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Match Fit
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Expected 1 Dec 26Match Fit is a globetrotting, friends-to-lovers romcom for readers who love Emily Henry's People We Meet on Vacation and Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare. In these uncertain times, Match Fit is pure sunshine.
Ruby Carpenter is fine. Sure, AI has stolen all the best jobs, her fiancé is behaving like a moody grouch, and she's starting a temp role working for Australian Rugby—a sport she knows nothing about—but overall, she's happy. Great, even!
That is, until her relationship implodes and Ruby's left all but homeless with a job she never wanted in the first place.
She needs to get her life back on track, but the glamorous world of international rugby is very distracting. And the English captain, Jake Lavender? He's the most distracting of all.
However, as Jake and Ruby continue to cross paths on the glittering world tour, the lines between 'real life' and 'temporary life' begin to blur.
Ruby starts to has the life she planned been holding her back from the life she wants? Because maybe when life doesn't go to plan, that's when the real magic happens.
'Ronald has crafted the perfect witty, romantic and hot, it's about time the rugby world got a love story like this! I adored the characters, especially Ruby. She was so real and perfectly encapsulated what it feels like to be mid-30s, recently single and perhaps not fully ready to mingle! With everything I like in a book, Match Fit is for the hopeless - and hopeful - romantics among us!' GEORGIE TUNNY, author of Over to You
'Match Fit is a quintessentially millennial rom-com with a wonderful marshmallow heart. If you've ended up living in a world much more difficult than the one you were promised, or if you feel like you haven't lived up to your potential – this book is here to tell you that you too deserve the very loveliest love.' JODI MCALISTER, author of An Academic Affair
'This sparkling romcom isn't just for rugby fans (I've never seen a game), but for any reader who wants a funny, heartwarming, feel-good delight.' NINA KENWOOD, author of The Wedding Forecast
'Match Fit is the perfect rom-com rugby for the readers more comfortable on the stands than the fields. It's non-stop fun full of heart and laughter with a romance that will sweep you off your feet with its sincerity and its realness.' SUNNY ADCOCK, cohost of Booksmart
Ruby Carpenter is fine. Sure, AI has stolen all the best jobs, her fiancé is behaving like a moody grouch, and she's starting a temp role working for Australian Rugby—a sport she knows nothing about—but overall, she's happy. Great, even!
That is, until her relationship implodes and Ruby's left all but homeless with a job she never wanted in the first place.
She needs to get her life back on track, but the glamorous world of international rugby is very distracting. And the English captain, Jake Lavender? He's the most distracting of all.
However, as Jake and Ruby continue to cross paths on the glittering world tour, the lines between 'real life' and 'temporary life' begin to blur.
Ruby starts to has the life she planned been holding her back from the life she wants? Because maybe when life doesn't go to plan, that's when the real magic happens.
'Ronald has crafted the perfect witty, romantic and hot, it's about time the rugby world got a love story like this! I adored the characters, especially Ruby. She was so real and perfectly encapsulated what it feels like to be mid-30s, recently single and perhaps not fully ready to mingle! With everything I like in a book, Match Fit is for the hopeless - and hopeful - romantics among us!' GEORGIE TUNNY, author of Over to You
'Match Fit is a quintessentially millennial rom-com with a wonderful marshmallow heart. If you've ended up living in a world much more difficult than the one you were promised, or if you feel like you haven't lived up to your potential – this book is here to tell you that you too deserve the very loveliest love.' JODI MCALISTER, author of An Academic Affair
'This sparkling romcom isn't just for rugby fans (I've never seen a game), but for any reader who wants a funny, heartwarming, feel-good delight.' NINA KENWOOD, author of The Wedding Forecast
'Match Fit is the perfect rom-com rugby for the readers more comfortable on the stands than the fields. It's non-stop fun full of heart and laughter with a romance that will sweep you off your feet with its sincerity and its realness.' SUNNY ADCOCK, cohost of Booksmart
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my third Leesa Ronald book and my offical favourite - I really really enjoyed this one. This was a long book but in a way that I liked and was excited I still had heaps to go. Loved the slow burn of their romance and I was fully giddy and smiling throughout points both MCs were just so bloody cute together! My only major dislike was the FMC using ChatGPT near the end of the book. Please writers stop making your characters use AI!!! It's so disheartening to read and I fear it won't age well. Otherwise a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the author's next one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Match Fit by Australian writer Leesa Ronald is a warm, funny romance set against the world of rugby sevens. At the start of the book, Ruby is engaged to posh-boy Ollie, whose idea of a good time seems to involve lying on the couch watching so much cricket that, as Ruby observes, 'a normal person would develop deep vein thrombosis'. This gives you a sense of the warm narative voice of the book.
Ruby has yet to find her way in both her work and her relationships. She wanted to study creative writing but chose journalism to be on the safe side, then moved into marketing before being made redundant. A friend finds her a temporary job with a rugby organisation, initially on reception, but she soon ends up working with the players. One of these is Clive, a notoriously difficult player whom Ruby surprisingly manages rather well. Their friendship becomes an important part of the story - even 'going viral' at a couple of points with suspicions of a romance.
Ruby also meets Jake, hunky captain of the England rugby sevens team, and the two keep crossing paths at tournaments around the world. There’s friendship, chemistry, a family holiday with bunk beds in a ski resort and a nice slow burn as they try to work out what their relationship might actually be, particularly when they live in different countries and both want to be decent to each other.
The book explores the challenges of finding your way in both work and relationships, and the pitfalls of letting other people make your decisions for you. Ruby has spent a lot of her life doing what seems sensible or what other people expect, and much of the story is about her beginning to work out what she actually wants for herself and having the courage to live a little more bravely.
Ruby has yet to find her way in both her work and her relationships. She wanted to study creative writing but chose journalism to be on the safe side, then moved into marketing before being made redundant. A friend finds her a temporary job with a rugby organisation, initially on reception, but she soon ends up working with the players. One of these is Clive, a notoriously difficult player whom Ruby surprisingly manages rather well. Their friendship becomes an important part of the story - even 'going viral' at a couple of points with suspicions of a romance.
Ruby also meets Jake, hunky captain of the England rugby sevens team, and the two keep crossing paths at tournaments around the world. There’s friendship, chemistry, a family holiday with bunk beds in a ski resort and a nice slow burn as they try to work out what their relationship might actually be, particularly when they live in different countries and both want to be decent to each other.
The book explores the challenges of finding your way in both work and relationships, and the pitfalls of letting other people make your decisions for you. Ruby has spent a lot of her life doing what seems sensible or what other people expect, and much of the story is about her beginning to work out what she actually wants for herself and having the courage to live a little more bravely.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this read.
Match Fit is my first Leesa Ronald book.
I thought Jake and Ruby were well drawn characters. Her ex boyfriend sounded like a pain. I liked the description of the way she grew up on an orchard and never wore a watch as she was an early riser in her formative years. I enjoyed the Auckland and Paris scenes.
My fave one liner is Why is Trump called Trump? I don’t know. Shape of his head maybe! Harrumph one liner is: Business class passengers were called and those in the boarding priority queue rose and flung their Louis Vuitton carryalls over their shoulders! I often travel Business class and am working class. Have never owned a LV carryall! This is me paraphrasing as you can’t copy and paste parts of the story on Netgalley.
The romance was a long time happening but the byplay between Jake and Ruby was very well done. This is a well written read. I would recommend it to others. Now I’ll track down Leesa’s other reads.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher Allen & Unwin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Match Fit is my first Leesa Ronald book.
I thought Jake and Ruby were well drawn characters. Her ex boyfriend sounded like a pain. I liked the description of the way she grew up on an orchard and never wore a watch as she was an early riser in her formative years. I enjoyed the Auckland and Paris scenes.
My fave one liner is Why is Trump called Trump? I don’t know. Shape of his head maybe! Harrumph one liner is: Business class passengers were called and those in the boarding priority queue rose and flung their Louis Vuitton carryalls over their shoulders! I often travel Business class and am working class. Have never owned a LV carryall! This is me paraphrasing as you can’t copy and paste parts of the story on Netgalley.
The romance was a long time happening but the byplay between Jake and Ruby was very well done. This is a well written read. I would recommend it to others. Now I’ll track down Leesa’s other reads.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher Allen & Unwin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely adored this book.
Match Fit is a Australian Rugby centric sports romance - which is a new one for me but I was all about it. We're following Ruby as she starts a new job and gets roped into covering a Rugby 7's tournament where she meets Jake, the English teams captain.
This was such a hilarious, chaotic, swoon worthy read. The characters were so fun and I found it all very relatable even though I can liken absolutely nothing about this book to my life.
Leesa has a fantastic way with words which just really makes my brain happy. I find her books so easy to read and they're just the best time.
I won't tell you how many times I read Ruby as rugby though because that's embarrassing.
Match Fit is a Australian Rugby centric sports romance - which is a new one for me but I was all about it. We're following Ruby as she starts a new job and gets roped into covering a Rugby 7's tournament where she meets Jake, the English teams captain.
This was such a hilarious, chaotic, swoon worthy read. The characters were so fun and I found it all very relatable even though I can liken absolutely nothing about this book to my life.
Leesa has a fantastic way with words which just really makes my brain happy. I find her books so easy to read and they're just the best time.
I won't tell you how many times I read Ruby as rugby though because that's embarrassing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thoroughly enjoyed this sports romance, with its witty banter, down-to-earth MCs, family and found family cast of supporting characters, and good vibes! Oh and the little Aussie-isms dotted throughout, without becoming tokenistic. This felt reminiscent of reading the romcoms of a decade or two ago (in the best way), free from over the top excess (in the case of the sports pro life), angst or drama, instead delivering an engaging and heartwarming plot (and a nice break from some of my darker reads), with some gentle character growth and authentic challenges in adulting. Will definitely be looking for more by this author in the future.
ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
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October 20, 2026Advanced copy by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin
This was such a fun read and perfect to read around another rugby World Cup, it made me laugh and made me cry. The pieces about feeling behind definitely hit too close to home and I’ve decided I need a handsome rugby player in my life.
This was such a fun read and perfect to read around another rugby World Cup, it made me laugh and made me cry. The pieces about feeling behind definitely hit too close to home and I’ve decided I need a handsome rugby player in my life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
Delightfully sparkling. I loved Ruby’s journey to discovering what she wants without everyone else’s voice in her head. She's an endearing character and a bit of an anxious soul. Thanks to her ick fiancé (and, at times her parents who tend to override her) she's lacking in confidence but tries her best. Her connection and banter with Jake was sweet, and I loved that somehow with him she could be assert herself. And what can I say about Clive? I really enjoyed their scenes as well. He's a man of very little words but he was just so funny. I think, though for me, I'd have loved more of Clive and Ruby working together. I also think the ending regarding I also felt like Ruby still let her parents walk all over her a bit too much and needed a bit better resolution.
Another endlessly charming rom com from Leesa Ronald.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin and NetGalley for the ARC.
Delightfully sparkling. I loved Ruby’s journey to discovering what she wants without everyone else’s voice in her head. She's an endearing character and a bit of an anxious soul. Thanks to her ick fiancé (and, at times her parents who tend to override her) she's lacking in confidence but tries her best. Her connection and banter with Jake was sweet, and I loved that somehow with him she could be assert herself. And what can I say about Clive? I really enjoyed their scenes as well. He's a man of very little words but he was just so funny. I think, though for me, I'd have loved more of Clive and Ruby working together. I also think the ending regarding I also felt like Ruby still let her parents walk all over her a bit too much and needed a bit better resolution.
Another endlessly charming rom com from Leesa Ronald.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Match Fit by Leesa Ronald is a fun, steamy romance set in the exhilarating world of international rugby, and it had me hooked from the very first page.
Our easy-to-love heroine, Ruby, is down on her luck after being made redundant—twice!—when she lands a temporary role at the same company where her best friend works. The new position puts her in the path of Jake, captain of the English rugby sevens team, and the chemistry between them is almost instant.
As Ruby and Jake’s friendship develops, their witty banter and stolen moments at rugby tournaments become something they both eagerly anticipate. But there are plenty of obstacles standing in their way: Ruby is engaged, rumours are swirling about her and the Australian team’s troublesome star, and she and Jake live on opposite sides of the world.
Ronald has created a cast of likeable, relatable characters who had me completely invested in their journey. I was desperate for Ruby and Jake to find their happily-ever-after. The open-door sex scenes turn up the heat, while the distinctly Australian setting and international locations add plenty of atmosphere—and serious wanderlust.
Romance readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance, witty chemistry, well-written characters, and a couple you can’t help but root for will not be disappointed.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
Our easy-to-love heroine, Ruby, is down on her luck after being made redundant—twice!—when she lands a temporary role at the same company where her best friend works. The new position puts her in the path of Jake, captain of the English rugby sevens team, and the chemistry between them is almost instant.
As Ruby and Jake’s friendship develops, their witty banter and stolen moments at rugby tournaments become something they both eagerly anticipate. But there are plenty of obstacles standing in their way: Ruby is engaged, rumours are swirling about her and the Australian team’s troublesome star, and she and Jake live on opposite sides of the world.
Ronald has created a cast of likeable, relatable characters who had me completely invested in their journey. I was desperate for Ruby and Jake to find their happily-ever-after. The open-door sex scenes turn up the heat, while the distinctly Australian setting and international locations add plenty of atmosphere—and serious wanderlust.
Romance readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance, witty chemistry, well-written characters, and a couple you can’t help but root for will not be disappointed.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced reader copy review of Match Fit by Leesa Ronald
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥🔥🔥
Match Fit is a heartwarming, engaging story of how a millennial woman finds love and her place in the world (at least for now).
Ruby is a stereotypical 32-year-old millennial; she's a bit dramatic, but in the best way. She's lost two jobs, worked a dodgy temp role, and is arguing with her fiancé, Ollie. (Mostly about him being selfish, careless, and unthoughtful.) She accepts a new job working with her BFF, Candice, for a rugby team.
Sydney hosts an international rugby sevens tournament, and there, Ruby meets Clive and Jake. Her job is to 'babysit' the troublesome Clive, but she doesn't know her way around the stadium at all. Jake helps her out of a couple of predicaments. And somehow they become friends, asking Are you okay? across hallways, fields, the concourse.
I adored how Ruby and Jake were friends first, and their relationship slowly grew throughout the book. Despite time zones, Ruby and Jake were regularly texting or video calling to stay in touch.
Leesa writes her books from a single POV, so we only get Ruby's view. But I still found it easy to see Jake's perspective through Ruby's eyes, even if Ruby couldn't.
Disclaimer: I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Leesa Ronald, Allen & Unwin, and Netgalley for the ARC.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥🔥🔥
Match Fit is a heartwarming, engaging story of how a millennial woman finds love and her place in the world (at least for now).
Ruby is a stereotypical 32-year-old millennial; she's a bit dramatic, but in the best way. She's lost two jobs, worked a dodgy temp role, and is arguing with her fiancé, Ollie. (Mostly about him being selfish, careless, and unthoughtful.) She accepts a new job working with her BFF, Candice, for a rugby team.
Sydney hosts an international rugby sevens tournament, and there, Ruby meets Clive and Jake. Her job is to 'babysit' the troublesome Clive, but she doesn't know her way around the stadium at all. Jake helps her out of a couple of predicaments. And somehow they become friends, asking Are you okay? across hallways, fields, the concourse.
I adored how Ruby and Jake were friends first, and their relationship slowly grew throughout the book. Despite time zones, Ruby and Jake were regularly texting or video calling to stay in touch.
Leesa writes her books from a single POV, so we only get Ruby's view. But I still found it easy to see Jake's perspective through Ruby's eyes, even if Ruby couldn't.
Disclaimer: I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Leesa Ronald, Allen & Unwin, and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book made me laugh out loud! I was literally kicking my feet at certain points. I’d look up and find my husband staring at me with one eyebrow raised, asking, “WHAT are you reading?!” 😂
Who hasn’t gone through a bad phase in life and felt completely stuck? That’s what made this story feel so relatable to me. The characters aren’t perfect, they don’t always make the right decisions, and towards the end I was so invested that I genuinely wanted to reach into the book and shake our FMC! But I think that’s also what made her feel real.
This is such a perfect feel-good romance without feeling "too" perfect. It made me laugh, frustrated me, had me kicking my feet, and I devoured the whole thing in 48 hours.
And the Australian culture and humor are portrayed SO well! It gives the story so much personality and made some of the funny moments even better.
I’d describe Match Fit as a slow-burn, feel-good Aussie romance. If you love the humor and emotional relatability of Emily Henry or the addictive romance of the Windy City series, I think this one could be right up your alley.
Funny, relatable, romantic and just a really good time.
I can’t wait to read more from Leesa Ronald!
4.5 stars
Who hasn’t gone through a bad phase in life and felt completely stuck? That’s what made this story feel so relatable to me. The characters aren’t perfect, they don’t always make the right decisions, and towards the end I was so invested that I genuinely wanted to reach into the book and shake our FMC! But I think that’s also what made her feel real.
This is such a perfect feel-good romance without feeling "too" perfect. It made me laugh, frustrated me, had me kicking my feet, and I devoured the whole thing in 48 hours.
And the Australian culture and humor are portrayed SO well! It gives the story so much personality and made some of the funny moments even better.
I’d describe Match Fit as a slow-burn, feel-good Aussie romance. If you love the humor and emotional relatability of Emily Henry or the addictive romance of the Windy City series, I think this one could be right up your alley.
Funny, relatable, romantic and just a really good time.
I can’t wait to read more from Leesa Ronald!
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OMG, if you have a rom-com-loving bestie or are in charge of buying your own Christmas gifts (as I often am), this book is releasing right on time to add to your Christmas shopping list!
Match Fit was one of the most enjoyable rom-coms I’ve read so far this year! Fun, heart-warming, and so full of personality, Ruby was such a relatable main character. Although, let’s be honest, not everyone falls in love with a famous international sports star! But any woman who claims she doesn’t live in her head and agonise with themselves for weeks over a weird “conversation with the cashier at Woolies over grape prices” is lying to herself about having her shit together!
I loved the mix of romance, banter, international travel, messy backgrounds, shitty exes, sports analogies that even someone who’s never watched a rugby match could understand, new friendships, and plenty of laughs!
Leesa Ronald has absolutely delivered with this one, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her! In fact, I’ve already bookmarked her previously released books and added them to my TBR. Because, apparently, my TBR didn’t already have enough books waiting for me!
An easygoing 5-star read that had me laughing, swooning, and wanting more from Leesa Ronald!
Match Fit was one of the most enjoyable rom-coms I’ve read so far this year! Fun, heart-warming, and so full of personality, Ruby was such a relatable main character. Although, let’s be honest, not everyone falls in love with a famous international sports star! But any woman who claims she doesn’t live in her head and agonise with themselves for weeks over a weird “conversation with the cashier at Woolies over grape prices” is lying to herself about having her shit together!
I loved the mix of romance, banter, international travel, messy backgrounds, shitty exes, sports analogies that even someone who’s never watched a rugby match could understand, new friendships, and plenty of laughs!
Leesa Ronald has absolutely delivered with this one, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her! In fact, I’ve already bookmarked her previously released books and added them to my TBR. Because, apparently, my TBR didn’t already have enough books waiting for me!
An easygoing 5-star read that had me laughing, swooning, and wanting more from Leesa Ronald!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Match Fit by Leesa
I confess that this is my first Leesa book and I LOVED it ! I will be immediately running to see if the library has any of her others books !
This was a rugby sports romance with a few twists and a loveable cast of characters. As a non rugby fan, I was able to fall in love with the characters and understand elements of the sport more! (Maybe i’ll
become a rugby sevens fan).
Also, loved that it is set in Australia! I sometimes struggle reading books that are too close to home but I felt the depiction of Sydney was relatable and not overly touristy. I think it helped too that much of the book took place overseas in various rugby tournaments.
Ruby is an aussie who is a little bit down on her luck and Jake is a rugby player from england in town for the Sydney Rugby 7s. Her temp work for the Australian rugby organisation keeps orchestrating these meet ups with Jake and they become close!!!! We also get introduced to some amazing side characters whom i want more about too!
Despite the various elements of conflict in their relationship journey, it was a very low stakes book that was a delight to read - I didn’t want to put it down and finished it in 2 days! (I’m already wanting to reread!!!!)
Thanks to Net valley for my copy of the book !
I confess that this is my first Leesa book and I LOVED it ! I will be immediately running to see if the library has any of her others books !
This was a rugby sports romance with a few twists and a loveable cast of characters. As a non rugby fan, I was able to fall in love with the characters and understand elements of the sport more! (Maybe i’ll
become a rugby sevens fan).
Also, loved that it is set in Australia! I sometimes struggle reading books that are too close to home but I felt the depiction of Sydney was relatable and not overly touristy. I think it helped too that much of the book took place overseas in various rugby tournaments.
Ruby is an aussie who is a little bit down on her luck and Jake is a rugby player from england in town for the Sydney Rugby 7s. Her temp work for the Australian rugby organisation keeps orchestrating these meet ups with Jake and they become close!!!! We also get introduced to some amazing side characters whom i want more about too!
Despite the various elements of conflict in their relationship journey, it was a very low stakes book that was a delight to read - I didn’t want to put it down and finished it in 2 days! (I’m already wanting to reread!!!!)
Thanks to Net valley for my copy of the book !
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is like a walk in the park. It’s an easy smooth read with lots of cute moments and gorgeous writing style.
The story follows Ruby who has begun to question her somewhat pre planned life. When her fiancé turns out to be not who she thought he was, she’s sent on an adventure with a new job, steadfast friends, and some interesting acquaintances.
Her new job quickly transforms into a getaway as she travels the world interviewing rugby players and befriending them.
Enter Jake Lavender. Jake is friendly and outgoing and seems to be extremely friendly to Ruby. But he’s a rugby player and she is an interviewer, an employee. Shes not allowed to mix with him in that way.
Then again, can true love be separated by a rule?
I actually enjoyed this book a lot I found a few of the mentions of adult things a bit too much at times and it was explicit content that I skipped but I did enjoy the story and the characters were lovable - I wanted to know everything about each of them!
Thanks to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for this arc read!
The story follows Ruby who has begun to question her somewhat pre planned life. When her fiancé turns out to be not who she thought he was, she’s sent on an adventure with a new job, steadfast friends, and some interesting acquaintances.
Her new job quickly transforms into a getaway as she travels the world interviewing rugby players and befriending them.
Enter Jake Lavender. Jake is friendly and outgoing and seems to be extremely friendly to Ruby. But he’s a rugby player and she is an interviewer, an employee. Shes not allowed to mix with him in that way.
Then again, can true love be separated by a rule?
I actually enjoyed this book a lot I found a few of the mentions of adult things a bit too much at times and it was explicit content that I skipped but I did enjoy the story and the characters were lovable - I wanted to know everything about each of them!
Thanks to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for this arc read!
September 22, 2026
Thanks NetGalley for letting me sneak a read at the ARC of this.
This is the third book I’ve read from Leesa Ronald and I am not disappointed. It was a slow start to the book, but as the pace picked up I found myself being drawn in more and more.
I related to Ruby and the way she was written, I loved that through the book she met people that understood her quirks and didn’t try to change her. She was slightly neurotic (and same) a little bit of a mess, and a big people pleaser. We really saw her grow as a character and surround herself with people who love who she is.
I loved the rugby part of the book, and how we were not generally in the mind of the players, but still very much in the world of rugby.
I feel like Leesa really pulls on the Australian culture and current world concerns (looking at you AI slop). For some people this pulls them out of the book but it helped draw me more in. I could see people I know in the characters and their mannerism.
This is the third book I’ve read from Leesa Ronald and I am not disappointed. It was a slow start to the book, but as the pace picked up I found myself being drawn in more and more.
I related to Ruby and the way she was written, I loved that through the book she met people that understood her quirks and didn’t try to change her. She was slightly neurotic (and same) a little bit of a mess, and a big people pleaser. We really saw her grow as a character and surround herself with people who love who she is.
I loved the rugby part of the book, and how we were not generally in the mind of the players, but still very much in the world of rugby.
I feel like Leesa really pulls on the Australian culture and current world concerns (looking at you AI slop). For some people this pulls them out of the book but it helped draw me more in. I could see people I know in the characters and their mannerism.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, thank you netgally for this arc! Okay so, I really don’t have that much to say. Match Fit my Leesa Ronald was a cute romance, but I personally didn’t find myself enjoying it. Throughout the book I just couldn’t get myself to connect to any of the characters, no matter how much I wanted to. Maybe I’m just being picky, but I felt that nothing really happened in this book. Which is completely fine and I’m 100% certain some people would love it, but I honestly found it kinda boring. The fmc is Australian, which I liked since I’m Australian myself! But she really didn’t have a very entertaining personality. Then the mmc, Jake, he’s a rugby player and is a really sweet guy, but again I found him to be a bit boring. I felt that we weren’t shown enough of these characters to truely connect to them, and that everything was rushed and then dragged out. Overall, the romance was pretty cute and again I’m sure some people would love this book, unfortunately i just wasn’t one of them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I don't usually enjoy novels that fit strictly into the romance genre but this one was great.
I found the characters to be well developed which added just enough depth to the story. I was invested in Ruby within the first few pages and loved how believable and likeable she was. I found myself empathising with her a lot.
Something I didn't expect was how much I loved all the Australian vernacular and references scattered through the book. It has made me wonder how much I miss when I read books written by foreign authors.
The story was really well paced and I didn't fall asleep with my kindle hitting my face while reading it even once! There were quite a few moments I literally laughed and the MMC is totally swoon-worthy.
I'll definitely check out Leesa Ronald's other books.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I found the characters to be well developed which added just enough depth to the story. I was invested in Ruby within the first few pages and loved how believable and likeable she was. I found myself empathising with her a lot.
Something I didn't expect was how much I loved all the Australian vernacular and references scattered through the book. It has made me wonder how much I miss when I read books written by foreign authors.
The story was really well paced and I didn't fall asleep with my kindle hitting my face while reading it even once! There were quite a few moments I literally laughed and the MMC is totally swoon-worthy.
I'll definitely check out Leesa Ronald's other books.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have loved Leesa’s previous 2 books and I had no doubt this would be just as fabulous. I was hooked from the first page and realised I might have made a mistake starting this just before bed. Next thing I knew it was 1.30am and I’d read 64 per cent.
Leesa writes characters that leap off the page and feel so real. I felt really sad leaving Jake and Ruby behind when I finished reading. I love Leesa’s sense of humour and her sense of comedic timing. And as much as I loved the romance, I also loved the real life challenges facing characters in their 30s.
Don’t know anything about rugby? No worries - you’ll still love this book with its cast of characters and overseas settings!
5 star and will definitely read again!
Leesa writes characters that leap off the page and feel so real. I felt really sad leaving Jake and Ruby behind when I finished reading. I love Leesa’s sense of humour and her sense of comedic timing. And as much as I loved the romance, I also loved the real life challenges facing characters in their 30s.
Don’t know anything about rugby? No worries - you’ll still love this book with its cast of characters and overseas settings!
5 star and will definitely read again!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Match Fit by Leesa Ronald ⚽💕
⭐ 3.5/5 stars
This was such a cute sports romance!
I really enjoyed the characters and the dialogue throughout the book. Leesa Ronald has a lovely writing style, and I found myself really enjoying the interactions between the characters.
My only issue was the pacing. At times, I felt like there was a lot of writing without much actually happening, which made parts of the story feel a little drawn out.
Overall, though, this was a sweet and enjoyable read! If you’re looking for a cute, easygoing sports romance, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. 💗
⭐ 3.5/5 stars
This was such a cute sports romance!
I really enjoyed the characters and the dialogue throughout the book. Leesa Ronald has a lovely writing style, and I found myself really enjoying the interactions between the characters.
My only issue was the pacing. At times, I felt like there was a lot of writing without much actually happening, which made parts of the story feel a little drawn out.
Overall, though, this was a sweet and enjoyable read! If you’re looking for a cute, easygoing sports romance, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. 💗
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Match Fit has all the perfect ingredients of a rom-com; friends to lovers, long distance relationships, slow burn romance and problematic road blocks such as an annoying fiance, a chaotic breakup, and some poor job prospects.
Although it took me a few chapters to really get into the story, I soon became curious to see where Ruby and Jake's friendship would lead them. There were some very likeable and relatable characters such as Clive, the abrupt and surly rugby player, Candice, Ruby's loyal and protective best friend and Graeme, Ruby's dad, who loves karaoke and wearing pineapple shirts.
I enjoyed watching a friendship develop between Clive and Ruby, whilst at the same time, her witty repartee with Jake was endearing as their friendship developed into romance. By the end of the book, Ruby realises that she needs to live her own life the way she chooses to, and not to please everyone she loves.
Thankyou @NetGalley, @AllenandUnwin and Leesa Reynolds for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although it took me a few chapters to really get into the story, I soon became curious to see where Ruby and Jake's friendship would lead them. There were some very likeable and relatable characters such as Clive, the abrupt and surly rugby player, Candice, Ruby's loyal and protective best friend and Graeme, Ruby's dad, who loves karaoke and wearing pineapple shirts.
I enjoyed watching a friendship develop between Clive and Ruby, whilst at the same time, her witty repartee with Jake was endearing as their friendship developed into romance. By the end of the book, Ruby realises that she needs to live her own life the way she chooses to, and not to please everyone she loves.
Thankyou @NetGalley, @AllenandUnwin and Leesa Reynolds for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
- The narration feels like you’re reading the main character’s direct unfiltered thoughts, which can take a while to get used to
- it’s kind of a friends-to-lovers except she found him hot since the start, but maybe it leaned too much on the friends side so I couldn’t feel the chemistry as much as I would have liked?
- but the characters have this awkward but endearing energy that makes you want to root for them so I still stayed till the end for their happy ending
- also it was set in sydney which feels so weird to read as a sydneysider since I seldom see books set in my own country lol
- it’s kind of a friends-to-lovers except she found him hot since the start, but maybe it leaned too much on the friends side so I couldn’t feel the chemistry as much as I would have liked?
- but the characters have this awkward but endearing energy that makes you want to root for them so I still stayed till the end for their happy ending
- also it was set in sydney which feels so weird to read as a sydneysider since I seldom see books set in my own country lol
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Look, I don’t know anything about rugby, and I still enjoyed this book. So well written, characters were real and witty! and I don’t generally lol (literally) but reading this one, I did…which resulted in me having to explain the ridiculous microphone (wink wink) to my husband. Full disclosure, the story probably particularly resonated with me given the cross-continent love angle. Long distance DOES suck and never works.
Enjoyed it enough that I’m going to look into what else Leesa has written and watch for what’s next.
Enjoyed it enough that I’m going to look into what else Leesa has written and watch for what’s next.
September 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
Match Fit is my second Leesa Ronald book, and somehow they just keep getting better and better.
I absolutely love a rom-com set in Australia, and this one was such a delight to read. Leesa’s writing is warm, engaging, and full of witty banter. The chemistry and dialogue between Ruby and Jake felt so natural, charming, and genuinely entertaining.
This was another wholesome, cosy read that left me smiling. If you’re looking for a feel good romance with heart, humour, and plenty of charm, I highly recommend it!!
Match Fit is my second Leesa Ronald book, and somehow they just keep getting better and better.
I absolutely love a rom-com set in Australia, and this one was such a delight to read. Leesa’s writing is warm, engaging, and full of witty banter. The chemistry and dialogue between Ruby and Jake felt so natural, charming, and genuinely entertaining.
This was another wholesome, cosy read that left me smiling. If you’re looking for a feel good romance with heart, humour, and plenty of charm, I highly recommend it!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely carefree, easy read. I enjoyed Ruby's down to earth nature and it made her easy to relate to. It was a slow burn at the start unsure how things would go with her love life. I enjoyed seeing her grow in confidence, learn to trust and love herself to follow her dreams. There were some interesting twists with Clive, Anton and then the business class flight. I would have liked to know a bit more about Ruby's career and study at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cute little rom-com. I really enjoyed that it was set around Rugby and mainly in Australia! LOVED the green flag MMC and how pure and beautiful the relationship was. The slow burn friends to lovers was really well done without any major miscommunication tropes. Any miscommunication was explained and fell into the characters personality traits.
This whole book gave me butterflies!
I will definitely be reading more from this author as I read this in one night!
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for this ARC.
This whole book gave me butterflies!
I will definitely be reading more from this author as I read this in one night!
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for this ARC.
September 24, 2026
Read as an ARC. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for the ARC of this book!!
I loved this book. Loved the banter, some of the best banter I’ve read in ages! Loved the side characters and the travel destinations.
I am not one who loves the miscommunication trope but I could get past that by how much I enjoyed this book and was rooting for the main characters.
Highly recommend! 4 stars!
I loved this book. Loved the banter, some of the best banter I’ve read in ages! Loved the side characters and the travel destinations.
I am not one who loves the miscommunication trope but I could get past that by how much I enjoyed this book and was rooting for the main characters.
Highly recommend! 4 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review
A heartwarming story of personal growth and empowerment.
I had so many mixed emotions while reading match fit. The progression of both relationships with Ruby and Jake, and Ruby and Clive through the book is so heart warming. I was legit wondering who she would end up with until Clives bombshell!
Beautifully written, and love that New Zealand made a feature ( kiwi gal here).
"But he wasn't a rescue dog after all: he was a golden bloody retriever"
A heartwarming story of personal growth and empowerment.
I had so many mixed emotions while reading match fit. The progression of both relationships with Ruby and Jake, and Ruby and Clive through the book is so heart warming. I was legit wondering who she would end up with until Clives bombshell!
Beautifully written, and love that New Zealand made a feature ( kiwi gal here).
"But he wasn't a rescue dog after all: he was a golden bloody retriever"
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first read from Leesa Ronald and I couldn’t be happier I came across her writing. I really enjoyed the Aussie take on a sport romance as this made it super relatable. My favourite part though has to be the fact it was not a college or high school romance. I really enjoyed the slow burn however the only thing that lost it a star is the miscommunication trope… not one of my faves. Although, everything else was so much fun to read and even had me laughing out loud whilst reading!
October 6, 2026
I’m so excited to share this review because it’s by an Australian author, Leesa Ronald!
There’s something special about reading a story where you can relate to the setting, the language and all those little details that feel familiar. The writing style was so easy to get into, and I loved the slow-burn romance. It had me smiling throughout!
Jake is a walking green flag. It was so nice to read a sports romance with characters in their 30s who felt relatable, and an MMC who isn’t emotionally unavailable. Just a genuinely good guy who made me smile!
One of my favourite parts was Ruby’s developing friendship with Clive. He’s grumpy and misunderstood, and I loved seeing how Ruby connected with him and got to know the person beneath the surface.
Such a fun read that left me with a big smile on my face!
Thanks NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
There’s something special about reading a story where you can relate to the setting, the language and all those little details that feel familiar. The writing style was so easy to get into, and I loved the slow-burn romance. It had me smiling throughout!
Jake is a walking green flag. It was so nice to read a sports romance with characters in their 30s who felt relatable, and an MMC who isn’t emotionally unavailable. Just a genuinely good guy who made me smile!
One of my favourite parts was Ruby’s developing friendship with Clive. He’s grumpy and misunderstood, and I loved seeing how Ruby connected with him and got to know the person beneath the surface.
Such a fun read that left me with a big smile on my face!
Thanks NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I didn't expect a Rugby 7's romance to do it for me but this really hit the spot. I was giddy, laughed, actually enjoyed the Australian references (though the crikey's sometimes took me out) and genuinely loved and rooted for the romance. I am officially a Leesa Ronald fan and I can't wait to read their backlist.
I'm going to be recommending this one to all my bookish friends to try and get it the traction I believe it deserves.
I'm going to be recommending this one to all my bookish friends to try and get it the traction I believe it deserves.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review of advance copy received from publisher
Grated apple on muesli?! How have I not known about this?!?! 🤣
Leesa’s latest book is a nice, easy read. I enjoyed the characters, the family dynamics, and the development of Ruby’s inner voice. For sure would recommend to friends for a light-hearted, romantic read.
Grated apple on muesli?! How have I not known about this?!?! 🤣
Leesa’s latest book is a nice, easy read. I enjoyed the characters, the family dynamics, and the development of Ruby’s inner voice. For sure would recommend to friends for a light-hearted, romantic read.
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