump into a same sex relationship quickly. I know the book is meant for light reading but it just was missing that oomph I think it needed.
The pranks between Maverick and Damon were cute but Damon sure did jump into a same sex relationship quickly. I know the book is meant for light reading but it just was missing that oomph I think it needed.
May 10, 2026
I don't see the hype but it was ok. It was a very surface level read.
There was more telling than showing. You don't get to read about the pranks as they happened. You get a recap of them when the MC thinks about them.
Mav goes on several dates after Damon sets him up for the dating service but Damon doesn't interrupt but a couple of them on page. The dates werent even good so the interruption was welcomed.
💥One guy propositioned Mav at his front door and Damon scared him off. The other was Percy who ignored him for most of the date.
If there were more it wasn't memorable enough for me to write about.
There was more telling than showing. You don't get to read about the pranks as they happened. You get a recap of them when the MC thinks about them.
Mav goes on several dates after Damon sets him up for the dating service but Damon doesn't interrupt but a couple of them on page. The dates werent even good so the interruption was welcomed.
💥One guy propositioned Mav at his front door and Damon scared him off. The other was Percy who ignored him for most of the date.
If there were more it wasn't memorable enough for me to write about.
April 25, 2026
This is a neighbours to more romance, featuring Damon and Maverick, and is book one in the Matchmaking In Granville series.
Damon’s harmless pranks on his neighbour Maverick spiral when he starts block Maverick’s dates, only to see him challenging to prove he would make a better date.
I absolutely loved this one. There is something so cute about prank wars that lead to feelings. Damon and Maverick were so great together, snarky banter, great chemistry, funny interactions and sweetness. We also get some awesome cameos from this book universe, loved it!
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Small town
Neighbours to more
Snarky banter
Feuding / prank war
Builder x Florist
Jealous
S*x toy exploration
Date challenge
Bi awakening
Spicy times
Admit feelings
Coming out
Found family
HEA
Damon’s harmless pranks on his neighbour Maverick spiral when he starts block Maverick’s dates, only to see him challenging to prove he would make a better date.
I absolutely loved this one. There is something so cute about prank wars that lead to feelings. Damon and Maverick were so great together, snarky banter, great chemistry, funny interactions and sweetness. We also get some awesome cameos from this book universe, loved it!
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Small town
Neighbours to more
Snarky banter
Feuding / prank war
Builder x Florist
Jealous
S*x toy exploration
Date challenge
Bi awakening
Spicy times
Admit feelings
Coming out
Found family
HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
MEDDLING WITH MAVERICK
By DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews in exchange for an honest review. It will be Available March 25th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
www.amazon.com/B0GF8TM7WS
This is a 220-page Fast Paced, Grumpy/Sunshine, Bi-Awakening, Opposites Attract, Like Disguised As Hate, Rom-Com Vibes MM Romance. This is the first book in the new series MATCHMAKING IN GRANVILLE, which is part of DJ Jamison’s Extended Universe. It can be read as a standalone. (More on that below)
Written in dual first person POV in alternating chapters, this novel picks up a short time after the last time we were in small-town Granville and after the events in Riverton and the Foster Bro Code series. The meddling grannies of the town, led by Iola, successfully started their matchmaking business, hoping to help others find love with their guidance. Maverick, a hot twink with pink hair and a nice butt, is a successful florist, always hard at work helping other’s days more special with a pop of color and symbolism. He’d love a relationship, but his focus has been on getting his business up and running. He lives in a duplex and next door to the worst neighbor. Damon is a masculine guy, strong with muscles from working construction. He is grumpy with a personality that comes across as aggressive. He’s known around town for being a dick and getting around. He knows this, and knows he’s bad at relationships. He just wants to go to work and come home in peace, but this prank war with his neighbor is anything but.
When Damon pranks Maverick with a profile with the Matchmaking Service, hoping it would send him over the edge, completely backfires and he has to watch him go out on dates with guys that don’t deserve him, he has to come to terms with what his friends have been saying and do something about it.
This book is so funny! It starts off with a hater-to-lovers vibe, but it’s really not hate, so if you aren’t into that trope, don’t worry. The real writing is in between the lines if you notice. The romcom vibes are strong, as they always are when we are in Granville. The town is soooo nebby! “A guy can’t even figure out if he’s Bi without everyone getting nosy about it.” It is a very simple story that the author doesn’t drag out with unnecessary side plots or fillers. It gets straight to the point, but the point also includes most of the town that we already know. Lyle & Truman, Wes & Beck, Tucker & Laurie, Hunter & Clark, Evan & Dawson, Miles & Jake, the Matchmaking Mama’s, and lastly Percy! All these characters either appear, cameo, or are mentioned. There is also a surprise guest at the very end from Riverton that I won’t give away.
There are multiple series that are all connected! Which is why it may seem like I just listed off soooo many characters above, well, there's more than that, lol! Even though its all part of one universe like i stated at the top, DJ does a great job with writing standalones that are interconnected with minimal moments where you feel as a reader you missed something. She just planet's a crap ton of easter eggs.
THE SERIES'
Games We Play in Granville
Rules We Break in Granville
Swallow Cove
Rom-Com Reboot
Foster Bro Code
and now... Matchmaking In Granville
(I think thats all of them😬)
The book also does a good job of setting up the rest of this series. Maverick’s besties Jamie, who is a cook but prefers to bake, and Silas, who is a wedding planner who hates being in a relationships himself. As a group, they complement each other well. A side plot to this novel is that there is a secret matrimony happening between two of our past characters. It’s all very hush hush because if the town fines out, their peace is dead.
The spice was awesome! I love a book that’s full of first times. One of the pranks happens that helps jump start all of this and its great! The scenes were hott, lively and fun. Part of their chemistry is Mav being sassy and actually able to put Damon in his place, but Damon has a hard time controlling himself around Mav because the feeling he thought was agitation was actually a craving. One thing I give DJ Jamison props for is always thinking outside the norms of the bedroom and switching it up. It keeps the scenes interesting and not what we would normally anticipate or predictable.
If you need something to liven your bookshelf or TBR up, this is it! The new additions to Granville are long awaited as these three books were released on DJ Jamison Patreon last year. The anticipation and the wait was worth it! I appreciate that she introduced and used a character in the TWINK category as, in my opinion, us twinks aren’t seen enough in romance books because we don’t have big muscles or aren’t categorized as sexy. This book proves that, WE ARE! It also proves how wrong stereotypes are about certain labels in the gay community. We might be small and sassy, but we can be controlling and hold you down. I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeves for Jamie next, and how the Granny’s match him up with a fellow dog lover.
💜Happy Reading🫶
By DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews in exchange for an honest review. It will be Available March 25th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
www.amazon.com/B0GF8TM7WS
This is a 220-page Fast Paced, Grumpy/Sunshine, Bi-Awakening, Opposites Attract, Like Disguised As Hate, Rom-Com Vibes MM Romance. This is the first book in the new series MATCHMAKING IN GRANVILLE, which is part of DJ Jamison’s Extended Universe. It can be read as a standalone. (More on that below)
Written in dual first person POV in alternating chapters, this novel picks up a short time after the last time we were in small-town Granville and after the events in Riverton and the Foster Bro Code series. The meddling grannies of the town, led by Iola, successfully started their matchmaking business, hoping to help others find love with their guidance. Maverick, a hot twink with pink hair and a nice butt, is a successful florist, always hard at work helping other’s days more special with a pop of color and symbolism. He’d love a relationship, but his focus has been on getting his business up and running. He lives in a duplex and next door to the worst neighbor. Damon is a masculine guy, strong with muscles from working construction. He is grumpy with a personality that comes across as aggressive. He’s known around town for being a dick and getting around. He knows this, and knows he’s bad at relationships. He just wants to go to work and come home in peace, but this prank war with his neighbor is anything but.
When Damon pranks Maverick with a profile with the Matchmaking Service, hoping it would send him over the edge, completely backfires and he has to watch him go out on dates with guys that don’t deserve him, he has to come to terms with what his friends have been saying and do something about it.
This book is so funny! It starts off with a hater-to-lovers vibe, but it’s really not hate, so if you aren’t into that trope, don’t worry. The real writing is in between the lines if you notice. The romcom vibes are strong, as they always are when we are in Granville. The town is soooo nebby! “A guy can’t even figure out if he’s Bi without everyone getting nosy about it.” It is a very simple story that the author doesn’t drag out with unnecessary side plots or fillers. It gets straight to the point, but the point also includes most of the town that we already know. Lyle & Truman, Wes & Beck, Tucker & Laurie, Hunter & Clark, Evan & Dawson, Miles & Jake, the Matchmaking Mama’s, and lastly Percy! All these characters either appear, cameo, or are mentioned. There is also a surprise guest at the very end from Riverton that I won’t give away.
There are multiple series that are all connected! Which is why it may seem like I just listed off soooo many characters above, well, there's more than that, lol! Even though its all part of one universe like i stated at the top, DJ does a great job with writing standalones that are interconnected with minimal moments where you feel as a reader you missed something. She just planet's a crap ton of easter eggs.
THE SERIES'
Games We Play in Granville
Rules We Break in Granville
Swallow Cove
Rom-Com Reboot
Foster Bro Code
and now... Matchmaking In Granville
(I think thats all of them😬)
The book also does a good job of setting up the rest of this series. Maverick’s besties Jamie, who is a cook but prefers to bake, and Silas, who is a wedding planner who hates being in a relationships himself. As a group, they complement each other well. A side plot to this novel is that there is a secret matrimony happening between two of our past characters. It’s all very hush hush because if the town fines out, their peace is dead.
The spice was awesome! I love a book that’s full of first times. One of the pranks happens that helps jump start all of this and its great! The scenes were hott, lively and fun. Part of their chemistry is Mav being sassy and actually able to put Damon in his place, but Damon has a hard time controlling himself around Mav because the feeling he thought was agitation was actually a craving. One thing I give DJ Jamison props for is always thinking outside the norms of the bedroom and switching it up. It keeps the scenes interesting and not what we would normally anticipate or predictable.
If you need something to liven your bookshelf or TBR up, this is it! The new additions to Granville are long awaited as these three books were released on DJ Jamison Patreon last year. The anticipation and the wait was worth it! I appreciate that she introduced and used a character in the TWINK category as, in my opinion, us twinks aren’t seen enough in romance books because we don’t have big muscles or aren’t categorized as sexy. This book proves that, WE ARE! It also proves how wrong stereotypes are about certain labels in the gay community. We might be small and sassy, but we can be controlling and hold you down. I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeves for Jamie next, and how the Granny’s match him up with a fellow dog lover.
💜Happy Reading🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meddling with Maverick by D. J. Jamison is the first book in her Matchmaking in Granville series. I suggest you read her other books that are set there as many of the characters in them reoccur in this one. This is the story of a man whose ideas of how to solve problems usually don’t work out and his neighbor who has become the brunt of them and how they go from loathing each other to falling in love. Damon Cassidy works in construction for Scott Construction Company in Granville, Nebraska. He is confident but everyone else thought he was egotistical, funny but came across as sarcastic, and because of this couldn’t keep a girlfriend no matter how hard he tried. Maverick was the florist in town and had opened up Rainbow Gardens a year ago. He shared a duplex with Damon and when they met there was an altercation over rules that had Damon shutting the door in his face. This then started a prank war between them and some of them were pretty funny. Damon would do something that would be embarrassing to Maverick and he didn’t expect it when Mav would do something equally embarrassing right back to him. This went on for a while when Damon got the idea of having the Matchmaking Mamas, an elderly group of gossipy women in town who had a matchmaking business, set up Mav on a series of dates. Mav was horrified but after talking to his friend, Jamie, he decided to go on them as payback, plus he was lonely and was hoping to find his forever guy and this was as good a place as any to see if there was someone out there for him. Damon was not happy about this, and not sure why, but he recruited some of his friends to be where the dates were taking place and that was where he saw how they didn’t work out for Mav. At the end of one of them he buys him a drink and they antagonize each other, but Damon does admit he’s not a great guy to others. Then Mav buys him a toy that he uses while thinking of him and he realizes that maybe he isn’t quite as straight as he thought he was. This leads him to tell Mav that he will take him on the best date he’s ever had, which of course Mav thinks is a prank. But he says he wouldn’t do it if he wasn’t interested so he agrees. Then Damon shows his better side when he helps Mav take some of his flowers to the hotel for a party, which again Mav thinks might have a prank attached but doesn’t. When their date night comes, they are both nervous but have a good time and it ends with a kiss which leads to more and both agree they are into each other. They have several more dates with some hot love scenes, but Mav is worried because they haven’t been seen out in public together and his last boyfriend did that because he didn’t want others to know he liked men. After a few tense moments they talk and Damon says he wants to be seen everywhere with him and be in a relationship and invites all their friends to witness this at The Stag Pub and at his parents’ anniversary party and both declare their love for each other and are very happy. A year later they are still together and playing lots of pranks on each other. I really enjoyed this book. Damon thinks he’s straight and enjoys playing pranks on Mav but doesn’t understand why he keeps doing this and why he’s jealous when Mav goes out on dates until he finally realizes that Mav’s the one for him. Mav loathes Damon and all his pranks but isn’t going to let him get away with them and pays him back big time. Again, this seemed to be foreplay until they realized they wanted to be together and Damon was figuring out, thanks to the toy, that he was very into Mav. I enjoyed seeing characters from Ms. Jamison’s previous books and how they helped them to realize they wanted each other all along, and the Matchmaking Mamas were up to their old tricks with some hilarious moments. Both men’s families play a part in the story and the pranks were also very funny as were the reactions they got. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about a man who doesn’t come across as he would really like to, another who isn’t going to put up with what he’s doing, and the pranks that bring them together and make them realize they want each other which leads them to fall in love.
March 28, 2026
4.5 stars
This book is an entertaining rom-com between Damon, a sexy construction worker, and Maverick, a pink-haired, out and proud gay florist, next-door neighbors at the duplex they share. When Damon moved in after a bad breakup, he was in a foul mood when neighbor Maverick brought cookies to welcome his new neighbor. Things did not go well, and a feud was born with each trying to out-prank the other, mostly funny or embarrassing things rather than ones meant to hurt. After Maverick advertises Damon’s truck for sale for a ridiculously low price, Damon signs Mav up for a blind date with the Matchmaking Mamas dating service. Spying on the dates, Damon finds he feels protective about Mav, the men aren’t good enough for him, so Damon sets himself up as the next date, one designed to show Mav what a date should be like if one is looking for a relationship.
Now Damon has always thought he was straight, he’d never dated a man, but there was something about Mav (his cute ass, mostly, pranks aside) that has him thinking about him much more than he should. There is definitely chemistry between the two, they can’t keep their hands off each other, but neither is sure where this will go, since they haven’t really talked, they’ve been too busy with other pastimes. Is Damon in it for the long haul, is he comfortable with being bi and coming out to the town? And is Maverick ready to call Damon his boyfriend and believe he wants more than just friends with benefits? With a little help from the Matchmaking Mamas, the conversations happen and feelings are clarified, heading these two to a HEA.
The escalating pranks are amusing and entertaining, Damon’s realization that he actually is attracted to Mav and wants more, and Mav’s hesitancy in believing Damon isn’t pranking him now, but actually wants a relationship, provides low angst as they work their way from pranks to discovering the interest and true feelings that were always hidden under the rivalry.
Characters are realistic and believable, Maverick is cute and sunshiny while Damon is grumpier and harder to read, but both discover things about each other proving they have more in common than either expected. The story is told in alternating points of view, and there are a lot of giggles, chuckles and laughter as you read through the developing relationship story. The book left me feeling satisfied with where Damon and Mav are now, and looking forward to more books with the Matchmaking Mamas pulling their strings to bring unlikely couples together.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
This book is an entertaining rom-com between Damon, a sexy construction worker, and Maverick, a pink-haired, out and proud gay florist, next-door neighbors at the duplex they share. When Damon moved in after a bad breakup, he was in a foul mood when neighbor Maverick brought cookies to welcome his new neighbor. Things did not go well, and a feud was born with each trying to out-prank the other, mostly funny or embarrassing things rather than ones meant to hurt. After Maverick advertises Damon’s truck for sale for a ridiculously low price, Damon signs Mav up for a blind date with the Matchmaking Mamas dating service. Spying on the dates, Damon finds he feels protective about Mav, the men aren’t good enough for him, so Damon sets himself up as the next date, one designed to show Mav what a date should be like if one is looking for a relationship.
Now Damon has always thought he was straight, he’d never dated a man, but there was something about Mav (his cute ass, mostly, pranks aside) that has him thinking about him much more than he should. There is definitely chemistry between the two, they can’t keep their hands off each other, but neither is sure where this will go, since they haven’t really talked, they’ve been too busy with other pastimes. Is Damon in it for the long haul, is he comfortable with being bi and coming out to the town? And is Maverick ready to call Damon his boyfriend and believe he wants more than just friends with benefits? With a little help from the Matchmaking Mamas, the conversations happen and feelings are clarified, heading these two to a HEA.
The escalating pranks are amusing and entertaining, Damon’s realization that he actually is attracted to Mav and wants more, and Mav’s hesitancy in believing Damon isn’t pranking him now, but actually wants a relationship, provides low angst as they work their way from pranks to discovering the interest and true feelings that were always hidden under the rivalry.
Characters are realistic and believable, Maverick is cute and sunshiny while Damon is grumpier and harder to read, but both discover things about each other proving they have more in common than either expected. The story is told in alternating points of view, and there are a lot of giggles, chuckles and laughter as you read through the developing relationship story. The book left me feeling satisfied with where Damon and Mav are now, and looking forward to more books with the Matchmaking Mamas pulling their strings to bring unlikely couples together.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
March 29, 2026
Meddling With Maverick by DJ Jamison
Matchmaking in Granville #1
Length: 220 pages
Source: Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews
Publication date: March 25, 2026
5 ⭐
3 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
💐 MM small-town romance
💐 Construction worker x florist
💐 Feuding neighbors
💐 Bisexual awakening
💐 Matchmaking prank gone wrong
💐 Spicy toy prank gone right
💐 Blind dates and jealousy
💐 Banter as love language
AUTHOR'S BLURB
Meddling with Maverick is my favorite pastime...
When pranking my neighbor backfires and he lets the Matchmaking Mamas set him up, it's my duty to keep an eye on his dates. If I sabotage them in the process, that's just coincidence, right?
But when I call Maverick's bluff that I could be a better date, I find myself in the matchmaking hot seat. I've been straight all my life, but the prospect of a real date, real kisses, maybe even real love with a man doesn't scare me.
It's easier to meddle with Maverick with an invite to his bed.
In fact, maybe I'll just meddle with him for life.
MY THOUGHTS
DJ Jamison is one of my favorite comfort-read authors, and this book (in a new Granville series, no less) does not disappoint! Damon and Maverick remind me of old-school Hollywood couples like Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, with insane chemistry that jumps and sparks between them whenever they're together. Think of it as chemistry without even trying.
The flirtation between the two MCs is top tier, and the writing is snappy, so all of their interactions are fun (and funny). I really enjoy seeing Damon's self-acceptance of how his teasing and pranking Mav is actually him being attracted to his neighbor and not knowing how to express it. There's no Big Bisexual Panic here, and he is SO immediately all-in on the other man once he finally realizes where his thoughts are. Maverick is a little more cautious, understandably, but watching them figure out their relationship is so satisfying.
And getting to see the ol' Granville gang is plain heartwarming and makes me oh, so happy! Truly, you could just drop me in this little town forever and I'd be content to hang out at the local bar and watch everything unfold while playing trivia.
BOTTOM LINE
Absolutely, positively, yes
–A🩷
Thanks to Neon Rainbow and DJ Jamison for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.
Matchmaking in Granville #1
Length: 220 pages
Source: Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews
Publication date: March 25, 2026
5 ⭐
3 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
💐 MM small-town romance
💐 Construction worker x florist
💐 Feuding neighbors
💐 Bisexual awakening
💐 Matchmaking prank gone wrong
💐 Spicy toy prank gone right
💐 Blind dates and jealousy
💐 Banter as love language
AUTHOR'S BLURB
Meddling with Maverick is my favorite pastime...
When pranking my neighbor backfires and he lets the Matchmaking Mamas set him up, it's my duty to keep an eye on his dates. If I sabotage them in the process, that's just coincidence, right?
But when I call Maverick's bluff that I could be a better date, I find myself in the matchmaking hot seat. I've been straight all my life, but the prospect of a real date, real kisses, maybe even real love with a man doesn't scare me.
It's easier to meddle with Maverick with an invite to his bed.
In fact, maybe I'll just meddle with him for life.
MY THOUGHTS
DJ Jamison is one of my favorite comfort-read authors, and this book (in a new Granville series, no less) does not disappoint! Damon and Maverick remind me of old-school Hollywood couples like Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, with insane chemistry that jumps and sparks between them whenever they're together. Think of it as chemistry without even trying.
The flirtation between the two MCs is top tier, and the writing is snappy, so all of their interactions are fun (and funny). I really enjoy seeing Damon's self-acceptance of how his teasing and pranking Mav is actually him being attracted to his neighbor and not knowing how to express it. There's no Big Bisexual Panic here, and he is SO immediately all-in on the other man once he finally realizes where his thoughts are. Maverick is a little more cautious, understandably, but watching them figure out their relationship is so satisfying.
And getting to see the ol' Granville gang is plain heartwarming and makes me oh, so happy! Truly, you could just drop me in this little town forever and I'd be content to hang out at the local bar and watch everything unfold while playing trivia.
BOTTOM LINE
Absolutely, positively, yes
–A🩷
Thanks to Neon Rainbow and DJ Jamison for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.
March 31, 2026
This is the first book in the Matchmaking in Granville series and it is off to a fun start! This is a small town romance. There is quite a cast of local characters. This is the story of Damon and Maverick. Damon is a fit construction worker who has just moved into his duplex after his previous relationship crashed and burned. Maverick is a pink haired florist who proudly waves the gay flag. He is also Damon's neighbor. When Damon first moved in, Maverick went over to welcome him to the neighborhood with a plate of cookies. Damon, still mad about his breakup was rude and mean. He also slammed the door in Maverick's face. That was the exact moment that the prank war started. Each pranks makes the other elevate their prank game. After fake listing his prized truck for sale at a ridiculously low price, Damon is out for revenge. So he enrolls Maverick with the Matchmaking Mamas without his permission. But things backfire once Maverick figures out what is going on. He isn't against the help to find his perfect someone. And suddenly Damon is backseat driving on dates as he doesn't believe the people selected are good enough for Maverick. Suddenly Damon is finding himself more invested in Maverick than he anticipated. He even brags about being able to set up a better date. And the challenge is on. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly grow. Damon's grumpiness is perfectly balanced with Maverick's sunshine attitude. This book is a very fun read and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to the next book in this series.
April 4, 2026
DNF @ 23%
Notes I took while reading:
Kinda weird that we just got a summary of the prank war instead of seeing that play out in page. Also it was really off-putting when Maverick started shit talking another character, calling it cringe when they went in a date. I get Percy was supposed to be weird, but it's really not an endearing quality to an MC to put down non-antagonistic characters.
The story was alright if a little too indulgent on the previous books since literally every character was an MC of a previous story. Not a fan of that since this was supposed to be a new series. If the author was going to feature the other MCs so heavily, they should've just kept them all in one series to not mislead readers about the content. I'm lucky to have read the others so the references weren't confusing, but even I was turned off by how much the story seemed to want to revisit how all the other couples were doing.
I gave up when the turning point for Maverick and Damon happened when Maverick's first date seemingly shattered Maverick's perception of Damon simply by telling him that Damon looked attracted to him. All their interactions prior hadn't really sold me on the idea that they were doing the whole "I'm annoying you for your attention" thing and instead it just looked like they actually were just being dicks to each other for retaliation.
TL;DR: Starting the story off with Maverick shit talking a side character was off-putting. Damon was generally just a dick the entire time with no redeeming qualities. The prank war didn't have enough of a subtex of mutual attraction. 2 stars.
Notes I took while reading:
Kinda weird that we just got a summary of the prank war instead of seeing that play out in page. Also it was really off-putting when Maverick started shit talking another character, calling it cringe when they went in a date. I get Percy was supposed to be weird, but it's really not an endearing quality to an MC to put down non-antagonistic characters.
The story was alright if a little too indulgent on the previous books since literally every character was an MC of a previous story. Not a fan of that since this was supposed to be a new series. If the author was going to feature the other MCs so heavily, they should've just kept them all in one series to not mislead readers about the content. I'm lucky to have read the others so the references weren't confusing, but even I was turned off by how much the story seemed to want to revisit how all the other couples were doing.
I gave up when the turning point for Maverick and Damon happened when Maverick's first date seemingly shattered Maverick's perception of Damon simply by telling him that Damon looked attracted to him. All their interactions prior hadn't really sold me on the idea that they were doing the whole "I'm annoying you for your attention" thing and instead it just looked like they actually were just being dicks to each other for retaliation.
TL;DR: Starting the story off with Maverick shit talking a side character was off-putting. Damon was generally just a dick the entire time with no redeeming qualities. The prank war didn't have enough of a subtex of mutual attraction. 2 stars.
March 25, 2026
4.5 Stars!
If you haven't read either of the series (Games We Play in Granville and Rules We Break in Granville), you can easily read this one without those. For fans of the author, this book is a welcome back to Granville and all its quirky side characters. Meddling with Maverick is a no angst, super cute, almost enemies-to-lovers story with a bi-awakening. Damon and Maverick have been neighbors for years, and one bad interaction set the tone between them for years. The prank wars were mostly harmless until Damon set Maverick up with a matchmaking service.
I liked that Maverick went along with the blind dates even if they started as a prank. It was fun watching Damon trying to make sure Maverick was safe and ok through each date. His growing jealousy over Maverick was amazing; his prank backfired in a spectacular way. I was glad that Damon had enough people in his life to support him as he slowly came to realize that he's not as straight as he thought. I loved how hard he tried to create the perfect date for Maverick. Once they started moving past their pranks and learned to trust their changing relationship, they did a wonderful job of exploring together. I loved watching the evolution of their previously antagonistic relationship become something beautiful between them.
This story was a great start to a new series. I can't wait to read the next books in this series and see how Maverick's friends find love for themselves, especially Silas, who is beyond jaded.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
If you haven't read either of the series (Games We Play in Granville and Rules We Break in Granville), you can easily read this one without those. For fans of the author, this book is a welcome back to Granville and all its quirky side characters. Meddling with Maverick is a no angst, super cute, almost enemies-to-lovers story with a bi-awakening. Damon and Maverick have been neighbors for years, and one bad interaction set the tone between them for years. The prank wars were mostly harmless until Damon set Maverick up with a matchmaking service.
I liked that Maverick went along with the blind dates even if they started as a prank. It was fun watching Damon trying to make sure Maverick was safe and ok through each date. His growing jealousy over Maverick was amazing; his prank backfired in a spectacular way. I was glad that Damon had enough people in his life to support him as he slowly came to realize that he's not as straight as he thought. I loved how hard he tried to create the perfect date for Maverick. Once they started moving past their pranks and learned to trust their changing relationship, they did a wonderful job of exploring together. I loved watching the evolution of their previously antagonistic relationship become something beautiful between them.
This story was a great start to a new series. I can't wait to read the next books in this series and see how Maverick's friends find love for themselves, especially Silas, who is beyond jaded.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
March 28, 2026
- Slow burn
- small town
- meddling townsfolk
- cameos from original Granville series
- bi-awakening
- low angst
This was definitely an entertaining and fun read.
Right from the start I fell in love with Maverick. I can't really say why but that's what happened.
But I needed a moment to warm up to Damon - perhaps because he came across as immature and like a dick with some of his pranks.
I only warmed up to Damon when he figured out that he was indeed attracted to Mav and was immediately 100% in and showed Mav that. There was then no other possibility but to fall for him too ;)
Interesting that I found Mav's pranks mostly funny and was laughing more than once but Damon's annoyed me mostly. I really can't explain why I reacted so differently to those two and their pranks. *shrugs*
I really liked their developing relationship and watching them falling in love with each other and becoming a couple I could root for. It was heart-warming and made me really happy.
DJ's typical engaging writing style made it hard for me to put the book down when necessary, I really did not wanted to stop reading.
I am definitely excited for more of the series.
One thing: those matchmaking mamas... I have no idea if they got it wrong on purpose but if not they really have to stop with their meddling. They got it SO wrong again and again. But like I said it's possible that they did it on purpose. Let's wait how it will play out in the next book with their matchmaking skills. ^^
Enjoyable, funny, entertaining and captivating read.
- small town
- meddling townsfolk
- cameos from original Granville series
- bi-awakening
- low angst
This was definitely an entertaining and fun read.
Right from the start I fell in love with Maverick. I can't really say why but that's what happened.
But I needed a moment to warm up to Damon - perhaps because he came across as immature and like a dick with some of his pranks.
I only warmed up to Damon when he figured out that he was indeed attracted to Mav and was immediately 100% in and showed Mav that. There was then no other possibility but to fall for him too ;)
Interesting that I found Mav's pranks mostly funny and was laughing more than once but Damon's annoyed me mostly. I really can't explain why I reacted so differently to those two and their pranks. *shrugs*
I really liked their developing relationship and watching them falling in love with each other and becoming a couple I could root for. It was heart-warming and made me really happy.
DJ's typical engaging writing style made it hard for me to put the book down when necessary, I really did not wanted to stop reading.
I am definitely excited for more of the series.
One thing: those matchmaking mamas... I have no idea if they got it wrong on purpose but if not they really have to stop with their meddling. They got it SO wrong again and again. But like I said it's possible that they did it on purpose. Let's wait how it will play out in the next book with their matchmaking skills. ^^
Enjoyable, funny, entertaining and captivating read.
March 29, 2026
4.5 stars
This is book one in the author’s new Matchmaking in Granville series and I LOVED the chance to head back to Granville! I swear, if it was a real town I’d be first in line with my U-Haul trailer; those folks are a hoot!!
As if Maverick and Damon weren’t enough of a reason to love this book (and they were so adorable with all their little pranks!), we also got to visit with Iola and Lula, the founders of the online Matchmaking Mamas service (who, though they claim responsibility for all of the relationship successes, have never ACTUALLY managed to match anyone) and Paula, Granville’s one and only (thank goodness, ‘cause I don’t think they could survive two of her!), purveyor of pleasure, with her famous Sensual Secrets parties (and she wonders why she can never get anyone to write her a good review😅!).
This book was so much fun, I literally devoured it in one sitting! I loved Maverick and Damon so much; they were both great guys. After years of despising each other as duplex neighbors and near constant prank wars, they finally began to see each other in a new light. Too bad old habits die hard ‘cause though they might’ve taken on a more loving and s3xier slant, the pranks never stopped, continuing all the way to the very last page which made it all the more fun.
I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for something fun to get away from all of the darkness, drama and angst for a little while; you won’t regret it! 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one in the author’s new Matchmaking in Granville series and I LOVED the chance to head back to Granville! I swear, if it was a real town I’d be first in line with my U-Haul trailer; those folks are a hoot!!
As if Maverick and Damon weren’t enough of a reason to love this book (and they were so adorable with all their little pranks!), we also got to visit with Iola and Lula, the founders of the online Matchmaking Mamas service (who, though they claim responsibility for all of the relationship successes, have never ACTUALLY managed to match anyone) and Paula, Granville’s one and only (thank goodness, ‘cause I don’t think they could survive two of her!), purveyor of pleasure, with her famous Sensual Secrets parties (and she wonders why she can never get anyone to write her a good review😅!).
This book was so much fun, I literally devoured it in one sitting! I loved Maverick and Damon so much; they were both great guys. After years of despising each other as duplex neighbors and near constant prank wars, they finally began to see each other in a new light. Too bad old habits die hard ‘cause though they might’ve taken on a more loving and s3xier slant, the pranks never stopped, continuing all the way to the very last page which made it all the more fun.
I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for something fun to get away from all of the darkness, drama and angst for a little while; you won’t regret it! 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC, I'm a big fan of DJ Jamison's work, and this was no exception.
My favorite thing about this whole book was the meddling part ( ≧ᗜ≦) Damon's jealousy was so precious, and constantly sabotaging Maverick's dates was not only super cute, but also sooo funny (˶ˆᗜˆ˵) I do personally feel like the book kind of... lacked a little intimacy? Sometimes it just felt like Damon was saying these romantic lines, but then the scene would instantly cut to them teasing each other or something, and it just came off a little hollow and unserious. I believe Damon loves Maverick, but I more believe it because he'd been sabotaging his dates. All the other gestures just kind of ended very quickly, were just a little too general and impersonal, or fell a little flat.
Still, that doesn't take away from how adorable and precious and cute and sweet and romantic the story was, especially with Damon's jealousy over Maverick's dates. I loved Maverick and I felt like his concerns and feelings were so fair, and I loved him standing up for that. He deserves all the love in the world, and I believe Damon gives him that, so on that front (the most important to me), I am ultimately very satisfied ( ꈍ◡ꈍ)
I also squealed at the minor cameos from another beloved series, I did not see that coming, but I loved it so much!! ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ω`ﾟ)ﾟ｡ This was such an enjoyable book, I finished it in less than a day, and I would highly recommend for a quick, fun time (˶>⩊<˶)
My favorite thing about this whole book was the meddling part ( ≧ᗜ≦) Damon's jealousy was so precious, and constantly sabotaging Maverick's dates was not only super cute, but also sooo funny (˶ˆᗜˆ˵) I do personally feel like the book kind of... lacked a little intimacy? Sometimes it just felt like Damon was saying these romantic lines, but then the scene would instantly cut to them teasing each other or something, and it just came off a little hollow and unserious. I believe Damon loves Maverick, but I more believe it because he'd been sabotaging his dates. All the other gestures just kind of ended very quickly, were just a little too general and impersonal, or fell a little flat.
Still, that doesn't take away from how adorable and precious and cute and sweet and romantic the story was, especially with Damon's jealousy over Maverick's dates. I loved Maverick and I felt like his concerns and feelings were so fair, and I loved him standing up for that. He deserves all the love in the world, and I believe Damon gives him that, so on that front (the most important to me), I am ultimately very satisfied ( ꈍ◡ꈍ)
I also squealed at the minor cameos from another beloved series, I did not see that coming, but I loved it so much!! ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ω`ﾟ)ﾟ｡ This was such an enjoyable book, I finished it in less than a day, and I would highly recommend for a quick, fun time (˶>⩊<˶)
March 9, 2026
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Maverick, a man who owns a flower shop, and Damon, a construction worker, are next-door neighbours who spend much of their time pranking each other. Turns out that this was a substitute for the feelings they have for each other. Damon sets up Maverick with the local Matchmaking Mamas, resulting in the latter going on a series of bad but funny dates, including one with a funeral director. Damon gets angrier with each date and eventually decides to take Mav on a date of his own. And, as they say, the rest is history.
This book was an easy read, taking only two days to finish the over 200 pages. It is also low angst, meaning it wasn’t heavy slogging. The two main characters display a good sense of humour, a necessity with all of the pranks being played. Damon eagerly gets into dating his first man, despite having thought himself straight previously. Due to a prior bad experience, Maverick has some difficulty accepting that Damon is the real thing but eventually gets it. In typical small-town fashion, their relationship is helped along by happy busy bodies, as well as friends and family, with not a nasty person in sight. The plot develops in a straightforward manner, again making reading easier.
I really enjoyed this book.
Maverick, a man who owns a flower shop, and Damon, a construction worker, are next-door neighbours who spend much of their time pranking each other. Turns out that this was a substitute for the feelings they have for each other. Damon sets up Maverick with the local Matchmaking Mamas, resulting in the latter going on a series of bad but funny dates, including one with a funeral director. Damon gets angrier with each date and eventually decides to take Mav on a date of his own. And, as they say, the rest is history.
This book was an easy read, taking only two days to finish the over 200 pages. It is also low angst, meaning it wasn’t heavy slogging. The two main characters display a good sense of humour, a necessity with all of the pranks being played. Damon eagerly gets into dating his first man, despite having thought himself straight previously. Due to a prior bad experience, Maverick has some difficulty accepting that Damon is the real thing but eventually gets it. In typical small-town fashion, their relationship is helped along by happy busy bodies, as well as friends and family, with not a nasty person in sight. The plot develops in a straightforward manner, again making reading easier.
I really enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maverick and Damon's story was an entertaining neighbors to lovers romance. I did find myself scrambling a bit to keep up with the action right when the book started, but it didn't take long to catch onto the prank war Damon and Mav had been engaged in for several months. Their squabbles were mostly silly, harmless annoyances that riled each other up and made me giggle. When Damon signed Mav up for a dating service, and then he took the opportunity to find himself a love match, I knew that would ruffle Damon's feathers. I was not expecting Damon to go full caveman mode, glowering after Mav's dates without realizing he wanted the man for himself. No, it took a spicy escalation of their prank war for Damon to realize that he might not be as straight as he'd always assumed, and from there it was only a matter of time before he pursued Mav in earnest. Damon had earned a reputation as the town's flop at relationships, and Mav had some insecurities about being strung along to work through. The two had a few little bumps as they tested out dating, but overall they were really cute together and brought out the best in each other. The small town meddling was golden, as it always is, and I thought the epilogue set on their one year anniversary was a sweet way to wrap this one up!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 24, 2026
Hmm. I was enjoying the book at first, but things started to lose me once Mav began dating. I could understand Damon suddenly feeling uneasy, but it felt odd when he wanted to stay out late just to make sure Mav got home safely. That doesn’t seem like the kind of concern you’d have for someone you constantly clash with.
From there, everything felt a little too rushed. I think I needed more pranks to make their fixation on each other feel convincing before any romantic realization came into play. I would’ve preferred Damon interfering with Mav’s date simply to get under his skin, only to later realize that the real reason was that he didn’t want Mav dating anyone else.
It also didn’t make sense to me that Damon kept thinking Mav deserved better when he was the one making Mav’s life difficult in the first place. I think the story would have worked better if Damon had stayed true to his character for longer and gradually come to the realization that his obsession with annoying his neighbor was actually something deeper.
DNF’d at 50%. Even though they’re both switches, I just couldn’t picture Damon taking on the more submissive role. It didn’t fit the image I had of him, which made the dynamic harder for me to buy into. The fact that he identifies as straight also made the transition feel less convincing to me.
From there, everything felt a little too rushed. I think I needed more pranks to make their fixation on each other feel convincing before any romantic realization came into play. I would’ve preferred Damon interfering with Mav’s date simply to get under his skin, only to later realize that the real reason was that he didn’t want Mav dating anyone else.
It also didn’t make sense to me that Damon kept thinking Mav deserved better when he was the one making Mav’s life difficult in the first place. I think the story would have worked better if Damon had stayed true to his character for longer and gradually come to the realization that his obsession with annoying his neighbor was actually something deeper.
DNF’d at 50%. Even though they’re both switches, I just couldn’t picture Damon taking on the more submissive role. It didn’t fit the image I had of him, which made the dynamic harder for me to buy into. The fact that he identifies as straight also made the transition feel less convincing to me.
March 28, 2026
What a fun, light-hearted take on neighbours-to-lovers, with a prank war that quickly turns into something a lot more complicated. It takes a moment to settle into the chaos at the start, but once the dynamic between Maverick and Damon clicks, it’s easy to get pulled in.
Their back-and-forth is genuinely entertaining both silly and a bit petty, and also clearly hiding a lot more underneath. What starts as harmless meddling slowly shifts, especially when Damon’s reactions to Maverick dating other people become… a bit more intense than he’d probably like to admit. That realisation, and everything that follows, feels natural and adds a nice layer to the story.
Damon’s journey in particular stands out, as he begins to question things he’s always taken for granted. It’s handled in a way that feels easy rather than heavy, fitting the overall tone. Maverick balances him well, bringing both charm and a bit of vulnerability that stops the story from being all banter.
The small-town setting and meddling side characters add to the charm, giving the romance a warm, slightly chaotic backdrop. It’s a playful, feel-good read with plenty of humour and just enough emotion to keep you invested in how it all turns out.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Their back-and-forth is genuinely entertaining both silly and a bit petty, and also clearly hiding a lot more underneath. What starts as harmless meddling slowly shifts, especially when Damon’s reactions to Maverick dating other people become… a bit more intense than he’d probably like to admit. That realisation, and everything that follows, feels natural and adds a nice layer to the story.
Damon’s journey in particular stands out, as he begins to question things he’s always taken for granted. It’s handled in a way that feels easy rather than heavy, fitting the overall tone. Maverick balances him well, bringing both charm and a bit of vulnerability that stops the story from being all banter.
The small-town setting and meddling side characters add to the charm, giving the romance a warm, slightly chaotic backdrop. It’s a playful, feel-good read with plenty of humour and just enough emotion to keep you invested in how it all turns out.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
MEDDLING WITH MAVERICK - DJ JAMISON
This is book 1 of the Matchmaking in Granville series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Damon and Maverick are neighbors in a duplex unit, but after a rough start that leads to continuous pranks on each other, they finally call a truce when the granny matchmakers are brought in as one of the jokes.
Maverick is enjoying his life as the local florist, and has some wonderful friends that tend to live vicariously through him, but he can finally admit he is lonely when Damon creates a profile in his name with the Matchmakers, and he actually agrees to let the granny’s set him up.
Damon knows he has treated Maverick unfairly but can’t seem to stop the pranks, until his neighbor actually agrees to go on a date the matchmaker sets up! Damon realizes he is actually jealous, and discovers he has some feelings for Maverick.
Damon tells Maverick he could plan a better date than those he has been on through the Matchmakers, and finally admits to himself he wants to go out with him because he is attracted to him.
This is a cute romance and this author is always worth the read.
This is book 1 of the Matchmaking in Granville series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Damon and Maverick are neighbors in a duplex unit, but after a rough start that leads to continuous pranks on each other, they finally call a truce when the granny matchmakers are brought in as one of the jokes.
Maverick is enjoying his life as the local florist, and has some wonderful friends that tend to live vicariously through him, but he can finally admit he is lonely when Damon creates a profile in his name with the Matchmakers, and he actually agrees to let the granny’s set him up.
Damon knows he has treated Maverick unfairly but can’t seem to stop the pranks, until his neighbor actually agrees to go on a date the matchmaker sets up! Damon realizes he is actually jealous, and discovers he has some feelings for Maverick.
Damon tells Maverick he could plan a better date than those he has been on through the Matchmakers, and finally admits to himself he wants to go out with him because he is attracted to him.
This is a cute romance and this author is always worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, DJ & Neon Rainbow, for my copy of Meddling with Maverick, book 1 in the Matchmaking in Granville series. It is so good to be back in Granville with this new series. I adored all the Cameos & the little updates. Will Percy ever find love?
Meddling with Maverick is a MM feuding neighbours to lovers with awakening. The feuding was predominantly done via pranks. Though are these pranks their way of flirting... Maverick is Granville's Florist & Damon is a 'straight' construction worker. For one prank Damon, signs Maverick up for the Matchmaking Mamas. Maverick goes on a series of dates which all make Damon uncomfortable (read jealous). Damon bets he can take Maverick on a deserving date, will it be Maverick's last first date? Meddling with Maverick is a low angst romance full of humor, heat & ends with a HEA.
💐 MM Romance
⚒️ Feuding Neighbours
💐 Florist
⚒️ Construction Worker
💐 Granville & Riverton Cameos
⚒️ Awakening
💐 Dual POV
⚒️ Epilogue
The Epigraphs were hilarious and sprinkled throughout Meddling with Maverick.
A man is like wine. Let him age a little to avoid a headache…— MATCHMAKING MAMAS
Meddling with Maverick is a MM feuding neighbours to lovers with awakening. The feuding was predominantly done via pranks. Though are these pranks their way of flirting... Maverick is Granville's Florist & Damon is a 'straight' construction worker. For one prank Damon, signs Maverick up for the Matchmaking Mamas. Maverick goes on a series of dates which all make Damon uncomfortable (read jealous). Damon bets he can take Maverick on a deserving date, will it be Maverick's last first date? Meddling with Maverick is a low angst romance full of humor, heat & ends with a HEA.
💐 MM Romance
⚒️ Feuding Neighbours
💐 Florist
⚒️ Construction Worker
💐 Granville & Riverton Cameos
⚒️ Awakening
💐 Dual POV
⚒️ Epilogue
The Epigraphs were hilarious and sprinkled throughout Meddling with Maverick.
A man is like wine. Let him age a little to avoid a headache…— MATCHMAKING MAMAS
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Meddling with Magic" is the kick off for a new DJ Jamison series, Matchmaking in Granville. It's not, happily, our first visit to Granville. Lots of old friends populate these pages. Damon and Maverick, grump and twink, are definitely an opposites attract pair. The romance is quick burn with two people who despise each other. Or do they?
Damon is attracted. But he missteps, signs up Maverick with a matchmaking service, and watches as a stream of unworthy men date his neighbor. The app is run by Iola and the other town grannies. And they have no problem giving their users grief (ahem... advise). Neither does anyone else in this small town.
Ms Jamison is the queen of the Rom-Com with fast paced stories that have you laugh/cry. All her stories can be read as standalone, yet all the series are connected with gossamer spider webs. The stories are low angst, quick reads.
The pranks, the dates. The advice. Strong minded (we won't say that stubborn word) characters who get their sweet HEAs after some scenery chewing and stupendous (hilarious) pratfalls.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Damon is attracted. But he missteps, signs up Maverick with a matchmaking service, and watches as a stream of unworthy men date his neighbor. The app is run by Iola and the other town grannies. And they have no problem giving their users grief (ahem... advise). Neither does anyone else in this small town.
Ms Jamison is the queen of the Rom-Com with fast paced stories that have you laugh/cry. All her stories can be read as standalone, yet all the series are connected with gossamer spider webs. The stories are low angst, quick reads.
The pranks, the dates. The advice. Strong minded (we won't say that stubborn word) characters who get their sweet HEAs after some scenery chewing and stupendous (hilarious) pratfalls.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
March 27, 2026
This was such a fun read! I got so engrossed in it that next thing I know I’m at the end of the book 😭
I absolutely loved the pranking and the frenemies vibe. They both tried to up each other only to fall victim of their own pranks.
Damon thought he was going to get back at Maverick for the truck incident, instead he ended up getting jealous of the dates Maverick went on.
Jealousy should have been his first clue that he was into Maverick. The second should have been him enjoying Maverick’s prank gift😅
Maverick thought that goading Damon into a date would make him freak out. Instead he had the best date of his life.
It was all fun and games until Damon realized that all this time he had a crush on his sexy neighbor, he just didn’t know it.
Him being all sweet and romantic wasn’t something I expected from him but something I absolutely adored. That first date was so beautiful and exactly the kind of date Maverick deserved.
Neither of them expected to go from frenemy neighbors to becoming the love of each other’s lives. Who knew pranks could be a form of foreplay😏
Can’t wait to see what the meddling grandmas get up to next!
I absolutely loved the pranking and the frenemies vibe. They both tried to up each other only to fall victim of their own pranks.
Damon thought he was going to get back at Maverick for the truck incident, instead he ended up getting jealous of the dates Maverick went on.
Jealousy should have been his first clue that he was into Maverick. The second should have been him enjoying Maverick’s prank gift😅
Maverick thought that goading Damon into a date would make him freak out. Instead he had the best date of his life.
It was all fun and games until Damon realized that all this time he had a crush on his sexy neighbor, he just didn’t know it.
Him being all sweet and romantic wasn’t something I expected from him but something I absolutely adored. That first date was so beautiful and exactly the kind of date Maverick deserved.
Neither of them expected to go from frenemy neighbors to becoming the love of each other’s lives. Who knew pranks could be a form of foreplay😏
Can’t wait to see what the meddling grandmas get up to next!
April 18, 2026
This was awesome and sweet with great humor.
Damon and Maverick are neighbors who have been playing pranks on each other since Damon moved in. Some of the pranks are hilarious others are wild. Calling about grass being one then there was the one that leds to all of this Damon using the Matchmaking mamas to get Maverick on dates.
Maverick decides that he'll get back at Damon by going along with it. None of the dates go well. And Damon is not sure what is going on because he can't deal with the fact Maverick has been going on them. When the latest one shows and is the worst Damon says he can do better than the mamas have.
I absolutely loved the pranks and then when they get together it's sweet. They both have past relationships that didn't go well so think that this might not either, but they realize that they are great for each other. All these years they been flirting not realizing it.
Romance sweet, steamy sex, and the banter is perfect. I love the side characters as well. We get to see past characters from other book series as well. I am glad read this and can't wait for more of the books coming out.
Damon and Maverick are neighbors who have been playing pranks on each other since Damon moved in. Some of the pranks are hilarious others are wild. Calling about grass being one then there was the one that leds to all of this Damon using the Matchmaking mamas to get Maverick on dates.
Maverick decides that he'll get back at Damon by going along with it. None of the dates go well. And Damon is not sure what is going on because he can't deal with the fact Maverick has been going on them. When the latest one shows and is the worst Damon says he can do better than the mamas have.
I absolutely loved the pranks and then when they get together it's sweet. They both have past relationships that didn't go well so think that this might not either, but they realize that they are great for each other. All these years they been flirting not realizing it.
Romance sweet, steamy sex, and the banter is perfect. I love the side characters as well. We get to see past characters from other book series as well. I am glad read this and can't wait for more of the books coming out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The prank war between Maverick and Damon has been going on for a while now. When these two neighbors get off on the wrong foot, it escalates more and more each day as they drive one another crazy. But could be there be a little spark between them underneath it all? Though they may both deny it at first, it isn’t until Damon’s prank on Maverick to deal with the matchmaking Mamas backfires on him. And suddenly watching his neighbor go out on dates… well, that hits a very strong jealous chord in him. Especially when he knows none of those guys are good enough for Maverick. These two were so much fun! I loved their enemies to lovers vibe. Their prank wars were really funny but when it came down to realizing that their feelings for one another was the opposite of hate, it just made it so much sweeter to see come to the realization and finally act on it. And of course, you gotta love the matchmaking Mamas. Interfering and taking all the credit! A really fun story and I can’t wait for the next one!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First in series (Matchmaking in Granville). Neighbors. Frenemies to lovers. Small town. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Why does Maverick’s neighbor have to be so annoying, and hot? Maybe the back and forth pranks are getting out of hand between florist Maverick and construction worker Damon, but when Damon begins to interfere with Maverick’s dates, is it a step too far? Or a step in the right direction?
I’m not usually a fan of pranks as I worry about the underlying feeling of meanness, but Damon and Maverick are never really mean spirited about their neighborly war. I enjoyed the idea that Damon may have had a crush on Maverick all along and didn’t realize it, his attraction to a man doesn’t throw him for long and it was nice to see his easy acceptance of the direction he wanted to go romantically with Maverick. The idea that there were simmering feelings and attraction all along was sweet, and once they are in each other's orbits Damon and Maverick don’t look anywhere else. A really fun start to a new series, and I am looking forward to more. 4.25
Why does Maverick’s neighbor have to be so annoying, and hot? Maybe the back and forth pranks are getting out of hand between florist Maverick and construction worker Damon, but when Damon begins to interfere with Maverick’s dates, is it a step too far? Or a step in the right direction?
I’m not usually a fan of pranks as I worry about the underlying feeling of meanness, but Damon and Maverick are never really mean spirited about their neighborly war. I enjoyed the idea that Damon may have had a crush on Maverick all along and didn’t realize it, his attraction to a man doesn’t throw him for long and it was nice to see his easy acceptance of the direction he wanted to go romantically with Maverick. The idea that there were simmering feelings and attraction all along was sweet, and once they are in each other's orbits Damon and Maverick don’t look anywhere else. A really fun start to a new series, and I am looking forward to more. 4.25
March 25, 2026
This was such a fun, feel-good read.
The prank war between Maverick and Damon was honestly the highlight. Watching them constantly try to one-up each other with increasingly ridiculous (and hilarious) antics was so entertaining. And the fact that it all eventually leads to a date? Perfect.
Their banter was top tier, and I loved how neither of them backed down. The tension between them was great, especially once Damon’s jealousy started creeping in. That whole “wait… why do I care?” realisation was so fun to watch unfold.
I also really liked how their relationship shifted from annoyance to something genuine. Damon showing his softer side and actually trying for Maverick was such a turning point, and Maverick giving as good as he got made their dynamic even better.
It’s low angst, sweet, a little chaotic, and full of charm. The Matchmaking Mamas and side characters added even more fun to the story.
If you love prank wars, enemies-to-lovers vibes, bi-awakening, and lots of banter, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The prank war between Maverick and Damon was honestly the highlight. Watching them constantly try to one-up each other with increasingly ridiculous (and hilarious) antics was so entertaining. And the fact that it all eventually leads to a date? Perfect.
Their banter was top tier, and I loved how neither of them backed down. The tension between them was great, especially once Damon’s jealousy started creeping in. That whole “wait… why do I care?” realisation was so fun to watch unfold.
I also really liked how their relationship shifted from annoyance to something genuine. Damon showing his softer side and actually trying for Maverick was such a turning point, and Maverick giving as good as he got made their dynamic even better.
It’s low angst, sweet, a little chaotic, and full of charm. The Matchmaking Mamas and side characters added even more fun to the story.
If you love prank wars, enemies-to-lovers vibes, bi-awakening, and lots of banter, this one is definitely worth picking up.
April 1, 2026
MEDDLING WITH MAVERICK is the first book in the Matchmaking in Granville series.
Damon and Maverick are neighbors sharing a duplex. Damon is a construction worker recently out of a breakup and in a mood so when Maverick brings cookies to welcome him Damon isn't interested and slams the door in his face. Maverick and Damon are now in a prank war. Nothing hurtful just fun silly things. Damon sets Mav up with Matchmaking Mamas for blind dates but infers with each and every date. Damon knows he can be a better date than what he's been on and sets himself as the next date. Damon is questioning his sexuality and attraction to Mav. Mav finds himself questioning if Damon is going to keep him a secret or come out as more.
I loved these characters their chemistry is explosive. I love the pranks they pull on each other and how Damon is Mr grump but for Maverick he's sweet. And pleae I LOVE getting more of the matchmaking mamas. They are hilarious! I can't wait for more from this series!
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Neon Rainbow.
Damon and Maverick are neighbors sharing a duplex. Damon is a construction worker recently out of a breakup and in a mood so when Maverick brings cookies to welcome him Damon isn't interested and slams the door in his face. Maverick and Damon are now in a prank war. Nothing hurtful just fun silly things. Damon sets Mav up with Matchmaking Mamas for blind dates but infers with each and every date. Damon knows he can be a better date than what he's been on and sets himself as the next date. Damon is questioning his sexuality and attraction to Mav. Mav finds himself questioning if Damon is going to keep him a secret or come out as more.
I loved these characters their chemistry is explosive. I love the pranks they pull on each other and how Damon is Mr grump but for Maverick he's sweet. And pleae I LOVE getting more of the matchmaking mamas. They are hilarious! I can't wait for more from this series!
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Neon Rainbow.
April 13, 2026
Meddling with Maverick is the first book in DJ Jamison’s sweet and sexy series, Matchmaking in Granville, but you can read the books in any order. I didn’t read them in the exact order and still loved them. Because there are overlapping characters, though, you might want to read them in series order.
This story has two neighbors who aren’t exacting frenemies or enemies but they don’t seem to like each other much at all. Damon is the straight dude who drives a big truck and likes to park it in the middle of the driveway he shares with Maverick. (I personally know how frustrating this can be as many years ago I had a shared driveway.) When Damon does this repeatedly Maverick kind of loses it. Thus begins a prank-war between the two of them.
This story was so much fun to read. At the same time parts of it really tugged at my heartstrings. Maverick knows better than to fall for the straight dude but when Damon challenges him to go on a date he can’t say no and thus begins Damon’s bi-awakening.
This story has two neighbors who aren’t exacting frenemies or enemies but they don’t seem to like each other much at all. Damon is the straight dude who drives a big truck and likes to park it in the middle of the driveway he shares with Maverick. (I personally know how frustrating this can be as many years ago I had a shared driveway.) When Damon does this repeatedly Maverick kind of loses it. Thus begins a prank-war between the two of them.
This story was so much fun to read. At the same time parts of it really tugged at my heartstrings. Maverick knows better than to fall for the straight dude but when Damon challenges him to go on a date he can’t say no and thus begins Damon’s bi-awakening.
April 27, 2026
We start this book by being dropped into the middle of it. We are told about this big past of pranks but don't get to see it. We don't get descriptions of the MCs because it seems like we are supposed to know them already. We meet a huge cast of characters that must be from all the other series the author writes because there is a backstory I feel I missed with every one of them. This does not feel book 1 in a new series and does not read like a standalone.
So that's a big problem.
And then... the characters are not deep, developed, or really even likable. I found myself not caring at all. I picked this up because the prank war sounded like a fun premise, but we only saw a couple pranks (that weren't great). We are supposed to believe this has been ongoing for years and we are also supposed to believe that these two guys are pranking each other because of sexual tension, though neither realizes it. This was done poorly and I didn't believe it for a second.
Skip this book. It wasn't fun and cute. It was irritating.
So that's a big problem.
And then... the characters are not deep, developed, or really even likable. I found myself not caring at all. I picked this up because the prank war sounded like a fun premise, but we only saw a couple pranks (that weren't great). We are supposed to believe this has been ongoing for years and we are also supposed to believe that these two guys are pranking each other because of sexual tension, though neither realizes it. This was done poorly and I didn't believe it for a second.
Skip this book. It wasn't fun and cute. It was irritating.
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