Stupid Matchmaking Love

Stupid Love #3

by Amy Boyles

In this bewitching romance that follows a magical meet-cute gone awry, two reluctant soulmates are forced into a live streaming matchmaking competition—and are determined to fail spectacularly.

If there are two things massage therapist Cristina Palmer is done with, it’s men (thanks to her manipulative ex) and magic (it can make a girl lose control). All she wants is to run the spa at the new Summit resort, make her clay figurines, and avoid her frustratingly attractive boss, Rhett Maddox.

Unfortunately, magic has other plans.

To boost publicity, the resort is hosting the very first magical matchmaking competition in Mystic Meadows. But when Rhett and Cristina are paired as supposedly perfect soulmates, they’re determined to prove the magic wrong. Six weeks of live stream challenges designed to make them fall in love? Easy. They’ll simply fail.

Except their chemistry is anything but fake.

And the stakes aren’t, either. A six-figure grand prize could bring Cristina’s manipulative family crashing back into her life—and getting close to Rhett means risking her heart all over again.

Because the real challenge isn’t the competition.

It’s trusting each other.

And maybe—just maybe—embracing the magic.

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 27, 2026

About the author

Hey, I’m Amy,
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!

Reviews

[BookishKB]

💘✨ Stupid Matchmaking Love ✨💘

📖 Bookish Thoughts

One of my favorite series of all time! I love these cozy paranormal romances!
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

💖 What to Expect
• Paranormal Romance
• Soulmates
• Magical Matchmaking
• Workplace Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Slow Burn
• Small Town
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

The cover and premise of “Stupid Matchmaking Love” by Amy Boyles had me completely sold. Cute cover? Check. Fun matchmaking premise? Check. Romance? Check. I went into this one expecting a charming, swoony good time.

And honestly? For about 60% of the book, that's exactly what I got. I was having fun, enjoying the characters, and happily along for the ride.

Then BOOM.
It's like the book got hit by a romance trope meteor.

Suddenly we were in full-on insta-love territory, complete with every cliché imaginable. The relationship went from simmering to soulmates at warp speed, and I was left wondering if I had accidentally skipped several chapters. The characters seemed to fall head over heels because... the plot said so.

What started as a promising, entertaining romance turned into a super predictable and surprisingly meh story. Every time I hoped for a little depth or a fresh twist, another cliché popped up to say, "Absolutely not."

I'm genuinely disappointed because the beginning showed so much potential.
The cover deserves better. The premise deserves better. And my investment in the first 60% deserved better.

Sadly, this matchmaking attempt was not a match for me.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much, Netgalley, and the author for the free eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

There are books that entertain you, and then there are books that quietly wrap themselves around your heart. This story is one of those rare romances that blends magic, humor, vulnerability, and emotional healing into something utterly enchanting. From the very first chapter, I knew I was in for more than just a fun magical rom-com—it became a story about learning to trust again, choosing love despite fear, and discovering that sometimes the greatest magic comes from opening your heart.

Cristina Palmer instantly became a heroine I wanted to root for. Her hesitation around both love and magic isn't simply a quirky personality trait; it stems from genuine emotional wounds left by a manipulative ex and complicated family relationships. Watching her slowly reclaim her confidence and independence made her journey feel authentic and deeply relatable. I loved that she wasn't portrayed as someone waiting to be rescued. Instead, she was already building a life she loved—running the spa, creating beautiful clay figurines, and trying to protect the peace she had worked so hard to find.

Rhett Maddox completely stole my heart. Beneath his confident exterior is a genuinely caring, patient, and emotionally mature man who never tries to force Cristina to trust him. Their relationship develops through respect, understanding, and countless moments of vulnerability, making every interaction feel meaningful. Their banter is witty, their chemistry is undeniable, and even when they're trying to sabotage the matchmaking competition, it's obvious that fate may know them better than they know themselves.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel is the magical matchmaking competition itself. The live-streamed challenges create endless opportunities for humor, awkwardness, and irresistible romantic tension. The premise could have easily become gimmicky, but instead it serves as a clever way to explore emotional intimacy. Every challenge strips away another layer of fear and misunderstanding, allowing both characters to grow individually while gradually falling in love.

The magical setting adds just the right amount of whimsy without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. Mystic Meadows feels warm, inviting, and wonderfully imaginative—a place where magic exists alongside everyday struggles. The fantasy elements enhance the romance rather than distract from it, making the world feel cozy, comforting, and full of possibility.

What touched me most was the story's exploration of healing after emotional manipulation. Cristina's fears never feel exaggerated, and the novel treats her trauma with compassion and sensitivity. Rather than suggesting that love magically fixes everything, it shows that healing requires courage, patience, and choosing people who consistently make you feel safe. That message resonated with me long after I finished reading.

The pacing is excellent throughout. The romance develops naturally, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt conversations and emotional revelations. The supporting characters also add warmth and personality, making the community feel alive and making me wish I could spend more time in Mystic Meadows.

Overall, this is an enchanting, feel-good romance filled with laughter, emotional depth, irresistible chemistry, and just the right touch of magic. It reminds us that love isn't about perfection or destiny alone—it's about trust, vulnerability, and choosing each other every single day. If you enjoy magical realism, forced proximity, fake dating vibes, soulmate tropes with a twist, and romances centered on emotional healing, this book deserves a place on your reading list.

[G ♡ ⋆｡˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and cozy romance with just the right mix of magic, humor, and heartfelt moments. It was a quick, enjoyable read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. The magical matchmaking competition gave the story a fresh and fun twist, and I loved how it brought Cristina and Rhett together despite their determination to resist the pairing.

Cristina was an easy character to root for, and it was rewarding to watch her slowly heal, regain her confidence, and open herself up to new possibilities. Rhett took a little longer to win me over, but his relationship with Cristina gradually revealed a softer, more caring side that made him much more likable. Their playful banter and growing chemistry felt natural, making the romance enjoyable to follow. I also appreciated how the story balanced its lighthearted magical elements with more emotional themes, including healing from past trauma, PTSD, family struggles, and learning to trust again, without ever losing its warm tone.

I wanted a little more detail in some parts of the story. I wish I had learned more about Mystic Meadows and its magic because it seemed very interesting. Some parts of the story ended too quickly, and I wanted them to be explained more. Even so, the lovely setting and characters made the book enjoyable.

Overall, this is a cozy, magical romance that's perfect if you're looking for a comforting, low stakes read. With its lovable characters, fun magical premise, heartfelt emotional journey, and satisfying ending, it's a charming story that's easy to get swept up in and well worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Boyles, and Montlake for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[MaKaylasJoys · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to read this book early, the cover is super cute, and I love me some magical realism! However, once I started reading this, I was never hooked.

The meet-cute for the FMC and MMC happened in the kitchen of business for both characters: FMC= worker; MMC=Boss.
The FMC runs to the kitchen to hide, because she is having an asthma attack and doesn't want anyone to see (um, why?), while the MMC is hiding from a stalker. They have an instant connection, but the MMC comes to find out that his 'stalker' is actually the FMC and any spark between them is snuffed out (MMC thinks she's a stalker because of a lie her ex told him). After that scene, I couldn't really get back into the story. I honestly had to force myself to sit down and read it.

The side characters are just mean to the FMC: her biological dad, her co-workers, her ex, etc. It wasn't fun to read about.

I never quite understood the magic system. HOWEVER, I fully accept that this could be my fault, because I haven't read the first two books of this series. It may have made more sense in the first book.

And also, just any third act breakup up is just *sigh* and eye roll for me. You know it's coming but doesn't mean I enjoy reading it.

Although, I wasn't excited about this book, but I wouldn't not recommend it. It just wasn't for me.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

This book has such a fun storyline. I really enjoyed the magical matchmaking competition. It was fun to imagine magic was making things happening behind the scenes that kept bringing Cristina and Rhett together because they were soul mates.

The entire competition was a lot of fun, and you could really feel the chemistry between Cristina and Rhett. Their connection felt sweet and genuine, and the slow burn was very believable. However, at around the 80% mark, I felt the story took a predictable turn. I would have liked something different for the characters. Thankfully, the final chapter was much better.

I really liked Cristina. She has health issues that she constantly has to be aware of, and I think occasionally dropping the ball is understandable. She also has a strained relationship with her parents, but I believe everyone deserves some grace when navigating difficult relationships with parents.

Rhett was also a great character… until he wasn’t. I felt like his coping mechanism was immature, but I could also understand why he reacted that way. I didn’t like his choices, but I understood his mindset.

Overall, I thought Cristina and Rhett had fun, playful chemistry, and the book was enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melanie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea of two people deliberately trying to fail a magical matchmaking competition was what sold me on Stupid Matchmaking Love. Cristina wants nothing to do with romance or magic, while Rhett is the attractive boss she would rather avoid. When they are declared soulmates and placed in six weeks of livestreamed challenges, their attempts to prove the match wrong become increasingly difficult to maintain.

I liked Cristina’s life outside the romance, especially her work running the resort spa and making clay figurines. Her history with a manipulative ex and family also gives her resistance to the competition more weight than simple stubbornness. The contest creates plenty of forced proximity, but the more interesting part is watching Cristina and Rhett decide whether they can trust each other when money, publicity, and genuine feelings are all tangled together.

The magical matchmaking setup was playful, and Mystic Meadows remains a fun setting for this series. A few parts were predictable, but Cristina and Rhett’s determination to sabotage their own love story made this an entertaining romantic comedy. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.

[RawBookieDough · Rating 4 out of 5]

🦄1st person dual pov
💕Employer/employee
🦄Magical realism
💕Third act breakup
🦄1.25 🌶️
💕HEA
🦄Interconnected standalone
💕Reluctant soulmates

3.5 rounding to 4⭐️
While this does act as a standalone, there was quite a bit that I needed to assume because there wasn’t an explanation provided in case you didn’t read the prior books (characters, relationships, the basis for the magic). A short refresher would have been appreciated.

I feel like this was a quick read with deeper subplots, growth and healing. The romance was the focus and it was cute and quite “insta”. I liked the matchmaking trials, and the overall plot was fun and cute. I think it could have benefited from a little more length to flesh out a few details. I also felt a lack of tension for most of it but the storyline kept me interested anyways.

If you are looking for a quick read where you can disengage your mind a bit while still absorbing the plot then this could be a good option! I found this to be a sweet, low stakes romance with a lovely HEA and a little magic mixed in.

Thank you for the arc Montlake provided through NetGalley!

[Summer Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of Stupid Matchmaking Love by Amy Boyles. All thoughts are my own.

This book had me staying up way too late two nights in a row because I just kept saying, “One more chapter.”

This was such a cute, cozy romance! It has magic, a soulmate matchmaking competition, a little enemies-to-lovers romance, and the sweetest little bunnicorn that completely stole my heart.

I really enjoyed watching Rhett and Cristina’s relationship change throughout the competition. They both have things from their past they’re still carrying, and I liked that those experiences were so relatable. & shaped the choices they made throughout the book.

The romance moved a little faster than I like, and I would’ve loved just a little more build-up between them and more spice. But that didn’t stop me from flying through this book.

If you’re looking for a sweet, magical romance that’s easy to get lost in, definitely add this one to your TBR!

This was exactly the kind of book I needed. Such a fun escape from reality for a couple of nights!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I read the first two in this series in preparation for this book, and I feel like it really helped. All the mentions of the magic and the ley lines and the whimsical magical hybrids (piggycorns, lambi/sheepicorns, and bunnicorns) were a continuation from the other two books. I was honestly expecting book 2 to be Cristina’s story, but we get it here in book 3.

Cristina and Rhett are chosen (by a magical quilt!) as soulmates for a magical dating reality show. She runs the spa at a local resort; he owns the resort. Everything points to them clashing like crazy, especially their first meeting when Rhett comes in on Cristina hiding because she’s having an asthma attack.

They really are meant to be together, not least because of past trauma. Their chemistry is good, but the “I love yous” came out of the blue for me. Maybe it was the magic? They really are good together, even if it takes magic, a weird reality show, and a jerk ex to get them there.

This one was a good time — I’m in a cozy witchy reading phase, and this book delivered!

[Lydia’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley arc review:

A magical matchmaking competition? Sign me up!

From the very first line, I was laughing. Cristina’s inner monologue was absolutely hilarious, and her first meeting with Rhett was the perfect way to start the story. They immediately got off on the wrong foot, which set up their romance beautifully.

Cristina has had a difficult start in life, so it’s impossible not to root for her throughout the competition and hope she comes out on top.

Rhett is paired with Cristina in the matchmaking competition as her “perfect soulmate,” despite neither of them believing it—especially after their disastrous first meeting. But as the competition progresses, their feelings begin to grow, and so does the tension between them. When it finally boils over… wow. The chemistry between these two was so good!

I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of the series. The books are short, sweet, and easy to read, making them perfect for a cosy afternoon. If you love romance with a touch of magic, this is a fun and charming read.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite book in the series! I liked the first two, but did not really love them and this was a big improvement for me. It gave me major Bewitched vibes (both the classic TV show and the newer movie) and I really loved that about it. The nostalgia was there, but it also felt modern with the social media aspect and livestream matchmaking competition.

Cristina and Rhett were so much fun together! I loved that they spent the entire book trying to prove they weren't soulmates while very obviously falling in love. Isn't that always how it goes? Their chemistry was adorable, and the romance felt really light, sweet, and magical which I am a huge fan of.

This is the type of book you read if you are looking for a fun, easy romance with magic, reluctant soulmates, great banter, and a little bit of chaos. It would be the perfect read for Halloween or fall and would definitely be one to get in the mood for the season. It comes out right before Halloween so it was destined to be!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Boyles, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cristina pensó por fin le iría bien, tenía un nuevo trabajo y es la oportunidad perfecta para demostrar su valía. Lo que no esperaba era que una noche pusiera su nombre en boca de la persona que más necesita impresionar, su jefe.

Rhett está acostumbrado a tomar decisiones con la cabeza, no con el corazón. Como copropietario de un nuevo resort, tiene responsabilidades y ningún interés en añadir dramas románticos a la lista. Sin embargo, cada vez que se encuentra con Cristina, su mundo cuidadosamente ordenado se vuelve un caos.

Mientras la magia de Mystic Meadows parece empeñada en entrometerse en sus vidas, los dos se verán atrapados en una serie de situaciones divertidas y otras incomodas.


_____


Me gusto que R fuera al psicólogo cuando se dio cuenta que no estaba bien.





Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Breafae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy read. I kind of wished I read it in the fall time.

Cristina's character was relatable as at some point we all give up on guys after a horrible ex experience. I love that she got out there and got a new job at this cozy little resort.

I honestly wasn't sure what kind of character Rhett was going to be. He didn't make the greatest first impression but after the interactions with Cristina I warmed up to him. Cristina is quirky and relatable. Rhett is more serious/owner of the resort.

To boost publicity the resort is holding a magical matchmaking competition that will be live streamed. I did like the magical aspect of this story with the magical quilt putting Cristina and Rhett together. I feel like they were doomed from the beginning but they pulled together in the end.

[Sara Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was super excited to get an early copy of this book because I loved the last in the series, but this fell flat for me. From cringe moments, to zero chemistry between the FMC and MMC, I wasn’t enjoying my weekend read.

I also didn’t like how everyone walked all over the FMC and was a complete jerk to her. Her biological father always called for money. Her ex embarrassed her in front of her new boss. Her own employees treated her with disrespect to her face…girl, grow a freaking backbone! I know you’re a people pleaser, but take the hint that you can’t please everyone and have to stick up for yourself. It was so frustrating to read this.

If there are more books in the series, I will give them a shot. This one just wasn’t for me.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

[Curly Mrs F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stupid Matchmaking Love was an alright read. It had some genuinely cute moments, and I really liked the originality of the matchmaking concept—it felt a little different from the typical romance setup, which kept me interested.

That said, it never quite hit the mark for me. I kept waiting for the story to fully pull me in, but I never felt especially invested in the characters or their relationship. While it was an easy, enjoyable read overall, I didn’t find myself emotionally connected in the way I was hoping to be.

It’s a solid book if you’re looking for a light, sweet romance with a unique premise, but for me it ended up being one of those books that was pleasant enough while I was reading it, yet ultimately didn’t leave much of a lasting impression.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprising five-star read. I will admit I was a little hesitant at first with this one, as I realised a few pages in that it was number three in the series and the first I had picked up, but after reading the blurb for the first two to get the gist I didn’t feel so lost any more, and managed to really get into this one, and I now have the other two as well and plan on getting into them asap, as I really enjoyed the writing and the flow of this story. A magical quilt aspect had me wondering at first, but as the magic played its part and gave everyone a pull up. This is a delightfully wimsy story, but there are also real elements weaved through, so you feel grounded even when the magic sweeps you up.

[Kara ✨ kara_readsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

The magic is really out there with this book (not a bad thing). Who doesn't love a little bunnicorn that sneezes glitter?

The premise of the book was interesting and unique. It's very cozy and there is a bit of a slow burn, as well. Unfortunately, I DNF'd at around 50%. It was a bit too slow for me, and I found I started to skip a lot. The FMC and the MMC were both enjoyable, but I don't tend to go for cozy type books, so the book just didn't click with me.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review*

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I love this whole series! I love the magical realism aspect to the story and the idea of soulmates.

I love the snapshots that we got into the other couples! I wish there was more but I don’t know how the author could write anymore stories in this world, it felt very final.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an arc to review!

[The Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of enjoyed the story because it felt like a comedy and a cozy read for me. The story overall was okay but not bad. If you’re looking for something new to read, this one would be the one for you to read.

[Skylar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into the book, I was confused. I didn’t understand the magic system or most of characters, as I didn’t realize it was the third book in a series! Other than that, I loved the plot and the characters, and how both Cristina and Rhett both had things to work through and overcome.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there was a magic matchmaking quilt in my city!
This was a lighthearted read with a wholesome FMC and MMC. The inner monologues of the characters made me smile and felt very authentic, and I couldn’t help but cheer for them as the matchmaking competition progressed.
It’s book 3 in a series and can be read as a standalone, though I did find the mentions of magic to be distracting and require prior knowledge of the series (but it’s not essential to the plot).

(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina is starting a new job, and whether it’s magic or just her own anxiety, it is interfering to the point that she needs a quiet minute to breathe. But her peaceful kitchen escape goes awry when Mr. Tall, Dark, and Hot walks in to check on her.

Rhett is a cool guy. Maybe he’s the owner of the hotel, maybe he’s her new boss, but either way, he has great banter and a fantastic sense of humor. Somehow their meet-cute turns into magical matchmaking in Mystic Falls. They both find themselves bombarded and spotlighted in a competition completely against their will. I loved Christina’s sass and Rhett’s quick wit. The live-stream aspect of the competition makes it feel like an awkward reality TV show in the best way.

Magical matches, mischief, and mayhem are all wrapped up in this charming rom-com. This book is light-read perfection. The forced proximity, competition, and banter had me smiling and kicking my feet the entire time.

Christina and Rhett are both carrying emotional baggage. They struggle with trust, and at least one of them is hiding a secret that could affect any future relationship. The cookie competition is absolutely absurd and so much fun. Their interactions slowly warm as they get to know each other, and while their relationship starts with a boss-and-employee dynamic, it develops naturally over time. I loved the magical premise and the little ways the magic interferes throughout the story.

Christina deals with real-life issues that many readers will relate to. Her coping methods may not always be the healthiest, but they feel authentic. I also appreciated the chronic illness representation in the story. Watching these two characters share their worries, fears, and vulnerabilities as they inch toward that slow-burn chemistry is incredibly rewarding. They may have been magically matched, but where does the magic end and their real feelings begin?

I was also excited to finally discover that this magical town is set in Georgia, giving me another state to check off for my reading challenge this year. This story balances heartwarming moments with heartbreaking ones, and healing is woven throughout its pages.

This is absolutely my kind of read. It has so much heart that you cannot help but swoon. It is filled with love, laughter, and surprises, while also exploring topics like asthma, PTSD, and difficult past experiences. The way the characters learn to embrace the future despite their struggles made me fall in love with them even more. I appreciated that the story tackles difficult subjects because it adds depth and authentic emotion rather than feeling like just another romance.

The ending is sweet, but I will not spoil it because part of the magic of this story is watching these characters overcome the obstacles in their way. I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming romance and its quirky cast of characters. If you love magical towns, flawed but lovable main characters, slow-burn romance, and a story full of heart, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

Thank you Netgalley for an arc copy of this book. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

[KDRBCK]

Stupid Matchmaking Love by Amy Boylesis book 3 in the series, published by Montlake.
Cristina carries magic, Rhett is a business man with both feet on the ground.
They couldn't be more different from each other, but hey opposites attract they say.
An entertaining rom/com, book 3 in series, but could be read as a stand alone.
I liked the story and the characters, 4 sweet stars.