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Perfect Match #1
Perfect Match
Secrets can derail even the most powerful attraction.
Logger Sven Larson has never found a man worth publicly coming out of the closet for. But his family has other plans. As a thirtieth birthday gift, his mother hires the online dating service Perfect Match to find Sven the love of his life. To say Sven isn't thrilled is an understatement, but it's too late to cancel, and Jayden Calver arrives.
Perfect Match's success rate is unsurpassed, but they don't come by it if a client can't be matched, the agency uses a stand-in to fulfil their guarantee and protect their profit.
Tough luck has left Jayden in debt, and playing Perfect Match's deceptive game is his only option. So he travels — sparkling toenails and all — to a remote camp deep in the mountains to meet Sven Larson and pretend to be his perfect match for a few days.
Sparks fly on first contact. But as the two men get closer, Sven grows more and more suspicious of Jayden, and Jayden struggles with guilt over his deceit. They both want a future together, but first they must find the courage to be honest with themselves and each other.
Logger Sven Larson has never found a man worth publicly coming out of the closet for. But his family has other plans. As a thirtieth birthday gift, his mother hires the online dating service Perfect Match to find Sven the love of his life. To say Sven isn't thrilled is an understatement, but it's too late to cancel, and Jayden Calver arrives.
Perfect Match's success rate is unsurpassed, but they don't come by it if a client can't be matched, the agency uses a stand-in to fulfil their guarantee and protect their profit.
Tough luck has left Jayden in debt, and playing Perfect Match's deceptive game is his only option. So he travels — sparkling toenails and all — to a remote camp deep in the mountains to meet Sven Larson and pretend to be his perfect match for a few days.
Sparks fly on first contact. But as the two men get closer, Sven grows more and more suspicious of Jayden, and Jayden struggles with guilt over his deceit. They both want a future together, but first they must find the courage to be honest with themselves and each other.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2019
6 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Meiers
14 books35 followersEighteen years ago, AG Meiers came to the US for adventure and stayed for love. Currently, she lives in New England with her husband and two awesome kids—balancing work, friends and family, and writing.
As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after.
As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 22, 2018
3.5 stars!
What a great story! Relatively low angst and a great HEA for these two heartwarming MCs.
Family shenanigans and poor decisions bring these two "opposites attract" together. Effeminate, OCD, Jayden (love that name) is in a financial bind which he's obligated to work off with a matchmaking agency that's not altogether on the up and up. Good thing his first "match" is with big, handsome, logger Sven.
While the attraction is mutual, it isn't hearts and flowers from the beginning. A rocky start and hidden deception try to derail this "perfect match". I loved how neither MC flies off the handle. It's wonderful to see two adults work things out by talking. Yes, talking to each other. Wonderful invention that. ;-)
I enjoyed this romance. A LOT.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
What a great story! Relatively low angst and a great HEA for these two heartwarming MCs.
Family shenanigans and poor decisions bring these two "opposites attract" together. Effeminate, OCD, Jayden (love that name) is in a financial bind which he's obligated to work off with a matchmaking agency that's not altogether on the up and up. Good thing his first "match" is with big, handsome, logger Sven.
While the attraction is mutual, it isn't hearts and flowers from the beginning. A rocky start and hidden deception try to derail this "perfect match". I loved how neither MC flies off the handle. It's wonderful to see two adults work things out by talking. Yes, talking to each other. Wonderful invention that. ;-)
I enjoyed this romance. A LOT.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
January 13, 2019
Perfect Match is a fun, nicely written story with interesting character and a couple of good plot twists. I'm hoping A.G. Meiers has a few more episodes in this series ready to go, I'll be looking to read them. I needed something 100% enjoyable and this romantic little story was just right.
a copy of Perfect Match was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
a copy of Perfect Match was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
March 5, 2019
At the beginning of this book we find out that Jayden Calver is on the hook for about 8k in debt he owes due to his mother's illness. Unable to pay back the loan sharks, they kidnap him and keep him locked up in a dark room, threatening to hurt him more than once. His debt is then bought by the owner of Perfect Match, a dating agency that prides itself on finding the perfect match for its clients - always. And even if they can't, there are ways to still keep their perfect match promise. Thus Jayden becomes what amounts to an escort, playing the role of the match for a little while, instructed to offer himself in all ways, and then staging something that ends the budding relationship.
Sven Larson is a logger working for the family business, and his slightly overbearing family thinks that for this 30th birthday he's in need of a love match, so they hire Perfect Match to find the perfect man for Sven. They don't tell Sven about it until Jayden is already on the way. Needless to say, Sven is not thrilled, but he's willing to make the best of it until he can send Jayden back home, wherever that may be. He's not unkind, but he isn't interested in a relationship. Still, he can't deny that the slight vulnerable young man draws him in. Sparks begin to fly fairly quickly. UST flares and is resolved.
As they get to know each other, Jayden feels more and more guilty about the deceit, and Sven gets more and more suspicious of whether Jayden is telling the truth.
And then, when the truth comes out, it got a wee bit unbelievable. Instead of contacting the police to investigate this fraudulent company and Jayden's illegal sale into what amounts to be sex trade, Sven and his family decide to loan Jayden the money to pay off his debt instead. And they lived happily ever after. I'm sorry, but no. Sex trafficking is not something that's as easily swept under the rug as it was here, and the whole thing left a bit of an icky taste in my mouth and thus soured the whole book for me, especially since the company is left to operate in its illegal fashion, as we find out in the final chapter that sets up the next book.
I liked both Jayden and Sven as characters, and I thought they were, despite their obvious differences, quite well suited to one another. I liked Sven's family and how fiercely protective they were of each other, despite their idiosyncrasies. The author did a fine job creating a great cast of characters for this novel. The writing style also worked well for me - there wasn't any superfluous fluff, and the dialogue felt organic and realistic. I'm definitely interested in reading more by this author, even if this book didn't entirely work for me.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Sven Larson is a logger working for the family business, and his slightly overbearing family thinks that for this 30th birthday he's in need of a love match, so they hire Perfect Match to find the perfect man for Sven. They don't tell Sven about it until Jayden is already on the way. Needless to say, Sven is not thrilled, but he's willing to make the best of it until he can send Jayden back home, wherever that may be. He's not unkind, but he isn't interested in a relationship. Still, he can't deny that the slight vulnerable young man draws him in. Sparks begin to fly fairly quickly. UST flares and is resolved.
As they get to know each other, Jayden feels more and more guilty about the deceit, and Sven gets more and more suspicious of whether Jayden is telling the truth.
And then, when the truth comes out, it got a wee bit unbelievable. Instead of contacting the police to investigate this fraudulent company and Jayden's illegal sale into what amounts to be sex trade, Sven and his family decide to loan Jayden the money to pay off his debt instead. And they lived happily ever after. I'm sorry, but no. Sex trafficking is not something that's as easily swept under the rug as it was here, and the whole thing left a bit of an icky taste in my mouth and thus soured the whole book for me, especially since the company is left to operate in its illegal fashion, as we find out in the final chapter that sets up the next book.
I liked both Jayden and Sven as characters, and I thought they were, despite their obvious differences, quite well suited to one another. I liked Sven's family and how fiercely protective they were of each other, despite their idiosyncrasies. The author did a fine job creating a great cast of characters for this novel. The writing style also worked well for me - there wasn't any superfluous fluff, and the dialogue felt organic and realistic. I'm definitely interested in reading more by this author, even if this book didn't entirely work for me.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **
September 6, 2021
The blurb for "Perfect Match" captured my interest, but as I got into this story I found the entire premise frankly disturbing. WARNING .... there are NUMEROUS SPOILERS in this review.
Jayden is in debt to a unscrupulous loan shark for $8,000 because of his mother's medical bills and when he is unable to pay, two men drag him from his apartment and lock him in a small room for two days, threatening to hurt him in a number of horrible ways. He is "saved" when his "contract" is purchased by the dating service Perfect Match and he is basically trained as an escort.
Sure, Perfect Match does succeed in bringing people together but when they can't find an ideal match, Perfect Match sends out an escort, with instructions to "fuck his brains out" to keep the unsuspecting matchee unaware that their "perfect match" is just an illusion.
Sven's well-meaning family has paid a high fee to find a perfect match for him, and when Jayden appears in their home far away from civilization, Sven falls hard for Jayden, despite warning signs that Jayden may not be what he seems. I did like the growing romance between Sven and Jayden but would have liked more character development for the two MCs.
But when the secret behind Perfect Match is revealed .... does Sven contact the authorities to report that Jayden was "sold" into the sex trade? Does Jayden come to his senses and realize that he can go to the police and hopefully cause the people behind Perfect Match to be investigated? Nope. Sven and his family decide to PAY OFF Jayden's debt. And Sven and Jayden get their HEA while the final chapter returns us to Perfect Match and its shady / creepy owners and employees.
One of its employees, Alex who does initial calls with clients and entices them into this scam now has to go in Jayden's place to the next victim / client which I imagine will turn into the second book in this series.
I did like the author's writing style and thought she did a good job with the secondary characters and the general feel of the setting, and while I would have liked more character development, I thought the romance between Jayden and Sven was sweet. AND I know that other reviewers have enjoyed "Perfect Match" .... but for me personally, this story just did not work and I was appalled by the whole escort/sex trade aspect. 2.5 stars.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Jayden is in debt to a unscrupulous loan shark for $8,000 because of his mother's medical bills and when he is unable to pay, two men drag him from his apartment and lock him in a small room for two days, threatening to hurt him in a number of horrible ways. He is "saved" when his "contract" is purchased by the dating service Perfect Match and he is basically trained as an escort.
Sure, Perfect Match does succeed in bringing people together but when they can't find an ideal match, Perfect Match sends out an escort, with instructions to "fuck his brains out" to keep the unsuspecting matchee unaware that their "perfect match" is just an illusion.
Sven's well-meaning family has paid a high fee to find a perfect match for him, and when Jayden appears in their home far away from civilization, Sven falls hard for Jayden, despite warning signs that Jayden may not be what he seems. I did like the growing romance between Sven and Jayden but would have liked more character development for the two MCs.
But when the secret behind Perfect Match is revealed .... does Sven contact the authorities to report that Jayden was "sold" into the sex trade? Does Jayden come to his senses and realize that he can go to the police and hopefully cause the people behind Perfect Match to be investigated? Nope. Sven and his family decide to PAY OFF Jayden's debt. And Sven and Jayden get their HEA while the final chapter returns us to Perfect Match and its shady / creepy owners and employees.
One of its employees, Alex who does initial calls with clients and entices them into this scam now has to go in Jayden's place to the next victim / client which I imagine will turn into the second book in this series.
I did like the author's writing style and thought she did a good job with the secondary characters and the general feel of the setting, and while I would have liked more character development, I thought the romance between Jayden and Sven was sweet. AND I know that other reviewers have enjoyed "Perfect Match" .... but for me personally, this story just did not work and I was appalled by the whole escort/sex trade aspect. 2.5 stars.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 17, 2019
A very light hearted story in a country backdrop. Lovely protogonist with some endearing characteristics. Yet, the story could have had more depth. It felt like the love just happened too quick and everything fell into places in a fraction of a second. Still, a fun read. The epilogue had me big time.
December 30, 2018
I received an advance copy of Perfect Match from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Content Notes:
💕 amanormativity (there is a perfect [romantic] match for everyone)
💕 homomisic slurs
💕 homomisia
💕 past trauma, beat up, ptsd
💕 casual ableism
💕 alcohol consumption
💕 adding alcohol to a beverage without consent/knowledge
💕 MC facing forced prostitution if doesn’t work for Perfect Match company
💕 comments on MC’s weight, calling him “too skinny”
💕 younger MC called “kiddo” repeatedly
💕 death of mother in past, colon cancer
💕 death of father in past, heart attack
💕 sexual slavery(?)
💕 MC abandoned as toddler, adopted at 9
💕 masturbation
💕 MC who is closeted beyond family
💕 home invasion
💕 nightmares
💕 frottage while asleep
💕 explicit on page sexual content
💕 alcohol consumption, inebriation
💕 cutting someone off verbally by kissing them
💕 mention of rape
💕 stereotypes, societal assumptions based on appearances
💕 possessiveness
You know what I hate? When you build tension and conflict for eighty percent of the book and then have everything resolved and happy, hunky-Dory in no time.
I’m a huge fan of fake dating tropes, but this book was just a mess. Jayden is a young man who was scammed when his mother died from cancer and now he owes thousands of dollars to loan sharks. He was kidnapped and set up to be used as a prostitute to pay his debt, but was bought by Nicholas Carter, the owner and operator of Perfect Match, an online dating company that claims to be able to find your perfect match in one go. Jayden’s first assignment is Sven, a thirty-year-old logger and forester who also writes articles about his job. Jayden is a birthday present from Sven’s family because they think he needs someone, and he’s not out to anyone outside his family nor is he a particular fan of online dating. Jayden is sent to a remote town in Canada for ten days, and during that time he is supposed to make Sven believe they truly are perfect matches then break his heart and destroy any possible connection they may have.
A lot happens in the ten days the majority of the book occurs during. Sven is very hot and cold initially because he doesn’t trust online dating and thinks the whole premise of Perfect Match seems a little hinky. Still, he has Jayden spending time with him at his cabin and they start to connect. Jayden also spends a lot of time at the lodge Orla, Sven’s mother manages, and bakes different pies and cookies to woo and endear Sven. Jayden also connects with other members of Sven’s family and feels even more guilt about what he’s supposed to do because he cares for all of them, and especially Sven.
This book definitely had potential, but most of the time it felt too long, like the story was dragging as I waited for the happy ending. Jayden spends most of the book anxious about being found out and then worried about Sven’s reaction when he realizes Jayden has mental health that results in him needing order in his space. Sven recently lost his father and feels guilt for not being there when he had his heart attack as well as a desperate need not to leave his mother alone up there.
At about 80% Jayden finally confesses the truth of Perfect Match and his history. That’s a lot of book to have built this conflict up during, and then to have everything resolved before the last chapter? Like, Sven gives Jayden a loan for what he owes and they’re all giddy planning to move in together and start a life. It felt too easy and too sudden. So much do the book was focused on how Jayden was lying and scamming Sven and his family, and then all of a sudden everything’s great. It just didn’t work for me.
The epilogue kinda sets things up for more books in this series as it focuses on Nicholas Carter and his central team at Perfect Match. They’ve moved their offices to, most likely, keep Jayden from being able to find them again and are discussing future “marks.” Potential is there for an interesting series, but I doubt I’ll be following up on it.
Content Notes:
💕 amanormativity (there is a perfect [romantic] match for everyone)
💕 homomisic slurs
💕 homomisia
💕 past trauma, beat up, ptsd
💕 casual ableism
💕 alcohol consumption
💕 adding alcohol to a beverage without consent/knowledge
💕 MC facing forced prostitution if doesn’t work for Perfect Match company
💕 comments on MC’s weight, calling him “too skinny”
💕 younger MC called “kiddo” repeatedly
💕 death of mother in past, colon cancer
💕 death of father in past, heart attack
💕 sexual slavery(?)
💕 MC abandoned as toddler, adopted at 9
💕 masturbation
💕 MC who is closeted beyond family
💕 home invasion
💕 nightmares
💕 frottage while asleep
💕 explicit on page sexual content
💕 alcohol consumption, inebriation
💕 cutting someone off verbally by kissing them
💕 mention of rape
💕 stereotypes, societal assumptions based on appearances
💕 possessiveness
You know what I hate? When you build tension and conflict for eighty percent of the book and then have everything resolved and happy, hunky-Dory in no time.
I’m a huge fan of fake dating tropes, but this book was just a mess. Jayden is a young man who was scammed when his mother died from cancer and now he owes thousands of dollars to loan sharks. He was kidnapped and set up to be used as a prostitute to pay his debt, but was bought by Nicholas Carter, the owner and operator of Perfect Match, an online dating company that claims to be able to find your perfect match in one go. Jayden’s first assignment is Sven, a thirty-year-old logger and forester who also writes articles about his job. Jayden is a birthday present from Sven’s family because they think he needs someone, and he’s not out to anyone outside his family nor is he a particular fan of online dating. Jayden is sent to a remote town in Canada for ten days, and during that time he is supposed to make Sven believe they truly are perfect matches then break his heart and destroy any possible connection they may have.
A lot happens in the ten days the majority of the book occurs during. Sven is very hot and cold initially because he doesn’t trust online dating and thinks the whole premise of Perfect Match seems a little hinky. Still, he has Jayden spending time with him at his cabin and they start to connect. Jayden also spends a lot of time at the lodge Orla, Sven’s mother manages, and bakes different pies and cookies to woo and endear Sven. Jayden also connects with other members of Sven’s family and feels even more guilt about what he’s supposed to do because he cares for all of them, and especially Sven.
This book definitely had potential, but most of the time it felt too long, like the story was dragging as I waited for the happy ending. Jayden spends most of the book anxious about being found out and then worried about Sven’s reaction when he realizes Jayden has mental health that results in him needing order in his space. Sven recently lost his father and feels guilt for not being there when he had his heart attack as well as a desperate need not to leave his mother alone up there.
At about 80% Jayden finally confesses the truth of Perfect Match and his history. That’s a lot of book to have built this conflict up during, and then to have everything resolved before the last chapter? Like, Sven gives Jayden a loan for what he owes and they’re all giddy planning to move in together and start a life. It felt too easy and too sudden. So much do the book was focused on how Jayden was lying and scamming Sven and his family, and then all of a sudden everything’s great. It just didn’t work for me.
The epilogue kinda sets things up for more books in this series as it focuses on Nicholas Carter and his central team at Perfect Match. They’ve moved their offices to, most likely, keep Jayden from being able to find them again and are discussing future “marks.” Potential is there for an interesting series, but I doubt I’ll be following up on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Jayden is a victim of sex trafficking. Meiers’ solution for his freedom angered me. He borrowed money from Sven and his mom to buy his freedom.
Jayden was bought by Perfect Match from sex traffickers. If he never paid Perfect Match a dime, they couldn’t do anything. Their “dating service” was a scam. Buying human beings is illegal and morally bankrupt.
Meiers should have had Jayden finding the courage to testify against these people. Instead, the book ends with traffickers in another state setting someone else up with a perfect match.
Jayden was bought by Perfect Match from sex traffickers. If he never paid Perfect Match a dime, they couldn’t do anything. Their “dating service” was a scam. Buying human beings is illegal and morally bankrupt.
Meiers should have had Jayden finding the courage to testify against these people. Instead, the book ends with traffickers in another state setting someone else up with a perfect match.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2019
2 stars
Jayden is in a lot of debt, so he agrees to work for a matchmaking company. The company kind of fakes a match, and sends the "match" to meet whoever they are matched with. Jayden did not have contact with his match, but he has been coached on how to act. Unfortunately, Sven wasn't the one who chose Jayden, as his family decided that they wanted him to stop being so lonely. Still, they make the best of it, with Jayden trying to keep in mind that he is only there for a short time and then he has to go on to the next job.
Ugh. Where to start? The story was a a mess, and very confusing.
I never really bought the idea of Jayden and Sven together, since Jayden was pretending to be the person who the family was communicating with as Sven most of the time that they were getting to know each other. It felt more like lust than love, and even that wasn't sizzling.
The semi-ending was pat and cliche, and the actual ending was just ridiculous.
Jayden is in a lot of debt, so he agrees to work for a matchmaking company. The company kind of fakes a match, and sends the "match" to meet whoever they are matched with. Jayden did not have contact with his match, but he has been coached on how to act. Unfortunately, Sven wasn't the one who chose Jayden, as his family decided that they wanted him to stop being so lonely. Still, they make the best of it, with Jayden trying to keep in mind that he is only there for a short time and then he has to go on to the next job.
Ugh. Where to start? The story was a a mess, and very confusing.
I never really bought the idea of Jayden and Sven together, since Jayden was pretending to be the person who the family was communicating with as Sven most of the time that they were getting to know each other. It felt more like lust than love, and even that wasn't sizzling.
The semi-ending was pat and cliche, and the actual ending was just ridiculous.
January 24, 2019
Really cute, sweet story about two very different men who are matched together and have some secrets to come clean about.
I thought it was a fun read. I loved both Jayden and Sven and thought they were very sweet together. The plot kept me going and I highly enjoyed it!
*Arc provided for an honest review.
I thought it was a fun read. I loved both Jayden and Sven and thought they were very sweet together. The plot kept me going and I highly enjoyed it!
*Arc provided for an honest review.
February 2, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I really wanted to love this story about a bearish lumberjack who is matched online to a pretty city boy but the writing felt stilted and the characters never really came alive for me.
I didn’t quite buy into the relationship between Sven and Jayden. Sven is a bit rough, a bit closeted and not even necessarily kind to Jayden. Jayden is timid and desperate and his attachment to Sven feels a little bit opportunistic. I liked Jayden more than I liked Sven but I don’t feel like I got to know him well enough to really care about him. Sven’s mum and uncle are the character highlights in this story.
I want to avoid spoilers but after finishing the book, I was still confused about the dating website that set up Jayden and Sven. Initially, the organisers are villanised as scam artists who use Jayden’s debts to coerce him into a relationship. But then there’s a final chapter where I think we’re supposed to like the villains. I was annoyed that nothing was actually explained or resolved and the last chapter did little get the bad taste of dubious consent out of my mouth.
My biggest annoyance with this book is the setting. This is a book about a small town in rural British Columbia. As someone who grew up in rural BC, I have to wonder if the author had actually visited the area. BC is notoriously liberal and inclusive. The rest of Canada tends to see people from BC as quinoa munching hippies who wave rainbow flags and smoke a lot of weed. The descriptions of ignorant redneck lumberjacks and closeted forestry workers/RCMP officers living three hours from Vancouver does not ring true at all. I get that this setting allows the author to exaggerate the differences between Sven and Jayden but it feels more than a bit clumsy.
I really wanted to love this story about a bearish lumberjack who is matched online to a pretty city boy but the writing felt stilted and the characters never really came alive for me.
I didn’t quite buy into the relationship between Sven and Jayden. Sven is a bit rough, a bit closeted and not even necessarily kind to Jayden. Jayden is timid and desperate and his attachment to Sven feels a little bit opportunistic. I liked Jayden more than I liked Sven but I don’t feel like I got to know him well enough to really care about him. Sven’s mum and uncle are the character highlights in this story.
I want to avoid spoilers but after finishing the book, I was still confused about the dating website that set up Jayden and Sven. Initially, the organisers are villanised as scam artists who use Jayden’s debts to coerce him into a relationship. But then there’s a final chapter where I think we’re supposed to like the villains. I was annoyed that nothing was actually explained or resolved and the last chapter did little get the bad taste of dubious consent out of my mouth.
My biggest annoyance with this book is the setting. This is a book about a small town in rural British Columbia. As someone who grew up in rural BC, I have to wonder if the author had actually visited the area. BC is notoriously liberal and inclusive. The rest of Canada tends to see people from BC as quinoa munching hippies who wave rainbow flags and smoke a lot of weed. The descriptions of ignorant redneck lumberjacks and closeted forestry workers/RCMP officers living three hours from Vancouver does not ring true at all. I get that this setting allows the author to exaggerate the differences between Sven and Jayden but it feels more than a bit clumsy.
February 2, 2019
Perfect Match follows Sven, a lumberjack who has not found is Mr. Right, which concerns his family. So they take matters into their own hands to find him someone through an online site called Perfect Match. The result is the arrival of a somewhat effeminate young city boy named Jayden who is pretty much out of his comfort zone being surrounded by a group of gruff lumberjacks. Sven and Jayden couldn’t be more different, but there seems to be an attraction — a chemistry — between them.
But we soon learn that the company “Perfect Match” is not what it seems and that Jayden is actually trying to deceive and con Sven, though deep down, Jayden is really a decent guy. But the kicker is that Jayden has fallen for Sven. Moreover, he has some dark secrets that he doesn’t want anyone to find out, most of all, Sven. Naturally, all sorts of wacky hijinks ensue.
This was a light-hearted and fun gay romance with family shenanigans, sweet and endearing characters and two opposites who find each other. Perfect Match is a feel-good story that only had a teensy bit of angst, and it was fun to see the main characters slowly growing to trust and care for each other. The chemistry between them was terrific, and the writing made this book a heart-warming read. And you couldn’t help but fall in love with Sven’s family. All in all, a truly pleasant and solid reading experience.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and AG Meiers for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
But we soon learn that the company “Perfect Match” is not what it seems and that Jayden is actually trying to deceive and con Sven, though deep down, Jayden is really a decent guy. But the kicker is that Jayden has fallen for Sven. Moreover, he has some dark secrets that he doesn’t want anyone to find out, most of all, Sven. Naturally, all sorts of wacky hijinks ensue.
This was a light-hearted and fun gay romance with family shenanigans, sweet and endearing characters and two opposites who find each other. Perfect Match is a feel-good story that only had a teensy bit of angst, and it was fun to see the main characters slowly growing to trust and care for each other. The chemistry between them was terrific, and the writing made this book a heart-warming read. And you couldn’t help but fall in love with Sven’s family. All in all, a truly pleasant and solid reading experience.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and AG Meiers for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
4.5 stars. I enjoyed Sven's meddlesome family. They mean well, but wow, picking out a boyfriend is a bit of a stretch. Sven's hot and cold behavior with Jayden gave me whiplash at times. Jayden is sincerely kind and sweet but boy, has gotten himself into some serious problems. Both of the guys are struggling with guilt and regrets and find their healing in the other.
nope
January 30, 2019Tried the sample, didn't work for me.
Read
February 27, 2019Congratulations to my fellow NECRWA chapter mate on the publication of her first romance novel! Here's to many more to come, A. G.!
January 14, 2019
m/m
Opposites attract in this entertaining tale of the lumberjack and the city boy. Sven is a logger and author who receives his “Perfect Match” for his 3oth birthday from his nosey but loving family. Jayden is a city boy in financial trouble and is offered a way out by playing “Perfect Match” for Sven for ten days. Neither intended to fall for each other they just needed to get through it. It was fun watching them find their way into each others arms and hearts. I liked that they argued like adults.
I enjoyed this story. The ending is worth the read. I look forward to more Perfect Matches.
Opposites attract in this entertaining tale of the lumberjack and the city boy. Sven is a logger and author who receives his “Perfect Match” for his 3oth birthday from his nosey but loving family. Jayden is a city boy in financial trouble and is offered a way out by playing “Perfect Match” for Sven for ten days. Neither intended to fall for each other they just needed to get through it. It was fun watching them find their way into each others arms and hearts. I liked that they argued like adults.
I enjoyed this story. The ending is worth the read. I look forward to more Perfect Matches.
January 13, 2019
I found Sven's family initially overbearing and despite their intentions, not very supportive. But I liked all the confusion surrounding Jayden, and thought the humour and mistakes made it a fun and low angst read.
While things are eventually solved reasonably easily, it didn't happen quickly. So there was lots of character development and plot complications to keep this story humming along.
Both boys deserve to find their love match, and live their best lives. Enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for advanced copy. Due on January 14.
While things are eventually solved reasonably easily, it didn't happen quickly. So there was lots of character development and plot complications to keep this story humming along.
Both boys deserve to find their love match, and live their best lives. Enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for advanced copy. Due on January 14.
January 14, 2019
This was a really cute and sweet read. I loved Jayden even before readers were let in on his full story and then my heart broke for him. It was hard to get aggravated with Sven for not trusting Jayden for a couple of reasons. The biggest was because Perfect Match wasn't what it seemed to be and Jayden was trying to deceive him. But there was also the fact that he was really a good person who was at the mercy of his well meaning family. Add to that the fact that he was falling for Jayden just as hard as Jayden was falling for him and it was impossible to not want things to work out for both of them - even though things weren't stacked in their favor.
There were some extra surprises revealed in the epilogue of Perfect Match that leave some clues to the possibility of a series. I was really not a fan of the crew that runs the haphazard Match Making service, but... Well, I guess we'll just have to see what comes next ;)
I received Perfect Match in exchange for a fair and honest review.
There were some extra surprises revealed in the epilogue of Perfect Match that leave some clues to the possibility of a series. I was really not a fan of the crew that runs the haphazard Match Making service, but... Well, I guess we'll just have to see what comes next ;)
I received Perfect Match in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 6, 2019
I will admit I was fully prepared to not like Jayden. I thought he would have done something stupid and is now trying to cover for it by working for Perfect Match. Which is sort of true. His stupid thing was in a time of stress and I could see it happening and then things got worse, got really bad. So being a Perfect Match liar was in fact a better choice. He shows up wet, bedraggled, cold and a bit scared to meet Sven and turns out he’s meeting the whole family. Who are pretty scary in their own right. But he’s got to go through with it.
So we get Sven, who didn’t want anything to do with this matchmaking but realizes it’s important to his mother, and Jayden, who is playing a part for the next ten days. He plays it well but of course those darn feelings start to interfere with it being just a job. I liked that they didn’t jump into bed in the first five minutes. I even liked David, Sven’s ex-boyfriend who had some snarky, petty moments but then proves himself a decent friend.
The moment when the lies come to light and Sven and Jayden have the conversation was heartwrenching. I felt bad for Jayden but I felt devastated for Sven. “He’s gotten so wrapped up in his fantasies of him and Jayden together. Happiness. Something real. A future. He was such a fool.”
The whole of the scam behind Perfect Match makes you want to scream, knowing how they take advantage of people. And yet, for Jayden it was a way out of a terrible situation. But
I liked this very much, mainly because the connection between Sven and his family and Sven and Jayden made me care about them. “…he’d always known he could count on his family, while Jayden had nobody.” But it didn’t magically erase the hurt Sven felt and that seemed realistic. It’s an interesting take on a “mail-order bride” sort of story.
The cover, showing Sven and Jayden, is pretty simple but fits the story.
So we get Sven, who didn’t want anything to do with this matchmaking but realizes it’s important to his mother, and Jayden, who is playing a part for the next ten days. He plays it well but of course those darn feelings start to interfere with it being just a job. I liked that they didn’t jump into bed in the first five minutes. I even liked David, Sven’s ex-boyfriend who had some snarky, petty moments but then proves himself a decent friend.
The moment when the lies come to light and Sven and Jayden have the conversation was heartwrenching. I felt bad for Jayden but I felt devastated for Sven. “He’s gotten so wrapped up in his fantasies of him and Jayden together. Happiness. Something real. A future. He was such a fool.”
The whole of the scam behind Perfect Match makes you want to scream, knowing how they take advantage of people. And yet, for Jayden it was a way out of a terrible situation. But
I liked this very much, mainly because the connection between Sven and his family and Sven and Jayden made me care about them. “…he’d always known he could count on his family, while Jayden had nobody.” But it didn’t magically erase the hurt Sven felt and that seemed realistic. It’s an interesting take on a “mail-order bride” sort of story.
The cover, showing Sven and Jayden, is pretty simple but fits the story.
December 26, 2018
I loved this book! Jayden and Sven are just so adorable and so perfect for eachother! I loved Sven’s family and friends, I’m hoping a few of the guys will get stories of their own. I’m happy that it worked out for Sven and Jayden in the end, because they were so meant for eachother. I was absolutely hating the “Perfect Match” people until the epilogue, it made me see that they’re wounded in their own way, and they’re just maybe trying to do something good for themselves. If it’s Alex’s story next, then I’m very much looking forward to reading it! There could be many stories off this book, and I will gladly read any of them. I think this author is definitely going to be on my favorites list, this was an awesome debut book!
January 16, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this book since it was first recommended to me, and I really enjoyed it. I like a good opposites attract story and the dynamic between Sven and Jayden really worked for me. Both are just very likable characters and I was really rooting for them from the start. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
December 22, 2018
Cute premise for a story, with the whole perfect match set up by the meddling family members. I liked the character's and the setting of this story, the seclusion of the character's and the bond that was pretty instant between the two MC's. I enjoyed this one!
February 19, 2019
Jayden is a young gay man in serious debt following his mother's illness and death. He didn't know he was being conned into even more debt by a loan shark, who set him up for exploitation by the local mafia. He's "rescued" from a fate of indefinite prostitution by Nick Carter, a businessman who owns and runs the "Perfect Match" online dating service. For a series of fees, they will find anyone's perfect match, and fly them to the client's home for a short period of time so they can fall in love.
Only, they can't always find a perfect match, so escorts, like Jayden, are groomed to be the perfect match of the unmatchable. And rural logger and eco-writer Sven Larson is an unmatchable. There's truly nothing wrong with him, excepting his rural locale which is a logging community.
Jayden's arrival is nothing short of disastrous. He's soaked to the skin and scared out of his mind with the pressure of finding and wooing Sven. Sven wasn't expecting him--his adoptive family did the match as a gift for his 30th birthday. They thought he was super lonely--and he was--but had a recent breakup with a fellow closeted man prior to returning home in the wake of his father dying. Sven's family knows his sexuality and they fully embrace him, but Sven isn't sure he wants to come out. Being associated with Jayden, whose naturally effeminate, will surely tell all his secrets--and Sven isn't sure that's his life plan.
Meanwhile, Sven is so genuinely kind that Jayden's guilt at the subterfuge is eating him alive. Add to that, Jayden can't help catching feelings for Sven--he's the first man to show him care and affection, and his family is adoring and wonderful.
For me, I liked how Sven and Jayden interacted. I liked that Jayden wanted to please Sven, and truly make him happy. Jayden's in the worst predicament of his life, and he's still determined to care for Sven's feelings. Sven is a kind and gentle man. He wantst ot put Jayden at ease, and care for him. It may be a fake situation--and Sven suspects it is--but he treats Jayden well, for the most part.
The sex trafficking thing did trouble me. Jayden is finally overwhelmed by his guilt and reveals the depth of his financial woes to Sven. By then the choices each man has have been been narrowed--and the ending turns out happy for both of them.
The epilogue focuses on the staff of Perfect Match, who are a bit on the run in case Jayden decides to go to the cops--and highlights a couple of budding relationships that might be turned into new reads. While I didn't like the sex trafficking in this story, it seems like the next relationships (if this story is turned into a series) would feature men who aren't financially indentured to the company.
Only, they can't always find a perfect match, so escorts, like Jayden, are groomed to be the perfect match of the unmatchable. And rural logger and eco-writer Sven Larson is an unmatchable. There's truly nothing wrong with him, excepting his rural locale which is a logging community.
Jayden's arrival is nothing short of disastrous. He's soaked to the skin and scared out of his mind with the pressure of finding and wooing Sven. Sven wasn't expecting him--his adoptive family did the match as a gift for his 30th birthday. They thought he was super lonely--and he was--but had a recent breakup with a fellow closeted man prior to returning home in the wake of his father dying. Sven's family knows his sexuality and they fully embrace him, but Sven isn't sure he wants to come out. Being associated with Jayden, whose naturally effeminate, will surely tell all his secrets--and Sven isn't sure that's his life plan.
Meanwhile, Sven is so genuinely kind that Jayden's guilt at the subterfuge is eating him alive. Add to that, Jayden can't help catching feelings for Sven--he's the first man to show him care and affection, and his family is adoring and wonderful.
For me, I liked how Sven and Jayden interacted. I liked that Jayden wanted to please Sven, and truly make him happy. Jayden's in the worst predicament of his life, and he's still determined to care for Sven's feelings. Sven is a kind and gentle man. He wantst ot put Jayden at ease, and care for him. It may be a fake situation--and Sven suspects it is--but he treats Jayden well, for the most part.
The sex trafficking thing did trouble me. Jayden is finally overwhelmed by his guilt and reveals the depth of his financial woes to Sven. By then the choices each man has have been been narrowed--and the ending turns out happy for both of them.
The epilogue focuses on the staff of Perfect Match, who are a bit on the run in case Jayden decides to go to the cops--and highlights a couple of budding relationships that might be turned into new reads. While I didn't like the sex trafficking in this story, it seems like the next relationships (if this story is turned into a series) would feature men who aren't financially indentured to the company.
February 23, 2019
I'd actually give this 3.5 stars.
What I liked: Sven, his family, the setting, the dual-POV.
What grew on me: Jayden.
What I didn't like: the entire set-up (which seems completely ridiculous to me -- in fact, at first I thought maybe this was another world, like some kind of parallel universe or something; I just couldn't quite suspend my disbelief that an online dating site would send someone a complete stranger as a date for ten days).
Ultimately, Sven give this book all its heart, in my opinion. He was just a great character, and I liked how he overcame his past and his regrets. He's caring and giving and real, and he made up for a multitude of faults. Jayden wasn't as likable, to me, but he got more sympathetic as the book went on.
All in all, the relationship between the characters and the cool setting made this 3 stars; Sven gave it the other 1/2.
What I liked: Sven, his family, the setting, the dual-POV.
What grew on me: Jayden.
What I didn't like: the entire set-up (which seems completely ridiculous to me -- in fact, at first I thought maybe this was another world, like some kind of parallel universe or something; I just couldn't quite suspend my disbelief that an online dating site would send someone a complete stranger as a date for ten days).
Ultimately, Sven give this book all its heart, in my opinion. He was just a great character, and I liked how he overcame his past and his regrets. He's caring and giving and real, and he made up for a multitude of faults. Jayden wasn't as likable, to me, but he got more sympathetic as the book went on.
All in all, the relationship between the characters and the cool setting made this 3 stars; Sven gave it the other 1/2.
February 11, 2019
Quick read about Jayden who is in debt up to his ears after his mom dies. His loans get sold to a dating service offering a Perfect Match to their clients but under false pretenses. Jayden gets matched with Sven, a Canadian logger and is off to meet him in Canada. Initially they do not seem to get along which isn't surprising because the match is based on false info. However, the more time they spend together, the closer they get and they actually start to like each other in spite of their huge differences. Jayden has been lying from the get go and he must come clean to Sven in spite of falling for him. Pretty short story but reasonably well-written with a few curves. Definitely enjoyed the Canadian surroundings. Thanks to NG for the ARC!!
February 22, 2020
Easy to read, pacy but with some telling/too simple vibes.
Overall I was OK with it as the down on luck guy gets his man trope.
However, the dirty practices of Perfect Match are v dubious and demanding of the actions of, in this case, Jayden. These never followed up and at the end they are kind of made out to be ‘normal’ folks who did Jay a good turn by finding his match.
Sven and family are good ‘ol folks doing their best for one and all.
The resolution of everything is quite quick and easy.
So whilst could have been very angsty this is actually as sparkly as Jay’s toenails!
The end indicates a series and there is another book, but not the one that is indicated at the end.
May give Alex’s story a go if it is published.
Overall I was OK with it as the down on luck guy gets his man trope.
However, the dirty practices of Perfect Match are v dubious and demanding of the actions of, in this case, Jayden. These never followed up and at the end they are kind of made out to be ‘normal’ folks who did Jay a good turn by finding his match.
Sven and family are good ‘ol folks doing their best for one and all.
The resolution of everything is quite quick and easy.
So whilst could have been very angsty this is actually as sparkly as Jay’s toenails!
The end indicates a series and there is another book, but not the one that is indicated at the end.
May give Alex’s story a go if it is published.
January 18, 2019
Fun story about a family wanting to find the 'perfect match' for a lonely lumberjack. Of course nothing can be as it seems, and the story take a little time to dive into.
*Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 21, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Body shaming
Homomisia & homomisic slurs
Parental abandonment
Alcohol consumption
Nightmares
Death of a mother from colon cancer recounted
Death of a father from a heart attack recounted
Body shaming
Homomisia & homomisic slurs
Parental abandonment
Alcohol consumption
Nightmares
Death of a mother from colon cancer recounted
Death of a father from a heart attack recounted
March 2, 2023
Stories about conmen usually don't do anything for me. Even ones with sad backstories. But I liked Jayden from the start and was really rooting for him to get his HEA with Sven. Grumpy Sven was even easier to like. It took me a bit to get into the story, but I stayed with it. Good read.
April 29, 2025
3,8 🌟 Not bad at all. Had some nice twists, but unfortunately also some loose ends. But overall a fine romantic read 🫶🏻
The epilogue sort of implies there would/could be a book about Alex, but obviously there isn't one? Too bad because there could be grounds for more #
The epilogue sort of implies there would/could be a book about Alex, but obviously there isn't one? Too bad because there could be grounds for more #
January 16, 2019
** 3.5 Stars **
Enjoyable read!
Enjoyable read!
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