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Match #4
An Astonishing Match
Book #4 in The March Series - from USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Dunlop, a comedic, contemporary romance series featuring the high-tech antics of matchmaking senior citizens unleashed on their unsuspecting heirs.
Construction boss Hunter Vashon owes a huge debt to his grandmother Daisy for keeping his teenage secrets. When she asks for his help playing “Henry Higgins” to match-make his older brother, he can’t possibly say no.
Machinist Kalie Gray has never been one for dresses and frills. She spends her days crafting state-of-the-art robotic parts and her weekends at dusty, off-road race-tracks. So she’s confused when handsome, sexy Hunter Vashon shows an interest in her.
Kalie might be his brother’s perfect match, but Hunter can’t seem to stop himself from falling for her. She’s smart, funny and down to earth. And after her makeover, she’s drop dead gorgeous. He wants her for himself and tries desperately to reason with his grandmother. But Daisy stands her ground, and Hunter is torn between family loyalty and the woman he loves.
The Match series
Book 1: An Unlikely Match
Book 2: An Impractical Match
Book 3: An Extraordinary Match
Book 4: An Astonishing Match
Book 5: An Unpredictable Match
Construction boss Hunter Vashon owes a huge debt to his grandmother Daisy for keeping his teenage secrets. When she asks for his help playing “Henry Higgins” to match-make his older brother, he can’t possibly say no.
Machinist Kalie Gray has never been one for dresses and frills. She spends her days crafting state-of-the-art robotic parts and her weekends at dusty, off-road race-tracks. So she’s confused when handsome, sexy Hunter Vashon shows an interest in her.
Kalie might be his brother’s perfect match, but Hunter can’t seem to stop himself from falling for her. She’s smart, funny and down to earth. And after her makeover, she’s drop dead gorgeous. He wants her for himself and tries desperately to reason with his grandmother. But Daisy stands her ground, and Hunter is torn between family loyalty and the woman he loves.
The Match series
Book 1: An Unlikely Match
Book 2: An Impractical Match
Book 3: An Extraordinary Match
Book 4: An Astonishing Match
Book 5: An Unpredictable Match
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2014
387 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Dunlop
465 books150 followersBarbara Dunlop is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty romance and romantic comedy novels, including the new Paradise, Alaska Romance series for Berkley and the recent Gambling Men series with Harlequin Desire. Published in multiple languages across a worldwide market, Barbara’s books have received numerous awards with a number of her stories optioned for film and television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 5, 2018
This is the first time I really didn't like the matchmaking senior citizens. They decided that this match between Kalie and Hammond wouldn't work because Kalie wasn't the type he usually goes for. So they blackmail his brother Hunter into fixing her up so Hammond will be attracted to her. Hunter, obviously falls in love with her but can't act on it because of the promise he made to his grandmother.
I hated that the whole premise of this romance was that according to the old folks, Kalie needed to change before she would work for Hammond. Hunter loved everything about her and didn't want her to change. He thought she was perfect. But throughout the story, he is insensitive, hot and cold, and confusing. I'm sure it was supposed to be humorous, but I found it annoying and I hated that Kalie had to feel bad so that the computer program wouldn't be proved wrong. And poor Hunter. Near the end of the story Hunter flies to Florida to confront his grandma and things get ludicrous. Did no one think about the repercussions of their selfishness in insisting that Hammond had to be in love and Hunter would just forget and move on? I'm sure that the brother's already strained relationship would have been destroyed and they would have never spoken again. But the matchmaking program! It can't be wrong. It just got stupid.
The romance between Hunter and Kalie was sweet and they were so fun and funny together. That was the highlight of the book.
But those idiots in Florida almost ruined a good book. I don't think I can forgive them.
I've been reading these books because I got a few on sale. I have enjoyed them, but I don't think I'll continue unless I can find them on sale again or borrow them from the library.
I hated that the whole premise of this romance was that according to the old folks, Kalie needed to change before she would work for Hammond. Hunter loved everything about her and didn't want her to change. He thought she was perfect. But throughout the story, he is insensitive, hot and cold, and confusing. I'm sure it was supposed to be humorous, but I found it annoying and I hated that Kalie had to feel bad so that the computer program wouldn't be proved wrong. And poor Hunter. Near the end of the story Hunter flies to Florida to confront his grandma and things get ludicrous. Did no one think about the repercussions of their selfishness in insisting that Hammond had to be in love and Hunter would just forget and move on? I'm sure that the brother's already strained relationship would have been destroyed and they would have never spoken again. But the matchmaking program! It can't be wrong. It just got stupid.
The romance between Hunter and Kalie was sweet and they were so fun and funny together. That was the highlight of the book.
But those idiots in Florida almost ruined a good book. I don't think I can forgive them.
I've been reading these books because I got a few on sale. I have enjoyed them, but I don't think I'll continue unless I can find them on sale again or borrow them from the library.
Read
June 4, 2017This was a standard escapist sort of romance. Slightly over the top but enjoyable even if it won't stand out in the long run. If you want a dependable type of story give it a shot.
July 14, 2023
Another hilarious and heartwarming entry in an adorable matchmaker series
Every one of the five books in this series is a keeper, and this one is especially cute. I confess that I don't normally enjoy romance novels with plots that center heavily around renovating a derelict house, because I find all of the repair details excruciatingly boring. But the reason that trope works for me within this particular romance novel is that the talented author never lets the construction work upstage the two highly sympathetic, 20-something protagonists, Kalie and Hunter. In addition, Hunter's competent and generous assistance to Kalie with her home remodeling strongly reveals how much these two fascinating individuals have in common, in every possible way.
There is a really fun plot twist in this story that makes it stand out from the other four books in the series. It would be a spoiler to reveal how it comes about, but due to well plotted, comic irony, the senior citizens, who are the quirky matchmakers throughout this series, end up being the biggest external conflict standing in the way of these two lovers, who are obviously soulmates, from achieving their HEA.
I have read this delightful book multiple times in the years since it was released, and my most recent reread this week has been as enjoyable as every other one. Speaking as a huge fan of romantic comedies, this is a truly terrific example of the best of the best of that subgenre of romance.
Every one of the five books in this series is a keeper, and this one is especially cute. I confess that I don't normally enjoy romance novels with plots that center heavily around renovating a derelict house, because I find all of the repair details excruciatingly boring. But the reason that trope works for me within this particular romance novel is that the talented author never lets the construction work upstage the two highly sympathetic, 20-something protagonists, Kalie and Hunter. In addition, Hunter's competent and generous assistance to Kalie with her home remodeling strongly reveals how much these two fascinating individuals have in common, in every possible way.
There is a really fun plot twist in this story that makes it stand out from the other four books in the series. It would be a spoiler to reveal how it comes about, but due to well plotted, comic irony, the senior citizens, who are the quirky matchmakers throughout this series, end up being the biggest external conflict standing in the way of these two lovers, who are obviously soulmates, from achieving their HEA.
I have read this delightful book multiple times in the years since it was released, and my most recent reread this week has been as enjoyable as every other one. Speaking as a huge fan of romantic comedies, this is a truly terrific example of the best of the best of that subgenre of romance.
May 24, 2017
I am reading a bunch of free books in hopes of finding some more authors to love. While I liked this book maybe I didn't love it. I thought the grandparents who were arranging matches for their relatives were some what shallow. It could be that I started with the 4th book, but (spoiler alert) I really don't think a grandmother who was the only one who appreciated or loved their grandson would shut him down on the girl he loves (or kidnap him for that matter) when he says that he is in love with the girl she thinks is meant for his brother. That part didn't ring true to me.
Definitely a light, easy read. Too much sex way too soon.
Definitely a light, easy read. Too much sex way too soon.
April 29, 2021
⭐️⭐️
I wasn’t going to read it because I knew the plot twist right away but I finished it. The Author is a great writer but the story was just so unbelievable. I think my eyes almost got stuck at the top of my head. 🙄 They both seemed like teenagers and that got annoying quick.
There are also a lot of wrong words used. Not misspelled, so they wouldn’t be caught in spell check. Words that the meaning changes when a letter is dropped or the last letter in the word is wrong.
I wasn’t going to read it because I knew the plot twist right away but I finished it. The Author is a great writer but the story was just so unbelievable. I think my eyes almost got stuck at the top of my head. 🙄 They both seemed like teenagers and that got annoying quick.
There are also a lot of wrong words used. Not misspelled, so they wouldn’t be caught in spell check. Words that the meaning changes when a letter is dropped or the last letter in the word is wrong.
May 23, 2017
A wrong keystroke
A match computer program, began by some retired folks results in a confusing time for two brothers and one young woman. A funny approach to computer arranged dating, especially since the couple themselves do not do the filling out of any forms. An interesting beginning to a series for me.
A match computer program, began by some retired folks results in a confusing time for two brothers and one young woman. A funny approach to computer arranged dating, especially since the couple themselves do not do the filling out of any forms. An interesting beginning to a series for me.
May 24, 2017
Quick and enjoyable
A relatively short, but entertaining, read. It actually had a storyline and wasn't just about sex. They didn't fall into bed at their first encounter, and when they did fall into bed, or actually up against the wall, we were spared the majority of the details, which I don't need to read every time. Thanks, Ms. Dunlop.
A relatively short, but entertaining, read. It actually had a storyline and wasn't just about sex. They didn't fall into bed at their first encounter, and when they did fall into bed, or actually up against the wall, we were spared the majority of the details, which I don't need to read every time. Thanks, Ms. Dunlop.
May 25, 2017
Loved it
What do you get with grandparents, a crazy computer program and lots single young people. You get set ups that are not made to look like out. Daisy means to set up her oldest grandson Hammond with Kalie, and blackmails his younger brother. What could happen. Read it to see.
What do you get with grandparents, a crazy computer program and lots single young people. You get set ups that are not made to look like out. Daisy means to set up her oldest grandson Hammond with Kalie, and blackmails his younger brother. What could happen. Read it to see.
May 27, 2017
Good story line
This actually had a good story and I couldn't put it down. Most of the books I've read lately are all about how they can't wait to get each other's clothes off and jump each other. I wish I could read more of Miss Dunlops books but I can't afford to buy the rest of the series and kindle unlimited too.
This actually had a good story and I couldn't put it down. Most of the books I've read lately are all about how they can't wait to get each other's clothes off and jump each other. I wish I could read more of Miss Dunlops books but I can't afford to buy the rest of the series and kindle unlimited too.
May 28, 2017
Read it all in one night
It sucked me right in and I stayed up half the night to finish it. A unique story line that opened the door for some funny and confusing situations. All the characters were likable-even the grandmother who was obviously wrong. A great book that left me with a big smile.
It sucked me right in and I stayed up half the night to finish it. A unique story line that opened the door for some funny and confusing situations. All the characters were likable-even the grandmother who was obviously wrong. A great book that left me with a big smile.
April 12, 2018
An Astonishing Match
This one was kinda of twisted. Hunter agrees to help set his brother up with Kalie. Upon meeting her he wants her for himself. But he promised. Kalie doesn't know what to think. Hunter blows hot then cold and then sets her up with his brother.
Plenty of laugh out loud moments.
This one was kinda of twisted. Hunter agrees to help set his brother up with Kalie. Upon meeting her he wants her for himself. But he promised. Kalie doesn't know what to think. Hunter blows hot then cold and then sets her up with his brother.
Plenty of laugh out loud moments.
March 30, 2020
A fun story. Hunter's grandmother and her elderly cronies have built a matchmaking program. They've picked out a girl for Hunter's brother but they need Hunter to polish her up so she makes a good first impression. The problem is Hunter wants her for himself, but he owes his grandmother too much to thwart her plans.
It was fun watching him resist her.
It was fun watching him resist her.
May 24, 2017
Love the seniors in Florida - they are so funny. Their matchmaking plans don't go as smoothly this time and it makes for a unique story. Lots of humor with strong characters. Thoroughly recommend reading Barbara Dunlop's series!
May 27, 2017
The matchmaking seniors are at it again....
This is a fun fourth installment of the antics of a group of matchmaking seniors who use a custom computer program to find true love for their unsuspecting relatives....cute.
This is a fun fourth installment of the antics of a group of matchmaking seniors who use a custom computer program to find true love for their unsuspecting relatives....cute.
May 23, 2017
3.5 Stars
May 28, 2017
A sweet, fun read...that I've unfortunately forgot most of the salient points about a week later. But it hit the spot at the time. :-)
June 14, 2017
Cute interesting book... probably won't make me go back and read the first three books in the series though.
June 18, 2017
Predictable but still a fun read.
October 5, 2017
This love story was cute in some parts, but too formulaic to be riveting.
July 23, 2017
This was fun. The plotting senior citizens are a nice touch. Good characters and hooray for a heroine who is a machinist!
September 1, 2017
Cute story. I would be interested in reading other books in the series.
September 26, 2017
A somewhat funny premise but well worth reading. The things we do for family. Add it to your list.
January 11, 2023
Mistaken
It felt like something was wrong but oh so right through most of the story. A blue collar romance with a large budget.
It felt like something was wrong but oh so right through most of the story. A blue collar romance with a large budget.
September 8, 2024
:)
This one was probably my favorite book in the series!!!! I loved the ending. One more book left to finish the series
This one was probably my favorite book in the series!!!! I loved the ending. One more book left to finish the series
June 4, 2025
Agree with Kate and disagree with Amy. Loved this series!!! As a Senior I enjoyed the five Seniors having a good time with matchmaking. I thought this one - the fourth was the best so far. I will be sorry to see the end of the fifth one.
July 5, 2017
This is a good book. I enjoyed reading it. Although the matchmaking seniors angle is a bit much, and the program that always makes perfect matches. But, overall, it's a good book and a fun read.
October 9, 2017
I like it. It was kind of predictable but I liked it.
January 10, 2021
A wonderful tale of romance
4 stars
I haven’t read any of the other books in the Match series (of which this is the fourth book) and I didn’t feel that I was missing out by not having done so. There were references to the couples in the previous books, and of course the matchmaking geriatrics - the common theme across the series - were doing their thing but everything stayed within the moment of this book.
From the very first, this was a fresh, fun and light story. The writing is superb and you get drawn into the story so easily and quickly that you fall for both Kalie and Hunter as soon as you meet. And as soon as they meet each other you just know they’re perfect for each other. There’s a lot of banter, a lot of fun and a lot of conversations that you could honestly believe normal people would have with each other.
There’s some minor storylines working away in the background but these just add depth to - and never take away from - our main love story. Speaking of that, I loved how the romance between Hunter and Kalie developed slowly and that we got to see it all happening. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach and the giddiness you feel when you meet someone you like.
There were only 2 points that stopped me from giving this book 5 stars and it was really more of a personal preference rather than a criticism of the book itself. Firstly, I would have loved there to be just a little bit more heat. The sensuality really worked for me and the tension that continued to build between Hunter and Kalie throughout the book - loved it. I felt that these elements and the writing style really lent themselves to something a wee bit racier when it came to sexy times. All that build up and then just pleasantly warm.
The second thing is that I would have loved something extra at the end of the book. I always moan about books that don’t have epilogues and I just felt that this one was crying out for one. Even if the matchmaking group did their bit in the epilogue - I just wanted more time with Hunter and Kalie.
Now I feel a bit mean for only giving this book 4 stars when I enjoyed it as much as I did and only had very minor peeves. I would highly recommend this story and I’m planning to put the rest of this series on my wishlist in the hopes that they’re even half as enjoyable as this story.
July 24, 2014
Another great edition to the series
This is such a great series. I've enjoyed every installment. Hunter and Kalie's story is fun, predictable and full of chemistry. I can hardly wait for more in the series.
This is such a great series. I've enjoyed every installment. Hunter and Kalie's story is fun, predictable and full of chemistry. I can hardly wait for more in the series.
July 31, 2014
Another great addition to the "Match" series. Love those crazy matchmaking seniors. Knew something wasn't right with the initial match. Really loved Hunter and glad he ended up with Kalie. Looking forward to more in series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews