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Bad Luck Club #4
Matchmaking Mischief
She’s a hopeless romantic...for everyone but herself. Can the least romantic man alive convince her love isn’t just for other people?WillowThere are certain expectations when you’re born into a multigenerational family of matchmakers, which is why I fled my hometown and tried to build a life of my own.But it turns out matchmaking is hard to quit, and I can’t stop trying to match the customers at the bakery I manage—including my boss and the tea shop owner next door—even though I’m hopeless at love.So it seriously crimps my style when Alex Hunter starts coming around, working on his book at the bakery. He’s hot, grumpy, and thinks romance is a dirty word. Worse, he keeps distracting our customers.He needs to go away. Which means someone needs to matchmake him.And I’m just the girl for the job.AlexI’m a writer who can’t write, and lo and behold, I meet a matchmaker who’s allergic to love.Me being me, I fall for her.Most of the people in this town seem insane, but I have to turn my frown upside down and show Willow Mayberry that matchmakers deserve love too.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2022
392 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Angela Casella
39 books798 followersANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
January 12, 2022
I've normally like this series and the ones it spun off of, but this one just didn't do it for me. I liked Willow, but Alex, not so much. It made it really tough for me to get through, I didn't see the chemistry between Alex and Willow. By the end of the book I was glad to be done with it and ready to move on.
December 29, 2021
4.5 Star Review of Matchmaking Mischief by Denise Grover Swank & A R Casella
Having read a couple of books by these writing duo I was looking forward to reading Matchmaking Mischief. Alex and Willow could not be more different and yet the connection they have is strong.
Alex is a writer who is suffering from writer’s block and Willow is a the manager of a bakery who dabbles in matchmaking who doesn't believe in love for herself and so #TeamSunshine is created. I loved these two, although they shouldn’t work, they really do.
This is a feel good story that was heartwarming, witty and a story of finding love and romance through friendship when you least expect it. Full of quirky characters that you find in a small town it ticked the boxes for me.
Having read a couple of books by these writing duo I was looking forward to reading Matchmaking Mischief. Alex and Willow could not be more different and yet the connection they have is strong.
Alex is a writer who is suffering from writer’s block and Willow is a the manager of a bakery who dabbles in matchmaking who doesn't believe in love for herself and so #TeamSunshine is created. I loved these two, although they shouldn’t work, they really do.
This is a feel good story that was heartwarming, witty and a story of finding love and romance through friendship when you least expect it. Full of quirky characters that you find in a small town it ticked the boxes for me.
January 8, 2022
I’ve wanted to read a book by these authors for a while now, and I was not disappointed now that I finally had some time to fit one in! I started off being grabbed by the hilarious situations and snarky banter right away. The authors do a great job with building up a whole world full of characters that really add to the story in more than just a one-dimensional way. And it was even more than just the usual types of characters and normal world people, there were some of the funniest out there people as well. Like the friends who joined Team Sunshine. And then the women who wrote erotic fan fiction were hilarious! Not to mention the whole set up at the book club meeting that basically used a scene from one of Alex’s murder mysteries. The connection between Alex and Willow was perfect as well. I was rooting for them the whole time, and at the end when one of them made the stupid mistake that separated them, I was so mad at them, but was glad with how they made the grand gesture in the end. The only issue I had was maybe it was a little long? I don’t know, I just feel like maybe some parts were a little longer than needed for my personal tastes. But in the end I loved it, and can’t wait to read more by these authors in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature
January 13, 2022
Matchmaking Mischief is the 4th book in the Bad Luck Club series. Based upon the ending I was thinking it is the final book in the series. Especially when the authors use the ending to promote the first book in their next series, Mayberry Matchmakers. But I see they list another book in this series, Bringing Down the House due out this Spring, so this book isn’t the series finale. To me it seems with each preceding book the authors moved further and further away from the original Bad Luck Club concept. Further confusing that issue is the fact that in the previous two stories we’re told Bear and Cal have graduated all of their former club members which leads Nicole one of the original Bad Luck Club members to decide to start a rogue version of the club on her own. In this book its stated that Bear is still holding club meetings at his place. That fact is not critical to this story but it is confusing to those of us who have been following this series since it spun off from the authors Ashville Brewing series.
In this series we have Alex a N.Y.C. born and raised mystery writer suffering from writer’s block after a traumatic event several months ago. He meets Molly O’Shea our female protagonist from the first Bad Luck Club Book, at a writer’s retreat. She and her fiancée Cal encourage him to come to Ashville and stay with Cal’s father Bear while he works through his writer’s block. Desperate to make his book’s deadline he agrees. Alex is a very private introverted personality type. He can also be a bit grumpy and gruff. He’s a “Glass Half Empty” personality. In other words he’s the opposite in many ways to this books female lead Willow who always tries to see the glass as half full. They do both have one thing in common however even though they both express it in different ways. Both have felt the sting of abandonment and because of that guard their hearts closely.
We first met Willow as Cal’s capable assistant in the first Bad Luck Club series book. Then in the last she reappears in her hometown of Highland Hills N.C. where much of the story in that book takes place working in her family’s matchmaking business. I felt bad for Willow in that book because in that book its female lead Tina her friend convinces her to return to Ashville, share a house with Tina and Harry and take a job working at Bear’s newly opened bakery Bear’s Buns. But before Willow can even move back to Ashville Tina has made plans to move to Highland Hills with her boyfriend Zach to open a second tea shop. So when Willow returns to Ashville she’s pretty much alone. It was nice that the author allowed Willow to express this situation as feeling abandoned if not betrayed by her friend Tina because while I get why Tina did what she did when she did it, still seemed a bit callous and self-serving to me to convince Willow to move to Ashville because she and Harry needed a roommate and Bear needed someone to help him out at his bakery and then decide to move two hours away herself. If Alex is an introvert using a gruff personality to push people away from him, Willow is an extrovert always wearing a smile on her face whether she is happy or not, always looking for ways to make the people around her (even strangers) lives happier. Even though she swears the matchmaking gene her family is famous for has passed her by, she can’t resist trying to play matchmaker to those around her. Willow has felt the sting of abandonment by both of her parents, and by her former lovers to the point she is content to help others find love while she hides her heart.
It took me quite a while to really get into this story but that is probably more due to the headspace I was in when I began it than the story itself. The early portion of the story has a lot of angst as a frustrated Alex and broken Willow struggle with their current lives. Alex and Willow’s first meeting is a bit contentious as are the next few that follow. Eventually their natural attraction to each other overcomes their preconceived notions about each other and they become friends. Alex wants more and Nicole tells Willow she needs to get laid, but Willow holds him off because she normally doesn’t do sex outside of relationships and she knows that when Alex finishes his book he’ll be returning to New York City so there’s no chance for a long term relationship. Somehow Nicole who was great in the last book and equally as funny in this one, takes it upon herself to help Willow which involves getting her to hook up with Alex. Since Nicole and Willow are total strangers we’re never told who sicked Nicole on Willow? Most likely Tina or Molly but we’re never told. While Willow and Alex are figuring their shit out, they are also trying to match Blake and Sherry, two people who frequent the bakery, with hilarious results. They are also trying to match Bear and Dotti, two seniors who seem to be in love but are getting in their own way. Dottie Henderson has of course been an important character in every book beginning with the first Ashville Brewing book. Bear and his son Cal were introduced late in that series as the founders of the Bad Luck Club and Bear has remained a secondary character in each book in this series. Molly O’Shea and her now fiancée Cal along with Nicole and Harry are important secondary characters in this book. Tina and Zach a bit less than you’d expect and the other O’Shea sisters and the characters from Ashville Brewing get mentioned but don’t really make an appearance. Which if this is our last visit to Ashville I found rather disappointing. This being a contemporary romance you pretty much already know how the story arc will go but it seemed the issue that almost spoils Alex and Willow’s happily ever after came a little late in this story. But fear not, after the prerequisite amount of angst almost everyone gets their happily ever after in this story and it didn’t exactly endear Alex to me until he finally got his head out of his ass.
Pretty good book. I felt Alex and Willow’s pain as well as the reason’s Dottie was hesitant to be more than friends with Bear. The slow burn romance was well paced and when Willow and Alex finally let their walls down the sex was hot. Nicole and Harry brought a level of hilarity to some scenes that had me L.M.A.O. And even though this is not the final book the final chapter and epilogue did bring many of the characters from both Ashville Brewing and this series together so that we got what could be a final peek at them.
In this series we have Alex a N.Y.C. born and raised mystery writer suffering from writer’s block after a traumatic event several months ago. He meets Molly O’Shea our female protagonist from the first Bad Luck Club Book, at a writer’s retreat. She and her fiancée Cal encourage him to come to Ashville and stay with Cal’s father Bear while he works through his writer’s block. Desperate to make his book’s deadline he agrees. Alex is a very private introverted personality type. He can also be a bit grumpy and gruff. He’s a “Glass Half Empty” personality. In other words he’s the opposite in many ways to this books female lead Willow who always tries to see the glass as half full. They do both have one thing in common however even though they both express it in different ways. Both have felt the sting of abandonment and because of that guard their hearts closely.
We first met Willow as Cal’s capable assistant in the first Bad Luck Club series book. Then in the last she reappears in her hometown of Highland Hills N.C. where much of the story in that book takes place working in her family’s matchmaking business. I felt bad for Willow in that book because in that book its female lead Tina her friend convinces her to return to Ashville, share a house with Tina and Harry and take a job working at Bear’s newly opened bakery Bear’s Buns. But before Willow can even move back to Ashville Tina has made plans to move to Highland Hills with her boyfriend Zach to open a second tea shop. So when Willow returns to Ashville she’s pretty much alone. It was nice that the author allowed Willow to express this situation as feeling abandoned if not betrayed by her friend Tina because while I get why Tina did what she did when she did it, still seemed a bit callous and self-serving to me to convince Willow to move to Ashville because she and Harry needed a roommate and Bear needed someone to help him out at his bakery and then decide to move two hours away herself. If Alex is an introvert using a gruff personality to push people away from him, Willow is an extrovert always wearing a smile on her face whether she is happy or not, always looking for ways to make the people around her (even strangers) lives happier. Even though she swears the matchmaking gene her family is famous for has passed her by, she can’t resist trying to play matchmaker to those around her. Willow has felt the sting of abandonment by both of her parents, and by her former lovers to the point she is content to help others find love while she hides her heart.
It took me quite a while to really get into this story but that is probably more due to the headspace I was in when I began it than the story itself. The early portion of the story has a lot of angst as a frustrated Alex and broken Willow struggle with their current lives. Alex and Willow’s first meeting is a bit contentious as are the next few that follow. Eventually their natural attraction to each other overcomes their preconceived notions about each other and they become friends. Alex wants more and Nicole tells Willow she needs to get laid, but Willow holds him off because she normally doesn’t do sex outside of relationships and she knows that when Alex finishes his book he’ll be returning to New York City so there’s no chance for a long term relationship. Somehow Nicole who was great in the last book and equally as funny in this one, takes it upon herself to help Willow which involves getting her to hook up with Alex. Since Nicole and Willow are total strangers we’re never told who sicked Nicole on Willow? Most likely Tina or Molly but we’re never told. While Willow and Alex are figuring their shit out, they are also trying to match Blake and Sherry, two people who frequent the bakery, with hilarious results. They are also trying to match Bear and Dotti, two seniors who seem to be in love but are getting in their own way. Dottie Henderson has of course been an important character in every book beginning with the first Ashville Brewing book. Bear and his son Cal were introduced late in that series as the founders of the Bad Luck Club and Bear has remained a secondary character in each book in this series. Molly O’Shea and her now fiancée Cal along with Nicole and Harry are important secondary characters in this book. Tina and Zach a bit less than you’d expect and the other O’Shea sisters and the characters from Ashville Brewing get mentioned but don’t really make an appearance. Which if this is our last visit to Ashville I found rather disappointing. This being a contemporary romance you pretty much already know how the story arc will go but it seemed the issue that almost spoils Alex and Willow’s happily ever after came a little late in this story. But fear not, after the prerequisite amount of angst almost everyone gets their happily ever after in this story and it didn’t exactly endear Alex to me until he finally got his head out of his ass.
Pretty good book. I felt Alex and Willow’s pain as well as the reason’s Dottie was hesitant to be more than friends with Bear. The slow burn romance was well paced and when Willow and Alex finally let their walls down the sex was hot. Nicole and Harry brought a level of hilarity to some scenes that had me L.M.A.O. And even though this is not the final book the final chapter and epilogue did bring many of the characters from both Ashville Brewing and this series together so that we got what could be a final peek at them.
January 7, 2022
Willow Mayberry Willow fancies herself a matchmaker … having been born into a long line of matchmakers. It’s their family business, but she’s been unsuccessful at it and at finding true love for herself. Willow is the perpetual ray of sunshine, doling out positivity and trying to make others happy even if she doesn’t feel the same way.
When she was little, her father called her his sunshine girl. Then he left Rowan and her with their mother and moved away. He forgot about them, and they haven’t spoken to him since she graduated from high school.
Her mother moved on to her next husbands, and so much of her attention was fixed on them that she was desperate for even a sliver of her attention and approval. Her older sisters were belligerent and argumentative at times, but not her. She was the cheerful one. The middle child peacemaker who tried to keep everyone happy.
Alex is a writer severely suffering writer’s block with a “glass half-empty” mentality until he meets Willow. He’s been grappling with personal issues circumventing him from completing his latest project therefore he arrived in Asheville, NC from NYC for a change of scenery, hoping to recharge his creativity. Sparks fly when they meet but Willow doesn’t want to begin a relationship with an expiry date.
Alex doesn’t want distance. He wants her, but for how long? In her mind, no one ever wants her for keeps, and somehow she knows losing Alex will hurt more than any of the other men who came before him. Even Oliver, because having a relationship with Oliver was never a possibility outside of her mind, whereas, Alex is very real.
“Don’t you think you’re overreacting?” I ask, reaching up to scratch my face.
“Don’t itch!”
Minor grammatical errors — one scratches an itch, not itches a scratch.
A slow burn story of Willow trying to find her place and reconnecting with the friends she left behind. Team Sunshine’ incorporates Willow, Alex, secondary characters Nicole, Harry, Bear and Dottie.
When she was little, her father called her his sunshine girl. Then he left Rowan and her with their mother and moved away. He forgot about them, and they haven’t spoken to him since she graduated from high school.
Her mother moved on to her next husbands, and so much of her attention was fixed on them that she was desperate for even a sliver of her attention and approval. Her older sisters were belligerent and argumentative at times, but not her. She was the cheerful one. The middle child peacemaker who tried to keep everyone happy.
Alex is a writer severely suffering writer’s block with a “glass half-empty” mentality until he meets Willow. He’s been grappling with personal issues circumventing him from completing his latest project therefore he arrived in Asheville, NC from NYC for a change of scenery, hoping to recharge his creativity. Sparks fly when they meet but Willow doesn’t want to begin a relationship with an expiry date.
Alex doesn’t want distance. He wants her, but for how long? In her mind, no one ever wants her for keeps, and somehow she knows losing Alex will hurt more than any of the other men who came before him. Even Oliver, because having a relationship with Oliver was never a possibility outside of her mind, whereas, Alex is very real.
“Don’t you think you’re overreacting?” I ask, reaching up to scratch my face.
“Don’t itch!”
Minor grammatical errors — one scratches an itch, not itches a scratch.
A slow burn story of Willow trying to find her place and reconnecting with the friends she left behind. Team Sunshine’ incorporates Willow, Alex, secondary characters Nicole, Harry, Bear and Dottie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
This was another good addition to the series, although it was perhaps my second least favorite. The pace seemed a bit slower than the other books and didn't give me that 'I have to get back to reading this ASAP' feeling like the others. But I did like both characters.
Willow is sunshine and rainbows. She sees the best in people. The matchmaking gift seems to have passed her over in the family business, but she still wants to help others experience love and joy, even if it doesn't always go as planned. Alex is the semi-brooding author who loves to run to escape the trappings of his mind and who is in a serious writing rut. He's in Asheville from NYC in hopes to gain some inspiration and kickstart his writing again. He catches the eye of Willow while he's running past the bakery Willow works at. And the rest they say, is history.
It wasn't easy for Willow & Alex. Willow is hesitant to start something with Alex because she knows he's leaving. And life seems to keep trying to work against them at times. But I loved the relationship they developed and how they supported each other, even if meant they had to step outside of their comfort zone for a while.
A lot of previous H/h's made appearances in this book, even ones from other series. It was great to see all of them again, especially since they were there to celebrate the happy couple(s). I now realize I missed Nicole/Damien's book, so I need to go back and read that one to really figure these two out.
Willow is sunshine and rainbows. She sees the best in people. The matchmaking gift seems to have passed her over in the family business, but she still wants to help others experience love and joy, even if it doesn't always go as planned. Alex is the semi-brooding author who loves to run to escape the trappings of his mind and who is in a serious writing rut. He's in Asheville from NYC in hopes to gain some inspiration and kickstart his writing again. He catches the eye of Willow while he's running past the bakery Willow works at. And the rest they say, is history.
It wasn't easy for Willow & Alex. Willow is hesitant to start something with Alex because she knows he's leaving. And life seems to keep trying to work against them at times. But I loved the relationship they developed and how they supported each other, even if meant they had to step outside of their comfort zone for a while.
A lot of previous H/h's made appearances in this book, even ones from other series. It was great to see all of them again, especially since they were there to celebrate the happy couple(s). I now realize I missed Nicole/Damien's book, so I need to go back and read that one to really figure these two out.
December 30, 2021
Matchmaking Mischief is the most recent installment in the Bad Luck Club series and while it was a good book, it wasn't necessarily my favorite so far. Willow is a big ol ball of sunshine who oozes happiness, but like a lot of people that exude happiness, deep down she is struggling with her own problems. Alex is this surly, big time, writer who came to Asheville to try and run away from his problems and hopefully finish his next book. These 2 can't help but circle around each other until they finally give in to the slow burning desire they both feel.
This book really focused on Willow and Alex's characters and we only got to see short snippets of some of our other favorite characters. Willow and Alex's story is definitely unique to them and will still bring you some laugh out loud moments when you least expect it. "I look like Violet Beauregarde, only I'm a tomato instead of a blueberry!" Be sure to keep your eyes open for the book club scene! ;)
I'm not sure this book should have fallen under the "bad luck club" series since I don't feel like Nicole was prominent enough to really make Willow part of her bad luck club. Regardless of that though I'd still recommend this book, especially if you've read all the other ones.
This book really focused on Willow and Alex's characters and we only got to see short snippets of some of our other favorite characters. Willow and Alex's story is definitely unique to them and will still bring you some laugh out loud moments when you least expect it. "I look like Violet Beauregarde, only I'm a tomato instead of a blueberry!" Be sure to keep your eyes open for the book club scene! ;)
I'm not sure this book should have fallen under the "bad luck club" series since I don't feel like Nicole was prominent enough to really make Willow part of her bad luck club. Regardless of that though I'd still recommend this book, especially if you've read all the other ones.
January 3, 2022
4.5 Stars for Matchmaking Mischief
Willow comes from a long line of matchmakers but truth be told she has never really been good at matchmaking so she has turned her talents to baking and she is now back home in Asheville running the local bakery. Alex is a writer struggling with writers block, he has a few issues happening and it’s Willow who comes to the rescue and that’s when #TeamSunshine is formed.
So has Willow finally made a match made in heaven, has she found the one.
What follows is a entertaining, witty, heartwarming romance as two people find friendship and ultimately love when they least expected it. Matchmaking Mischief made me smile, it made me giggle and I fell hard and fast for the quirky characters of Asheville. If you love small town romance with adorable characters look no further than this gem of a read.
Willow comes from a long line of matchmakers but truth be told she has never really been good at matchmaking so she has turned her talents to baking and she is now back home in Asheville running the local bakery. Alex is a writer struggling with writers block, he has a few issues happening and it’s Willow who comes to the rescue and that’s when #TeamSunshine is formed.
So has Willow finally made a match made in heaven, has she found the one.
What follows is a entertaining, witty, heartwarming romance as two people find friendship and ultimately love when they least expected it. Matchmaking Mischief made me smile, it made me giggle and I fell hard and fast for the quirky characters of Asheville. If you love small town romance with adorable characters look no further than this gem of a read.
January 6, 2022
This book had me crying tears of laughter and tears at the sappy parts. I loved the concept of a Team Sunshine and think the world definitely could use several of them. Dollie and Nicole have to be two of my favorite characters. They go about helping others in such opposite methods and often so comically. The suspense in chapter twenty-seven was one of my favorite scenes in this book-sorry no spoiler alerts.
I loved how the books can be a stand alone but reference back to other characters and give a nutshell explanation about them. It’s great for new readers and a reminder for regular readers. A fun twisty rom-com with lots of characters to enjoy in the pages of a fun and sometimes steamy book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how the books can be a stand alone but reference back to other characters and give a nutshell explanation about them. It’s great for new readers and a reminder for regular readers. A fun twisty rom-com with lots of characters to enjoy in the pages of a fun and sometimes steamy book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2022
I love these books! This series is fun. The characters are all well written, they feel so real. Willow and Alex are 2 kinda opposites, he is a grump and she is hopeless romantic. She comes from a long line of matchmakers! It is a fun adventure as they fall in love. What I love about this series is that is is they are all not the same. Each one has different elements. I really enjoy both authors working together, they are creating a fun world that I really just want to live in!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2022
This story was pure joy to read.
Team Sunshine all the way!
Alex and Willow’s story is original enough to keep my interest up high, and at the same time sweet and simple - in the best meaning of the word simple.
I always have high expectations when I start reading a Asheville story and I’m emotionally invested in a lot of the characters.
Who doesn’t love Dottie? Or Bear?
Nicole is really growing on me, I enjoyed getting reaquainted with her through Alex’s eyes. She’s not your regular character, but somehow she’s so genuine. And Harry is truly a sweetheart. I could go on name dropping but I won’t.
The truth of the matter is that to me good characters is the heart of a good story, and these authors are writing great characters!
The story is also very good and quite original in places, bonus points for that! The quirks, surprises and sheer mayhem had me laughing out loud a couple of times, I love that.
I recommend this book and all it’s prequels!
I received this book as an ARC and am volountarily leaving a review.
Team Sunshine all the way!
Alex and Willow’s story is original enough to keep my interest up high, and at the same time sweet and simple - in the best meaning of the word simple.
I always have high expectations when I start reading a Asheville story and I’m emotionally invested in a lot of the characters.
Who doesn’t love Dottie? Or Bear?
Nicole is really growing on me, I enjoyed getting reaquainted with her through Alex’s eyes. She’s not your regular character, but somehow she’s so genuine. And Harry is truly a sweetheart. I could go on name dropping but I won’t.
The truth of the matter is that to me good characters is the heart of a good story, and these authors are writing great characters!
The story is also very good and quite original in places, bonus points for that! The quirks, surprises and sheer mayhem had me laughing out loud a couple of times, I love that.
I recommend this book and all it’s prequels!
I received this book as an ARC and am volountarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2022
Willow is relatable as a people pleaser. Always “on” for everyone even when she’s dealing with her own issues. But she loves interacting with her customers and exudes happiness like a ray of sunshine hence the nickname, Mary Sunshine.
Alex is a lovable introvert with a serious case of writer’s block thanks to a prior incident that left him literally running for the hills. Thanks to all that running and his fabulous runner’s glutes, he has not gone unnoticed by the ladies of Asheville which has earned him the nickname Running Man.
Willow and Alex connect over their shared past trauma and I loved that they took the time to get to know each other as friends before taking the dive into relationship status because let’s face it, these opposites were definitely attracted. Their slow burn chemistry was sweet as they learned that they could be that person the other was missing in their life.
I’m so glad to be back in Asheville! This cast of characters is by far one of my favorites. Like Alex said, they’re “Beaches” kind of friends. The kind you live for and love for a lifetime. While I enjoy the whole group, Harry and Nicole really tend to steal the show.
Alex is a lovable introvert with a serious case of writer’s block thanks to a prior incident that left him literally running for the hills. Thanks to all that running and his fabulous runner’s glutes, he has not gone unnoticed by the ladies of Asheville which has earned him the nickname Running Man.
Willow and Alex connect over their shared past trauma and I loved that they took the time to get to know each other as friends before taking the dive into relationship status because let’s face it, these opposites were definitely attracted. Their slow burn chemistry was sweet as they learned that they could be that person the other was missing in their life.
I’m so glad to be back in Asheville! This cast of characters is by far one of my favorites. Like Alex said, they’re “Beaches” kind of friends. The kind you live for and love for a lifetime. While I enjoy the whole group, Harry and Nicole really tend to steal the show.
December 28, 2021
What an absolutely charming read! Seriously, everything about it was perfect! This was my first book by these authors and I'm going to buy the rest of this series immediately!
Willow is a ray of sunshine. She gets happiness from making others happy. She also happens to come from a long line of matchmakers. The bakery she manages provides her with plenty of people to match up. Unfortunately, love doesn't come so easily for her.
Alex is an author with a terrible case of writers block. Needing a change of scenery, he decides to visit a friend. That friend happens to be the owner of the bakery where Willow works.
Willow and Alex's first encounter isn't exactly a meet-cute. But after they get to know each other, and with a little meddling from friends, their relationship takes off. When Willow let's her walls down, she finally gets to feel special and taken care of. Alex sees her in a way no one has. Alex has a hard time trusting anyone but when he talks to Willow, he knows that he can trust her. She makes him happy and feel hopeful. Watching them and their relationship grow was beautiful and real.
The side characters in the book really helped make this an amazing story. All the shenanigans and love between their friends was so entertaining! There's just the right amount of sunshine and grumpy, sweetness and steam, happiness and sorrow. Like I said, it's perfect!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Willow is a ray of sunshine. She gets happiness from making others happy. She also happens to come from a long line of matchmakers. The bakery she manages provides her with plenty of people to match up. Unfortunately, love doesn't come so easily for her.
Alex is an author with a terrible case of writers block. Needing a change of scenery, he decides to visit a friend. That friend happens to be the owner of the bakery where Willow works.
Willow and Alex's first encounter isn't exactly a meet-cute. But after they get to know each other, and with a little meddling from friends, their relationship takes off. When Willow let's her walls down, she finally gets to feel special and taken care of. Alex sees her in a way no one has. Alex has a hard time trusting anyone but when he talks to Willow, he knows that he can trust her. She makes him happy and feel hopeful. Watching them and their relationship grow was beautiful and real.
The side characters in the book really helped make this an amazing story. All the shenanigans and love between their friends was so entertaining! There's just the right amount of sunshine and grumpy, sweetness and steam, happiness and sorrow. Like I said, it's perfect!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 7, 2022
Another great installment in the Bad Luck Club series. While this was not my favorite I still really enjoyed all of the characters, new and old. Willow and Alex were definitely steamy and their story was sweet. Looking forward to maybe a Harry or Rowan story or hopefully Dottie!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2022
Willow, a matchmaker on the fritz and Alex, an author with writers block, Tik Tok Blake, scary Nicole, don't need help Sherry and Nadine & the "Misery" Ladies Club are only afew of the characters you'll meet on this wild ride to love.
We get to catch up with some regular characters, Harry, Molly, Cal, Zach, Tina, Bear and Dottie. I personally love when books in series do that. I love to know how their lives are going.
From Tik Tok Blake and the "Misery" club, I laughed so hard that I had to go sit on the toilet, you know, in case the tears ran down my legs!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We get to catch up with some regular characters, Harry, Molly, Cal, Zach, Tina, Bear and Dottie. I personally love when books in series do that. I love to know how their lives are going.
From Tik Tok Blake and the "Misery" club, I laughed so hard that I had to go sit on the toilet, you know, in case the tears ran down my legs!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2022
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play
When a gorgeous runner ruins Willow's new matchmaking attempt, it opens the door for love. But only if both of them can get past their demons.
Alex has an extreme case of writer's block, being in this small town is supposed to help him get over it, but so far all it's done has gotten him involved with a ray of sunshine named Willow. But he has things he hasn't told Willow, and they could be a real obstacle to them staying together. Both of them will need to deal with their issues if they want to stay together.
Fun, sweet and quirky, I always like being back with the Bad Luck Club. Willow and Alex are its newest members, and they fit in perfectly with the club. Can't wait for more of their shenanigans.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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January 3, 2022
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Willow comes from a long line of matchmakers but love has never been in the cards for her. Her life in Asheville was great but she’d been pining for her brother’s friend for years and moved back home to make a grand gesture. Things didn’t work out at all like she’d expected and his reaction crushed her spirits. Now she’s convinced that love just isn’t in the cards for her but she buries that disappointment and loneliness under a sunny disposition even as she works to set up others.
Alex is a popular author suffering from a severe case of writer’s block. He’s been struggling with some personal issues and they’re preventing him from completing his latest project so he came to Asheville from NYC for a change of scenery, hoping to get his creative juices flowing. Sparks fly when they meet but Alex’s time here has an expiration date. Willow doesn’t want to start anything knowing they’ll part soon but their drawn together in so many ways.
I love these characters, individually and together. Willow loves her job and people and always seems happy, so she makes everyone around her happy. too. Alex is a broody introvert but he’s like a different man with Willow: funny and sexy and commanding.
The supporting cast is great as always for the Bad Luck Club books. I love Harry and Nicole, Bear and Dottie and all the rest, but we also get some new people here that bring a lot to the story. Like the Alex-obsessed erotic fan-fic writers who maybe almost imprison him and then write a lengthy sex scene for Willow and Alex completely against their will. There’s a lot of crazy here and even baby goats in pajamas so there’s truly something for everyone. I love Alex and Willow’s story and always leave Asheville wanting more.
January 6, 2022
“𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒉𝒖𝒉?” 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔. “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒔.”
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘.” 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕. “𝑫𝒐 𝑰?”
✓ RomCom
✓ Slow burn to the core
✓ Opposites attract
✓ Dorky but so damn cuteee
✓ Guy falls first
✓ FANTASTIC side characters!!
The romance, oh god, just get them together already!! It was cheesy, it was cute, it will make you blush & it will make you laugh.
Alex & Willow have great chemistry & the fact that their first meet wasn't exactly a meetcute but still lead to coffee being spilled on Alex by Willow was the part I loved the most! These two have their hearts guarded due to their respective pasts. They're interested in each other but Alex is in town till he gets his story finished which is soon, he's not staying & Willow is not willing to enter into a relationship which has a deadline. Alex being his charming & wonderful self agrees on friends & the intensity only increases from there onwards.
It was amazing & a bit emotional to see the siblings bond between Willow & her brother Rowan as well as the bestfriends bond between Alex & Lou.
This is the perfect romcom but near the middle part it felt like the authors had tons of amazing ideas & so added them all in one single book therefore making it a bit longer than necessary.
Read this for Alex & Willow, AND
for Blake (who epicly embarrasses himself twice more than what's humanely possible infront of his crush; it's hilarious and sad at the same time) AND
for Nadine & Darlene (two old women who are friends and write erotic fan fiction) AND
for Harry (poor guy thought Alex had a threesome with two guys in Willow's home) AND
for Nicole (the one with crazy ideas and pink hair).
Alex is PERFECT for me♡
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘.” 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕. “𝑫𝒐 𝑰?”
✓ RomCom
✓ Slow burn to the core
✓ Opposites attract
✓ Dorky but so damn cuteee
✓ Guy falls first
✓ FANTASTIC side characters!!
The romance, oh god, just get them together already!! It was cheesy, it was cute, it will make you blush & it will make you laugh.
Alex & Willow have great chemistry & the fact that their first meet wasn't exactly a meetcute but still lead to coffee being spilled on Alex by Willow was the part I loved the most! These two have their hearts guarded due to their respective pasts. They're interested in each other but Alex is in town till he gets his story finished which is soon, he's not staying & Willow is not willing to enter into a relationship which has a deadline. Alex being his charming & wonderful self agrees on friends & the intensity only increases from there onwards.
It was amazing & a bit emotional to see the siblings bond between Willow & her brother Rowan as well as the bestfriends bond between Alex & Lou.
This is the perfect romcom but near the middle part it felt like the authors had tons of amazing ideas & so added them all in one single book therefore making it a bit longer than necessary.
Read this for Alex & Willow, AND
for Blake (who epicly embarrasses himself twice more than what's humanely possible infront of his crush; it's hilarious and sad at the same time) AND
for Nadine & Darlene (two old women who are friends and write erotic fan fiction) AND
for Harry (poor guy thought Alex had a threesome with two guys in Willow's home) AND
for Nicole (the one with crazy ideas and pink hair).
Alex is PERFECT for me♡
November 30, 2024
Maybe I'm over this series?
I thought this book would be fun. I love a good sunshine-grumpy match-up, and the supporting cast of these books has been super fun. But...uh...no.
Alex is just a dick. And when he's not a dick and he's actually trying to overcome his BIG DEAL secret, he's fine, but he still doesn't GET OVER IT. Like, he never handles it. Not even at the end. Everyone else handles it for him, but there's no closure or arc to him.
Willow is a doormat. I mean, she's sunshine-y, but she's also just ... I don't know. There's no arc to her, either. She tries to match Blake and Sherry and that turns into total crack-fic stuff, and it's so mortifying and it didn't need to be that way. And her ex? The big secret in her past? Yeah. She's taking stuff way out of context there and basically, I can't figure out why she's so hurt. Sure, what she did was embarrassing, but is she 12?
Finally, there's a misspelling on roux when she's making alfredo sauce. Now, this may seem like nothing, but alfredo isn't made with a roux. Roux macaroni is mac and cheese. Which, though tasty, isn't alfredo. You'd think she would know this because food is her love language and alfredo is her brother's favorite food. I am a food porn purist, people! Get it right! And rue? Rue is an bitter deep green leafy vegetable. Again, not in alfredo. (Though it can be a lovely addition to a nice sausage and white bean soup with ham, especially with a lot of garlic, red pepper, and a nice crusty white bread.
I digress.
I think I'm done with this series. It's fine. I'm fine.
Now I'm off to find some pasta.
I thought this book would be fun. I love a good sunshine-grumpy match-up, and the supporting cast of these books has been super fun. But...uh...no.
Alex is just a dick. And when he's not a dick and he's actually trying to overcome his BIG DEAL secret, he's fine, but he still doesn't GET OVER IT. Like, he never handles it. Not even at the end. Everyone else handles it for him, but there's no closure or arc to him.
Willow is a doormat. I mean, she's sunshine-y, but she's also just ... I don't know. There's no arc to her, either. She tries to match Blake and Sherry and that turns into total crack-fic stuff, and it's so mortifying and it didn't need to be that way. And her ex? The big secret in her past? Yeah. She's taking stuff way out of context there and basically, I can't figure out why she's so hurt. Sure, what she did was embarrassing, but is she 12?
Finally, there's a misspelling on roux when she's making alfredo sauce. Now, this may seem like nothing, but alfredo isn't made with a roux. Roux macaroni is mac and cheese. Which, though tasty, isn't alfredo. You'd think she would know this because food is her love language and alfredo is her brother's favorite food. I am a food porn purist, people! Get it right! And rue? Rue is an bitter deep green leafy vegetable. Again, not in alfredo. (Though it can be a lovely addition to a nice sausage and white bean soup with ham, especially with a lot of garlic, red pepper, and a nice crusty white bread.
I digress.
I think I'm done with this series. It's fine. I'm fine.
Now I'm off to find some pasta.
January 11, 2022
This is my new favorite book from the Bad Luck Club series (I am aware I say/think that every time, but since this is basically the last book in the series, I feel safe in my declaration)! Willow has moved back to Asheville to work as the manager at Bear's Buns...and because the dream relationship she had envisioned with her brother's best friend when he moved back to Highland Hills didn't come to fruition. Alex is staying with Bear after Molly convinced him to come stay in Asheville after they met at a writer's retreat and he was stuck. Willow's family is in the matchmaking business, but she hasn't ever been able to find love for herself. Instead, she exudes sunshine and tries to make everyone around her happy. Alex is a mystery writer who really never lets anyone in after a childhood hurt. Alex unknowingly ruins a match Willow was trying to make and they end up becoming "Team Sunshine," working to spread joy around town.
I loved Alex and Willow together! Nicole and Harry made a lot of appearances (Harry is Willow's roommate after all) and provided a good amount of comic relief. I'm also really happy that Dottie played more of a role than she has in most of the other Bad Luck Club books because I adore her. I also really appreciated that Alex's struggles didn't stem from a past romantic relationship. I was thrilled that some of the other characters' stories were able to be tied up since the series is ending. I hope that the characters continue to make appearances in the new series. DEFINITELY don't skip the bonus chapter - it was by far my favorite!
I loved Alex and Willow together! Nicole and Harry made a lot of appearances (Harry is Willow's roommate after all) and provided a good amount of comic relief. I'm also really happy that Dottie played more of a role than she has in most of the other Bad Luck Club books because I adore her. I also really appreciated that Alex's struggles didn't stem from a past romantic relationship. I was thrilled that some of the other characters' stories were able to be tied up since the series is ending. I hope that the characters continue to make appearances in the new series. DEFINITELY don't skip the bonus chapter - it was by far my favorite!
February 27, 2022
Laugh out loud, steamy Romance
Do you need to laugh, cry and get all hot and bothered? Well, this is one book that I can recommend for all of those emotions. Having read the rest of this series, I have found that I enjoyed the comedic genius of A.R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank. Throughout this series I have found that each story not only has hot explicit sex scenes but real depth for each love interest, as well as humor that will make you laugh out loud. There is a character that helps with each books main characters story, she will be one that will not only make you laugh out loud but have you a little scared of her abilities and her ideas. This is a book that I would put as a Thai Pepper with hot and sexy explicit scenes. I put this at a 3.75 out of 5 stars, there is not much about this book I don't like.
Alex is a mystery writer that has writers block and has moved to town temporarily moved to Asheville to try and overcome it and is staying with a man named Bear who has just opened up a bakery in town. This is the same bakery that Williow has come back to Asheville to run, while trying to set up a couple of people that frequents the bakery, she meets Alex. These two do NOT start out on great footing, making this a Enemy to Lovers trope.
If you like hot and steamy scenes and lots of laughs with a few moments that will make you cry then, this is a book you will enjoy!
Do you need to laugh, cry and get all hot and bothered? Well, this is one book that I can recommend for all of those emotions. Having read the rest of this series, I have found that I enjoyed the comedic genius of A.R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank. Throughout this series I have found that each story not only has hot explicit sex scenes but real depth for each love interest, as well as humor that will make you laugh out loud. There is a character that helps with each books main characters story, she will be one that will not only make you laugh out loud but have you a little scared of her abilities and her ideas. This is a book that I would put as a Thai Pepper with hot and sexy explicit scenes. I put this at a 3.75 out of 5 stars, there is not much about this book I don't like.
Alex is a mystery writer that has writers block and has moved to town temporarily moved to Asheville to try and overcome it and is staying with a man named Bear who has just opened up a bakery in town. This is the same bakery that Williow has come back to Asheville to run, while trying to set up a couple of people that frequents the bakery, she meets Alex. These two do NOT start out on great footing, making this a Enemy to Lovers trope.
If you like hot and steamy scenes and lots of laughs with a few moments that will make you cry then, this is a book you will enjoy!
December 27, 2021
Adorably cute story about two opposites who fell for one another when they set about doing good deeds for others around town. #TeamSunshine.
Alex is a glass half-full pessimist, where as Willow is a glass half-full optimist and yet these two were drawn to each other from the first time they met. Their meddling meetups are adorable each and every time and it doesn't take long for Willow to pull Alex out of his doldrums.
Alex came to town to escape his writer's block and Willow came to town to heal her heart. These two shouldn't work, but they are the perfect complementary partners for one another, the one thing stopping them...Alex is in town temporarily while he finishes his book and Willow's heart...yeah, she doesn't want to damage it any more than she has by mistakes in her past.
Willow is willing to fix anyone's love life, except her own and once Alex catches on to this, he's just willing to spend time in her company, hence #TeamSunshine is born. The name grows and more people get involved and soon t-shirts are made. It's fun and adorable and what was supposed to be just between the two of them grows into acts of kindness and spreads optimism throughout the town.
Matchmaking Mischief is full of smalltown fun, friendship, good deeds, and falling in love. It is the perfect book to pick up that will fill you with optimism and lots of sunshine.
Alex is a glass half-full pessimist, where as Willow is a glass half-full optimist and yet these two were drawn to each other from the first time they met. Their meddling meetups are adorable each and every time and it doesn't take long for Willow to pull Alex out of his doldrums.
Alex came to town to escape his writer's block and Willow came to town to heal her heart. These two shouldn't work, but they are the perfect complementary partners for one another, the one thing stopping them...Alex is in town temporarily while he finishes his book and Willow's heart...yeah, she doesn't want to damage it any more than she has by mistakes in her past.
Willow is willing to fix anyone's love life, except her own and once Alex catches on to this, he's just willing to spend time in her company, hence #TeamSunshine is born. The name grows and more people get involved and soon t-shirts are made. It's fun and adorable and what was supposed to be just between the two of them grows into acts of kindness and spreads optimism throughout the town.
Matchmaking Mischief is full of smalltown fun, friendship, good deeds, and falling in love. It is the perfect book to pick up that will fill you with optimism and lots of sunshine.
January 6, 2022
Thanks you A.R. Casella, Denise Grover Swank, and Social Butterfly PR for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of Matchmaking Mischief
When Alex, an introvert writer who has writer's block comes to the town of Asheville to isolate himself to write he meets Willow, who is sunshine all over. She loves helping people find love, especially the Bakeries owner, Bear and Tea of Fortunes owner, Dottie. While matchmaking is the family business, Willow still hasn't found love herself.
I loved Alex and Willow, but Nadine and Darlene stole the light whenever they were around. These two old, eccentric women are who I want to be when I'm older... just spending my days writing Erotica. Seriously funny stuff!
The chemistry between Alex and Willow was explosive after the slow burn and build up. This is one of my favorite parts about a book, feeling the tension between the main characters. It's a mark of excellent writing when readers can feel the build up and these ladies did an amazing job. Once they finally got together, there were fireworks!
A.R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank bring these characters to life and make you fall in love with them, while watching them fall in love with one another. I would be a part of Team Sunshine any day and am looking forward to reading more in this series.
When Alex, an introvert writer who has writer's block comes to the town of Asheville to isolate himself to write he meets Willow, who is sunshine all over. She loves helping people find love, especially the Bakeries owner, Bear and Tea of Fortunes owner, Dottie. While matchmaking is the family business, Willow still hasn't found love herself.
I loved Alex and Willow, but Nadine and Darlene stole the light whenever they were around. These two old, eccentric women are who I want to be when I'm older... just spending my days writing Erotica. Seriously funny stuff!
The chemistry between Alex and Willow was explosive after the slow burn and build up. This is one of my favorite parts about a book, feeling the tension between the main characters. It's a mark of excellent writing when readers can feel the build up and these ladies did an amazing job. Once they finally got together, there were fireworks!
A.R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank bring these characters to life and make you fall in love with them, while watching them fall in love with one another. I would be a part of Team Sunshine any day and am looking forward to reading more in this series.
January 6, 2022
Willow exudes positivity to everyone she meets, but on the inside, she is dealing with her own insecurities, just like all of us. I actually really related to her, always putting a smile on her face and having that glass half-full outlook, while battling her own issues. Alex is the complete opposite of her, introvert and grumpy. But he can’t help being pulled in by her sunshine and happiness. After a rocky start, they form a friendship that blossoms into so much more.
The story is original, fun, hilarious, and sexy. I love the slow simmer of romance in this book. There are some crazy, quirky scenes that had me laughing so hard. I don’t know how Denise and Angela come up with some of the crazy antics, but I’m glad they do.
Denise and Angela have created such amazing characters with Willow, Alex and the entire series. They’ve become like friends and family and I’m invested in what happens to all of them. I love getting glimpses of all the characters and witnessing great things happening to them. I’m excited for the next book in the series and also for the spinoff series. Looking for some fun and an escape, get this book and the entire series today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is original, fun, hilarious, and sexy. I love the slow simmer of romance in this book. There are some crazy, quirky scenes that had me laughing so hard. I don’t know how Denise and Angela come up with some of the crazy antics, but I’m glad they do.
Denise and Angela have created such amazing characters with Willow, Alex and the entire series. They’ve become like friends and family and I’m invested in what happens to all of them. I love getting glimpses of all the characters and witnessing great things happening to them. I’m excited for the next book in the series and also for the spinoff series. Looking for some fun and an escape, get this book and the entire series today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2022
4 stars
Those who can't wed, matchmake. Those who can't matchmake, are named Willow!
Matchmaking Mischief is the fourth book in the Bad Luck Club (BLC) series but you do not need to have read any of the others to enjoy this book. In fact, this is kind of Bad Luck Club adjacent. This book contains all the colorful characters of the BLC but no one is actually in the BLC in this book.
The only thing worse than Willow's luck with her matches for other people is her luck with her own. Despite coming from a long line of matchmakers, and her heartfelt desire to make others happy, Willow doesn't have much luck in the love department. Hers or anyone else's. She's determined to turn her track record around! She's always been positive that way!
If Willow is sunshine and rainbows, Alex Hunter is a thunder cloud. He's a writer suffering with writer's block and an overall gray outlook on life. Despite his internal voice telling him no one can possibly be as positive as Willow, he's intrigued by the beauty working the bakery counter.
This is a frenemy to lovers story. It's super cute although not my favorite of the series. It drug a little for me but the characters were adorable, as usual!
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Those who can't wed, matchmake. Those who can't matchmake, are named Willow!
Matchmaking Mischief is the fourth book in the Bad Luck Club (BLC) series but you do not need to have read any of the others to enjoy this book. In fact, this is kind of Bad Luck Club adjacent. This book contains all the colorful characters of the BLC but no one is actually in the BLC in this book.
The only thing worse than Willow's luck with her matches for other people is her luck with her own. Despite coming from a long line of matchmakers, and her heartfelt desire to make others happy, Willow doesn't have much luck in the love department. Hers or anyone else's. She's determined to turn her track record around! She's always been positive that way!
If Willow is sunshine and rainbows, Alex Hunter is a thunder cloud. He's a writer suffering with writer's block and an overall gray outlook on life. Despite his internal voice telling him no one can possibly be as positive as Willow, he's intrigued by the beauty working the bakery counter.
This is a frenemy to lovers story. It's super cute although not my favorite of the series. It drug a little for me but the characters were adorable, as usual!
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
January 10, 2022
This is a lovely read back in Asheville. Cal's former assistant Willow is currently managing his father Bear's bakery and coffee bar. She has recently moved back to Asheville after going back to her hometown for a while for some family-related issues. She's a sweet girl who enjoys helping others, often at her own expense.
Coming from a family of (professional) matchmakers, she enjoys helping people around her find love. During one such attempt, an attractive runner unintentionally thwarts her efforts. The runner in question is Alex, Bear's new tenant. He's a writer suffering from writer's block, and has come to Asheville at Molly's invitation, hoping a change of pace and scenery will help.
Thrown together on several occasions, they eventually have to acknowledge their mutual attraction. There are lots of funny mishaps along the way, thanks in part to Asheville's quirky residents. There is also some past trauma for both of them, which they will have to face and process.
I like how introverted Alex ventures out of his comfort zone, because he knows it'll make extraverted Willow happy. At the same time, Willow tries to ensure Alex gets plenty of opportunity to unwind. This shows that they recognize their differences and are willing to compromise to make it work.
Coming from a family of (professional) matchmakers, she enjoys helping people around her find love. During one such attempt, an attractive runner unintentionally thwarts her efforts. The runner in question is Alex, Bear's new tenant. He's a writer suffering from writer's block, and has come to Asheville at Molly's invitation, hoping a change of pace and scenery will help.
Thrown together on several occasions, they eventually have to acknowledge their mutual attraction. There are lots of funny mishaps along the way, thanks in part to Asheville's quirky residents. There is also some past trauma for both of them, which they will have to face and process.
I like how introverted Alex ventures out of his comfort zone, because he knows it'll make extraverted Willow happy. At the same time, Willow tries to ensure Alex gets plenty of opportunity to unwind. This shows that they recognize their differences and are willing to compromise to make it work.
February 28, 2022
Willow and Alex - team sunshine for the win
This is a sweet slightly steamy romance full of lovable characters with just a touch of angst. Expect to laugh, cry, happy sigh, grit your teeth, groan and swoon. This is fourth book in the Bad Luck Club series set in Asheville, North Carolina and is a wonderful story full of friendship, family, quirky characters, drama, silliness, misunderstandings, and love. Willow is a sunshiney woman who comes from a long line of matchmakers and decides she will cure her past pain by matchmaking couples in secret. Alex is a grumpy mystery writer who has come to Asheville to work on his writer’s block which also stems from his painful past. They meet when Alex stretches after running outside the window of the bakery Willow works at and his stretching interrupts what she thinks is a love match she set up. The yelling is just the beginning of their journey to their HEA. There is a lot of growth for the main characters as they sort through the pain and messes from their pasts. The story includes the usual quirky and hilarious side characters which add hilarity and richness to the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a sweet slightly steamy romance full of lovable characters with just a touch of angst. Expect to laugh, cry, happy sigh, grit your teeth, groan and swoon. This is fourth book in the Bad Luck Club series set in Asheville, North Carolina and is a wonderful story full of friendship, family, quirky characters, drama, silliness, misunderstandings, and love. Willow is a sunshiney woman who comes from a long line of matchmakers and decides she will cure her past pain by matchmaking couples in secret. Alex is a grumpy mystery writer who has come to Asheville to work on his writer’s block which also stems from his painful past. They meet when Alex stretches after running outside the window of the bakery Willow works at and his stretching interrupts what she thinks is a love match she set up. The yelling is just the beginning of their journey to their HEA. There is a lot of growth for the main characters as they sort through the pain and messes from their pasts. The story includes the usual quirky and hilarious side characters which add hilarity and richness to the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 6, 2022
Those who can't wed, matchmake. Those who can't matchmake, are named Willow!
Matchmaking Mischief is the fourth book in the Bad Luck Club (BLC) series but you do not need to have read any of the others to enjoy this book. In fact, this is kind of Bad Luck Club adjacent. This book contains all the colorful characters of the BLC but no one is actually in the BLC in this book.
The only thing worse than Willow's luck with her matches for other people is her luck with her own. Despite coming from a long line of matchmakers, and her heartfelt desire to make others happy, Willow doesn't have much luck in the love department. Hers or anyone else's. She's determined to turn her track record around! She's always been positive that way!
If Willow is sunshine and rainbows, Alex Hunter is a thunder cloud. He's a writer suffering with writer's block and an overall gray outlook on life. Despite his internal voice telling him no one can possibly be as positive as Willow, he's intrigued by the beauty working the bakery counter.
This is a frenemy to lovers story. It's super cute although not my favorite of the series. It drug a little for me but the characters were adorable, as usual!
Matchmaking Mischief is the fourth book in the Bad Luck Club (BLC) series but you do not need to have read any of the others to enjoy this book. In fact, this is kind of Bad Luck Club adjacent. This book contains all the colorful characters of the BLC but no one is actually in the BLC in this book.
The only thing worse than Willow's luck with her matches for other people is her luck with her own. Despite coming from a long line of matchmakers, and her heartfelt desire to make others happy, Willow doesn't have much luck in the love department. Hers or anyone else's. She's determined to turn her track record around! She's always been positive that way!
If Willow is sunshine and rainbows, Alex Hunter is a thunder cloud. He's a writer suffering with writer's block and an overall gray outlook on life. Despite his internal voice telling him no one can possibly be as positive as Willow, he's intrigued by the beauty working the bakery counter.
This is a frenemy to lovers story. It's super cute although not my favorite of the series. It drug a little for me but the characters were adorable, as usual!
January 5, 2022
Willow moved back to Asheville after being not so lucky with her family's matchmaking business. Alex is from NY but is in Asheville in hopes that a change of scenery will cure his writer's block. Willow and Alex are an unlikely pair, opposites in every way. Willow feels like she'll never find a love of her own while Alex has sworn off love until he finishes his novel (that's right ladies - there is a sexy, dark-haired, glasses-wearing author in this one!) that isn't going so well. However, opposites attract they are drawn to each other. Although their first encounter is less than friendly, things heat up. Lots of love, laughs, and emotions are packed into this terrific rom-com.
I love that every time a new Bad Luck Club book comes out the circle of loveable characters expands yet we still get to catch up with all of the characters that we love from past books, too. If you previously fell in love with Dottie, Bear, Nicole, Harry, etc. they're all here! I give this one five stars! Do yourself a favor and read the entire series!
I love that every time a new Bad Luck Club book comes out the circle of loveable characters expands yet we still get to catch up with all of the characters that we love from past books, too. If you previously fell in love with Dottie, Bear, Nicole, Harry, etc. they're all here! I give this one five stars! Do yourself a favor and read the entire series!
January 7, 2022
Matchmaking Mischief is an opposites attract, slow burn story about Willow and Alex. Willow comes from a family of matchmakers, but she was never really good at it or at finding love herself. Willow is always spreading positivity and always trying make others happy even if she doesn’t feel the same way. Ever the “people-pleaser”. Alex is a writer with a severe case of writer’s block. Alex is the complete opposite and to others seems like the grumpy writer he appears to be. He has a very “glass half-empty” mentality until he meets Willow. She has intrigued him like no other woman has before. When she is around, Alex is more of a “glass half-full” type. They compliment each other so well. You can’t help but fall in love with them as a couple. This book will make you LOL at times and want to cry at others, but that’s what makes it so good. I loved seeing their relationship evolve as the book continued. To find out what kind of “matchmaking mischief” these two and their friends get into you will have to read the book. I can’t wait for more from this dynamic duo.
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