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Paradise, Alaska #1

Match Made in Paradise

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9 hours, 44 minutes

The first in an enchanting new contemporary romance series featuring rugged Alaskan pilots who are about to meet their match from New York Times bestselling author Barbara Dunlop.

Supermodel Mia Westberg has found herself under the scrutiny of the paparazzi after her much older husband dies and leaves her his fashion house. In order to stay out of the public eye, she packs her things and leaves Los Angeles, escaping to visit her cousin Raven, a shipping expeditor working in a remote part of Alaska--where Mia is sure the tabloids won't follow. But she isn't ready for everything Paradise, Alaska throws at her: the wild animals, insanely harsh weather, and a certain no-nonsense bush pilot.

When pilot Silas Burke flies a beautiful blonde into town, it doesn't take him long to figure her out. She's a spoiled, entitled city girl who has zero business in the rough terrain of Alaska, where the storms are as unforgiving as the dangerous wildlife. After seeing her struggle, and against his better judgment, he helps her acclimate to life in Paradise. But he's an impatient teacher and she's a frustrated pupil--and nothing gets them fired up more than each other. Can these two polar opposites find common ground and possibly something more?

Audible Audio

Published May 25, 2021

13 people are currently reading
275 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Dunlop

465 books150 followers
Barbara 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 68 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,276 reviews924 followers
June 25, 2021
Mia just lost her husband to a long-time illness and is being made the gold-digger villain in the press by her step-kids and the ex-wife. The media is stalking her and she’s getting death threats, but even worse her step-kids and the ex are contesting the will and trying to take over the company Mia has had a big part in making successful. While the lawyers battle it out, she decides to lay low until it blows over by escaping to her cousin Raven’s cottage in the Alaskan wilderness. Mia has a bit of culture shock being out in the middle of nowhere, and clashes with the hot bush pilot sent to pick her up in Anchorage.

Silas can’t believe Mia is Raven’s cousin. Yes, she’s gorgeous but she comes off as a snob and a half whereas Raven is down-to-earth and capable. Paradise is a small town and Silas’ job is intertwined with Raven’s so Mia and Silas can’t help but run into each other.

Match Made in Paradise
gave me The Simple Wild vibe, but with adult characters, not new-adultish. Mia made me cringe and roll my eyes at first, but she made great positive strides. She wasn’t a bad person, just out of touch with how the real-world works. There was even more of a contrast here because not only was Paradise an extremely small town; it was very remote. Not many creature comforts, shopping, or restaurants to be had, but Mia was a good person, and it wasn’t long before she adjusted.

I love the setting of Alaska as it’s somewhere I’d love to visit. I love the idea of a town out in the middle of a beautiful, almost untouched wilderness, rustic with small-town charm.

While Mia recently lost her husband, they were more good friends than romantic partners, so the romance wasn't odd. It was something I was wondering about at first, so I thought I'd mention that. The romance was a hate-to-love romance, one of my favorite troupes. Mia and Silas didn’t exactly hate each other, but they didn’t really like the person they thought they saw. Getting to know each other both Mia and Silas start to discover they may have made snap judgements, and that immediate physical attraction blooms into more despite their misgivings. Their romance was both sweet and sexy and a pleasure to experience!

I can’t wait to dive into the next book, Finding Paradise, with Marnie, Mia’s lawyer and Conrad, the strong, silent airplane pilot!

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Powell.
1,138 reviews68 followers
May 1, 2021
Gorgeous Alaska setting is the backdrop for the opposites attract love story between an Alaskan bush pilot and a city dwelling supermodel. Mia has been going through a rough time after the death of her husband, and social media trolls are harassing her so she flees to Alaska to spend time with her cousin out of the limelight. Silas and Mia fall for each other and they have to figure out how to make it work. The setting was beautifully described and I’m a sucker for the burly manly man type main characters.
It very much reminds me of the Simple Wild series.
Thanks to Berkeley Publishers and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,579 reviews120 followers
Read
May 21, 2021
DNF @ 58%. I thought this had a lot of potential in the beginning, but I pretty quickly became bored with it. I didn't think the "hate-to-love" was that well done - they had bad first impressions of each other and then lots of inner-monologues about how attractive they found each other. I never really felt any real chemistry or friendship between them. I didn't like the main character and her "poor me for being so beautiful and rich" behavior. Since I was so far into the book I thought I should finish it, but once I got to the part where the main character and her cousin discuss shipping in models from LA to date the local Alaskan men, I just couldn't take any more.

*I received a copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.*
Profile Image for Sarah | Kerosene.Lit.
1,147 reviews661 followers
May 21, 2021
I was gifted a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for review

This was such a warm, cozy, and adorable romance between two characters unexpectedly finding love in Alaska.

After the death of her famous, much older husband creates a whirlwind of scrutiny from paparazzi, supermodel Mia flees California to seek privacy with her cousin in Paradise, Alaska. Under the beautiful backdrop of a secluded lifestyle, Mia meets Silas, chief pilot of West Slope Aviation. Starting off with a combination of misconceptions, I loved the gentle way their relationship progressed.

One of my favourite aspects of this story is the details behind the career of not only the bush pilots but also the behind-the-scenes professionals keeping things running smoothly. From rescues to maintenance of the aircraft, it really immerses you in the high-risk lifestyle. And I loved seeing Mia find her place in the community, along with a few good laughs.

Without spoilers, there was a business venture introduced by Mia that I would have liked a tighter conclusion on, but overall I really enjoyed this! I'm looking forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Tonya.
585 reviews133 followers
July 12, 2021
Match Made in Paradise by Barbara Dunlop is a contemporary romance featuring enemies to lovers in a beautiful Alaska. I was drawn to this story because of the setting: Alaska! Yes! I just went to Alaska a couple years ago for our honeymoon and fell in love with the people and the gorgeous land! I was also supposed to be on a cruise this past month, but the cruise (like most travel) was postponed.

Set in a remote town, Mia moves in with her cousin to escape the media and the heat of the battle over her late husband's will and business. She meets Silas, the pilot that takes her to her cousin, Raven's house in the middle of the woods. The premise for the beginning revolves around a lot of pre-judgements and misunderstandings, as Mia and Silas get to know each other. Mia has her work cut out for her: not only does she need to overcome the media's portrayal of her, but she also needs to learn how to handle herself in the rustic woods of Alaska.

Very cute enemies to lovers romance novel, love the setting...described so well that I could just imagine every scene! There are many many side characters that have their own stories to tell, which is good since this is the beginning of a new series. Can't wait to read their stories!! Well done, Barbara Dunlop!!
Profile Image for Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987.
640 reviews54 followers
April 25, 2021
I love a good Alaska book and this didn't disappoint! Silas with his prickly attitude. Mia adjusting from big city living to small town life. They were perfect for each other from the beginning and just loved watching there story unfold. I can't wait for the next book in the series so I can go back to Paradise, Alaska.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
May 27, 2021
4.5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Match Made in Paradise by Barbara Dunlop to review; a new to me author, but I was intrigued by the synopsis and after a trip to Alaska a few years back where we went out with a bush pilot I had to see how this one played out. I was not disappointed; in fact I can’t wait to see how the rest of this series plays out after this strong first book.

After the death of her much older husband, Mia Westberg is being crucified in the media and taken to court by his grown children over the company she fully intended to run after his death. On the advice of her attorney and friend, she leaves L.A. and heads to visit her cousin in Paradise, Alaska, not fully realizing how remote it will be or how rustic the accommodations are. A fish out of water, Mia is soon proving she may have been a well known supermodel, but she is made of sterner stuff than anyone gave her credit for especially grumpy bush pilot Slias.

Silas Burke can’t believe Mia is his friend and co-worker Raven’s cousin, and he’s afraid Mia will throw as fit when she has to leave some of her expensive luggage behind on the last leg of her journey to Paradise but she doesn’t which is one point in her favor. While he is attracted to her like all the other men in Paradise, he isn’t going to let a pampered pretty woman distract him or keep him from the life he’s built and loves.

Mia is a bit of a fish out of water and Silas loves reminding her about all the ways she doesn’t fit in Alaska, but she is also drawn to the rugged, curmudgeon pilot. I loved watching Mia become more confident in her ability to contribute and settle into the Alaskan lifestyle and seeing how she made everyone realize that judging her by her looks and her past was just as bad as people judging them.

Match Made In Paradise was a brilliantly told story filled with friendship, laughter, and emotion. From start to finish I was thoroughly engaged and I am already eagerly anticipating the next book in this series!

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Brook Obsessed.
479 reviews29 followers
May 19, 2021
A heartwarming opposites attract Alaskan romance involving a handsome bush pilot and a big city model being forced to spend time together through mishaps and work situations. An adorable comfort read that reminded me a lot of “The Simple Wild.” The perfect book for all you small town romance lovers!

Mia Westberg, a newly widowed supermodel, inherits a fashion empire, and in doing so, is accused of being a gold digger. In order to get away from all the haters, Mia ends up in Paradise, Alaska with her cousin Raven and meets the grumpy Silas Burke. At first the two don’t get along, but their forced proximity changes everything.

This is a close-doored romance with a fiery protagonist and a sexy Alaskan native who flies planes. The best part is the development of the minor characters and the fierce personality of Mia. When confronted with any obstacle, Mia faces every problem head on with kindness and integrity. I’m invested in these characters and can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Profile Image for Janae.
450 reviews28 followers
May 22, 2021
Adorable story about a socialite moving to Bush Alaska and finding many answers to her life questions.

As someone who has lived in Alaska I could relate to many of the "new" things Mia was able to experience.

I enjoyed that Mia not only figured out what to do with her old LA life...she also found new strength in her Alaska life.

Maby parts of this story were textbook romance but sometimes you just need that. Also, this is very mild and closed door for those who need that information.

Thank you go Berkley and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for Jen.
2,176 reviews154 followers
June 13, 2021
This was above average for a typical series romance. I liked the characters and especially the setting. Things felt unfinished at the end, but I'm sure they'll conclude as the series continues.

Donabella Mortel was good on the audio. My only criticism is that she tended to be a bit staccato. It worked for the story and setting especially - no nonsense people working hard. But the pauses were too long. I've heard her before and she's been great, so none of these little bumps bothered me.
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
2,708 reviews693 followers
April 24, 2021
Loved the gorgeous Alaskan setting. Silas, the handsome bush pilot. And even Mia, the entitled supermodel. There is such a fun romance between them that I escaped into the pages, happily reading while it rained cold and hard outside. You know you’ve found a perfect book when you turn the first page and it’s hours later before you resurface into real life. The author’s lovely descriptive style makes you feel you’re right there in the splendid but oft challenging 49th state, and her well-drawn characters compel you to root for their happiness. This fine first book in a new contemporary romance series makes me long for the sequel. Highly recommended!

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 25 May 2021
#MatchMadeinParadise #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Denise Wilbanks | This Is My Everybody.
283 reviews87 followers
December 4, 2021
BOOK REVIEW: Match Made In Paradise by Barbara Dunlop
Series: A Paradise, Alaska Romance Series | Book 1

Most Anticipated Books of 2021

Circled back to read Book 1 of this series after reading & loving Book 2. Was great to get the backstory of the characters I met in Book 2... And looking forward to moving forward with Book 3 in May 2022!... ✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating: 🌶 (Very Mild)

Pages: 318
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Fish Out Of Water Romance | Holiday Romance | Books About Alaska
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Alaska

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Finding Paradise by Barbara Dunlop (A Paradise, Alaska Romance Series | Book 2)
Movie: The Proposal

--------------------

All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Profile Image for Stacee.
3,035 reviews758 followers
June 5, 2021
I love finding a new series and author to start and this one sounded delightful.

I really liked Mia. She’s smart and unsure and determined. Silas is a little gruff and a lot practical. Together they have a bit of misconception, some stereotyping, and a load of potential. I really enjoyed reading their relationship grow into something substantial.

Plot wise it was good. I loved all of the growing Mia did and how she continually proved people wrong. There was some repetitive wording used and (to me) a very odd amount of attention shown to details like a company logo or the colors and patterns of someone’s clothing. Of course, most of the conflict could have been solved with a conversation over an assumption, but what can you do?

Overall, it was a good start to a series and I’m eager to see who the next book is about. There are a few characters here that I’d love to read more about.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
Profile Image for Ashlee (bookswithnopictures).
1,470 reviews121 followers
June 10, 2022
3.5 Stars
The bare bones of this book is very reminiscent of The Simple Wild and because of this, it was hard not to compare the two. He's a bush pilot living in small town Alaska and she's a big city, fashion-forward girl initiating with enemies-to-lovers vibes. Outside of that, they're different, but getting over that comparison was a struggle.
The setting is beautifully described and made me want to hop on the next flight to see the breathtaking landscape and yummy men. I mean... can't fault a girl a little ogling. It's a good setup for returning to Paradise for the next in the series.
The narrator Donnabella Mortel sounded like a fifty-something woman telling a twenty-something story. It was a bit off. I think she would be better suited to a literary fiction or romance between an older couple. A more youthful tone would have suited Mia's supermodel lifestyle better.
Thank you to PRHA for the alc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
2,476 reviews127 followers
May 24, 2021
Charming, funny and easy to read!
There’s something about books set in Alaska that I just can’t resist and this story was adorable, full of banter and shenanigans that made me laugh so many times.
A great read for smal town romance lovers!

Thank you Berkley Romance , Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
Profile Image for Marianne | Petite.BumbleBeeBooks .
421 reviews41 followers
May 24, 2021
Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Match Made in Paradise by Barbara Dunlop
🐝
After her much older husbands dies, Super model Mia Westbergs is under the scrutiny of the media, which proves to be as understanding as her husbands ex-wife and her two children. She escapes the public eye in Paradise, Alaska where her cousin Raven lives. Alaskan life is nothing like she was expecting, but as the weeks goes and a certain bush pilot makes his way into her heart, Mia feels more and more at home in Paradise.
🐝
Okay so there was a lot of elements in tis book that I liked, but there was also some that I didn't. I had a had time reviewing this one so bear with me. I loved how the author didn't romanticise Mia relationship with her late husbands, and how she described them and how much they loved the other in a way that nobody else would have understood. I loved Mia passion for her career and for her husband's company, how much she did behind the scene and how he trusted her to carry his legacy. I really liked how determined Mia was to make herself useful in the community. However there was also point that I wasn't a fan of. I'm not usually a big fan of enemies to lovers, and this one is exactly what I don't like about it, when it's only bad first impressions and prejudice? And then they only come together because of each other's attractiveness? I also didn't love how Brodie was so against her, and how he always belittled her. I did like that he was not thrilled for her to be there, but I thought his explanations and reasoning were a little shallow. The worst for me was how all along we get to see how much the fashion industry and company means to her, and how hard she fights for it, and at the end she just abandons everything, it felt weird and not organic at all to me. And finally the writing, I didn't love it, it was overly detailed, and unfortunately I didn't connect with it, and the story didn't leave me wanting more of the supermodel matchmaking with bush pilots storyline.
🐝
Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced reader's copy. As always all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
🐝
Profile Image for Talie.
652 reviews29 followers
May 27, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for my arc of this title. All opinions are my own.

One sentence review: I'm a sucker for books set in Alaska and this one delivers with a widowed supermodel who escapes public scrutiny by flying to Alaska and running smack dab into a hot bush pilot. ⁣

Anyone who has followed my reviews for awhile knows I love books set in Alaska. In this book Mia is a young widow and supermodel embroiled in a messy court battle over her inheritance from her deceased husband. She escapes to Alaska to visit her cousin. Along the way she meets a bush pilot, Silas, and the sparks fly.⁣

My thoughts:⁣

- This book has a lot of great characters that I can't wait to see more of. I loved the independent nature of the women and the camaraderie of the men.⁣
- The action in this one is fast paced and had me hooked from the start. I finished it in less than a day.⁣
- The details on Alaska and the aviation business all felt like an insider's view. The author's husband is a pilot in Alaska and it is obvious she is very familiar with the aviation and shipping supply business.⁣
- I've heard lots of comparisons between The Simple Wild and this title. There are without a doubt a lot of similarities but personally I view them as two very different stories that have a common setting and conflict - namely a big city girl moves out to the middle of nowhere Alaska. I feel like the overarching story lines of the two are very distinct though.⁣

I highly recommend this title to those who love romances set in Alaska or romances set in small towns or the wilderness. I'd call the steam level about a medium. There are sexy times but they would be easy to page through for people who would rather skip it.⁣
Profile Image for Izzy | ilashreads.
453 reviews53 followers
May 7, 2021
I'm a sucker for small town romances, and when I read that Match Made in Paradise was the first in a new series taking place in Paradise, Alaska I knew I had to read it. Even better is that it was opposites attract.

After the death of her husband, a fashion icon, Mia needs to escape the harassment she's receiving from fans. She flees to Alaska where her cousin lives, thinking that the mob will die down if she doesn't give them anything that would feed into the gossip. On the way, Mia meets Silas, a bush pilot that thinks she's entitled and doesn't belong.

Mia slowly learns what it's like to be in a small town and does her best to be helpful while in town. Noticing that she's drawn the attention of many locals, Mia, along with her cousin and a local, decide to start a matchmaking business that easily sets the premise for the rest of the series.

As Mia becomes more accustomed and welcomed into Paradise, she finds herself drawn to Silas, who realizes he might have misjudged her. Can the supermodel and the bush pilot defy odds and become friends? Could they become even more?

I enjoyed this low stakes romance, it was the perfect escape and makes me wish I could go to Alaska (with my bear spray of course). I can't wait for the next book in this series.

If you're looking for an opposites attract romance with not much steam, check this out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Randi (randi_reads).
1,543 reviews351 followers
May 25, 2021
3.5 stars

Twenty-seven year old Mia Westberg needs to get away from everything after her much older husband’s death. He left her his fashion business, but his two children (who aren’t that much younger than her) are fighting for control of the company. While in a legal battle, she flees to Alaska for safety to visit her cousin, Raven.

That’s where she meets Silas Burke, an Alaskan Bush Pilot. He’s gorgeous and rugged and not too sure of what to think about beautiful model, Mia, who doesn’t fit in Alaska. But they seem to end up in the same places at the same time.

This is a cute closed door romance of Mia trying to fit in and prove her worth in the rural Alaskan town. She ends up doing more harm than good, though. I actually enjoyed the secondary characters of Raven and Brodie and what, if anything, will become of them. Will their relationship remain professional or become something more?

Mia and Silas’ relationship seemed a little rushed at the very end for my taste. Yes, I know they will get their happy ever after, but something just felt way too soon. I didn’t buy it. I am looking forward to continuing the series, though.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for JJ.
73 reviews28 followers
May 25, 2021
A hate to love relationship between two opposites finding an unexpected love.

Opposites Attract
Low steam/ Closed door romance
Small town romance

This romance is set in Alaska. I got warm and cozy winter vibes from this one! Silas is a chief bush pilot and Mia is a supermodel who is fleeing California from a scandal involving her. Alaska is a big change from her life in California and it takes a little help for Mia to adapt to the town's community. Silas is annoyed by this woman who he thinks is spoiled and entitled, but he helps Mia get more acquainted with life in Paradise. Silas has a sexy grump thing going on and I was digging it. I recommend this one if you're looking for an easy romance and want to travel through a book! And look at this cover; so beautiful. This is the first in the new contemporary romance series Paradise ,Alaska. I’m excited to see where this series goes!
Thank you to Berkley for sending me an ARC of this gorgeous book!


Profile Image for Alexis The Nerdy Bruja.
756 reviews99 followers
June 7, 2021
2.5/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I i'll be honest and say this book was just okay. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I didn't really feel connected to the characters in any way, I romance fell just a little flat for me, I would've like to see just a little bit more tension. I also didn't care much for the lack of emotion from the Mia regarding her husband. I know it's referenced but she still felt a little cold for someone who just lost their spouse and all of a sudden falls for a new guy. As i stated this book was just okay, it was quick and easy to read. I was able to read it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Amy (TheSouthernGirlReads).
685 reviews144 followers
September 27, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy.

I love Alaska. I love books set in Alaska. I love thinking I could actually move to Alaska. The backdrop is always delightful.

The first book in this series was delightful. It was completely predictable and honestly....I felt some things a little hard to believe. But cute, sweet.

Not super spicy. Very closed door romance...which was fine.

I am not sure I will rush to read book two. I might...hard to say.

If you enjoy quick, sweet reads with a lovely setting...pick this one up!
Profile Image for Shannon.
8,387 reviews426 followers
October 11, 2022
This was a really enjoyable opposites attract, big city girl comes to small town Alaska, fish out of water type story. I really enjoyed it on audio and think it would be perfect for fans of KA Tucker's Simple wild series. Much thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Erica.
621 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2023
Boy was that disappointing.

I loved the setting and getting to read about Alaska, but the story was so boring and dull. Not to mention the writing itself. There were sooo many grammatical errors and oddly worded sentences that it was actually distracting.

Alaskan setting or not, I definitely won’t be continuing with this series.
Profile Image for Erin (erinevelynreads).
319 reviews44 followers
July 20, 2021
I loved this book! It reminded me so much of The Simple Wild, but with a totally new story. I loved getting to know Silas and Mia, and imagine the gorgeous wilderness in rural Paradise, Alaska.
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 1 book190 followers
May 26, 2021
Thank you to Berkley for gifting me a review copy of Match Made in Paradise by Barbara Dunlop. This is the first in a new series, titled Paradise, Alaska.

Mia Westberg is a supermodel from LA, who heads to Alaska to hide out with her cousin after her husband dies. There is a ruthless legal battle over his fashion label, and the press start hounding her, and her lawyer suggests she go somewhere to lay low for a while.

Silas Burke is a bush pilot that works with Mia’s cousin, and while he and Mia don’t exactly hit it off at first, their chemistry can’t be ignored.

Does this sound a lot like The Simple Wild series? It does more than just sound like it, it reads very similarly. The events are slightly different, but I started making a list of similarities and it got pretty long. I actually found myself Googling to try and find out if this was originally written as Simple Wild fan fiction.

Although, I have to say, I didn’t actually didn’t like The Simple Wild series very much, and despised both of the main characters. I found them incredibly immature and whiny, and I just wanted to shake some sense into them constantly. However, I found Mia and Silus pretty likable. Mia isn’t super spoiled, she has a lot to learn about Alaska, but she wants to help out and be of use. And unlike Jonah, Silas isn’t an immature ass just for the sake of it. So I’d say the characters in this book were more mature in their behavior even though they’re still pretty very young in years.

As far as things I didn’t love…if I did the math right and Mia is 27 and she had been married for 9 years, that means she married her husband when she was 18. Assuming they didn’t get married immediately upon meeting, was her husband dating a 16 or 17 year old when he was 41?! Is that legal? Even if it is…ew.

Also, I do wish there was a bit more build-up between Mia and Silas to create more believable chemistry and tension. Plus, the ending tied up a little too neatly for me, I think it could have been left in a more realistic place.

Overall though, it was a really fun escape to Alaska, and who couldn’t use a bit of nature, love, and bears in their life right now? I loved watching Mia learn new things, embrace being out of her comfort zone, and try to help those around her however she could. I’m really looking forward to the next book, and seeing what becomes of the matchmaking scheme that’s being cooked up in this book. Plus, I’m dying to read more about Raven (Mia’s cousin) who is a no-nonsense, bad-ass, lady.

This book is sexy, but not explicit. I’d call it ‘cracked door’. You know they’re doing it, but you’re not getting a play-by-play.

This would be a really cute book to read by the pool and escape to the wilds of Alaska for a while.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,155 reviews32 followers
June 3, 2021
MATCH MADE IN PARADISE is the first book in the PARADISE, ALASKA series and I can't wait for more especially since the preview in the back of the book for then next book in the series, FINDING PARADISE, left me wanting more. I'm a sucker for books set in Alaska and it's definitely on my bucket list of someplace I'd love to visit. It didn't disappoint and was reminiscent to me of books by Debbie Macomber, Susa Mallery and Janet Dailey. Mia is the most unlikely person that you would think would love living in a town of four hundred people with very few amenities. She comes from money since she's inherited a business and property in LA from her late husband who was almost twice her age and had twins just a few years younger than her with his bitter ex-wife. She needs to run away to someplace she can hide due to death threats and a legal battle and injunction over the will. She has just the place - Paradise, Alaska, where her cousin lives in worse conditions than she expected but she's a good sport and she's all in. It doesn't hurt that she's attracted to the bush pilot that picked her up after she got over her fear of him and where he was taking her.

It was wonderful to see the rich descriptions of Alaska in all its primitiveness. But the town has caring neighbors and bush pilots who work well together. The characters have a depth to them and I feel like we've only scratched the surface. I loved how Silas tries to fight his attraction and messes everything up more than once but how he was also protective of Mia and wanted her to take care and know what living in the wild would mean. Neither expected where their feelings would take them. There are heartwarming moments between them as well as a few heartbreaking ones too. Since she was a model of course she attracts the attention of almost all the men in Paradise barring a few and Silas isn't happy seeing that.

There are businesses to run, skills to learn, camaraderie, friendships, bears, moose, nature and the wrath of it, contentment, agitation, lots of food and drink, relaxation, loving, some romance and ultimately love. There are lots of deep discussions between coworkers and friends. As Mia fits in and decides to bring women to Alaska to meet the men even though she's leaving we got to see how her mind works and what a good head she has on her shoulders. There are twists and turns to the story with multiple storylines being woven nicely together. The story had a good flow and held my interest. There was a wonderful ending that left enough loose ends to take us to the next book in the series. Of course, I got my happily ever after and not how I was expecting it!

Ms. Dunlop is a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.
Profile Image for Ramona Porter.
141 reviews15 followers
May 18, 2021
This book is the first in a series featuring rugged Alaskan pilots who are about to meet their match from Barbara Dunlop. This was my first book by Barbara Dunlop and I was very excited when this ARC was sent to me because of the synopsis.

The book follows supermodel Mia who has found herself under intends scrutiny of the paparazzi and craze social media users after her much older husband dies and leaves her his fashion house. To escape, she leaves Los Angeles and heads to Alaska where her cousin Raven is a shipping expeditor working in a remote part of Alaska. But she isn't ready for everything Paradise, Alaska throws at her: the wild animals, insanely harsh weather, and a certain no-nonsense bush pilot.

To Silas Burke Mya is just another spoiled, entitled city girl who has zero business in the rough terrain of Alaska.

I liked this book and enjoyed the characters. They were likeable and I enjoyed the small-town relationships and their reliance on each other due to small town living. The banter was great, and I had a few laugh out loud moments. Also loved the setting. I am a sucker for a small-town romance involving burly manly types and this was set in gorgeous Alaska. I could picture Paradise, Alaska and wanting to visit a place fictional or otherwise because of a book is high praise and I did. I liked the plot and premise as well, but I felt like the chemistry between Mya and Silas could have used more development. They were so likeable and the tension between them could have made this great. Certain pieces felt disjoined to me and some scenes and storylines moved too fast.
I did enjoy it though and was what I needed after a couple long days at work. I would recommend this for romance lovers who is also suckers for small towns and rugged men 😊. This is a closed-door romance…just FYI.

I am looking forward to the others in the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC of this book. This book is available on May 25, 2021.
Profile Image for Abigail Books Addiction.
1,140 reviews
April 25, 2021
You know what they say, opposite does attract each other. And Mia and Sila are falling for each other without realizing it.

Mia has always been in control in her professional and personal life. However, unexpected death made her lose control especially when the media is coming after her. It makes a perfect timing for her escape the media and spend some quality time with her cousin in Alaska.

I definitely find myself surprise when Mia is willing to spend more time in Alaska. And what’s more shocking is when she wants to be part of the community. That’s unexpected and surprising. I would never expected Mia to do so especially since she is very adamant about returning to her life in the beginning. Things always change when you take a moment and realize what you truly want of life.

Mia also gets to spend time with Sila. Sila is the totally image of Alaskan man. Buff yet burly yet grumpy in a mix of one. It’s no surprising for Mia start falling for Sila. It may time more time for Sila. He totally judges her from the beginning. Bad experience from the past. He later changes her tune when he spends more time with her. Sila falling in love with her is so genuine because it’s gradually romance. No rushing. Just slowly getting to know each other as friends before becoming lovers. And that’s the best romance.
Profile Image for Laura.
481 reviews22 followers
May 7, 2021
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mia Westberg needs to get out of LA stat. In the aftermath of the death of her much-older husband--founder and CEO of a world-renowned fashion brand--the former supermodel has become a target: accused of being an unfeeling gold digger, death threats, internet trolls, protestors outside her home, and now her step-children (who happen to be only two years younger than herself) are trying to steal the company out from under her. But she knows a place she can never be found: Paradise, Alaska.

Rugged bush pilot Silas Burke has seen and done a lot of crazy things over the course of his career. However, nothing prepared him for Mia. Friends with Mia's cousin, Raven, Silas can't believe that the two are related--and just how unprepared Mia is for life in rural Alaska. Still, Silas refuses to let a pretty face distract him; there are people relying on him to deliver everything from generators to wine. But there is something about Mia that keeps drawing him in, and he wants to show her the best of Paradise, Alaska.

They say opposites attract. But can they find true love?

A brilliant first in the Paradise Alaska series, "Match made in Paradise" is funny, heartfelt, and brilliantly written. I was not surprised to learn that Dunlop lives in Alaska; her vivid descriptions make the reader feel as if they are actually in the rugged Alaskan terrain. I'm very excited to see where this series will go. Perfect for fans of the "Moose Springs" series, or anyone who wants to escape for a little while, "Match Made in Paradise" is a phenomenal romance that will sweep you off your feet!
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