The Matchmaker

Unfortunately, this one didn't quite work for me. I was pulled in by the initial premise - small-town girl meets city guy in Irish rom-com, and the focus is on the heartwarming town and community. But I found the instant love a bit boring and Hallmark-like, and the conflict fairly mild. The book felt altogether too long, and it took me a surprisingly long time to finish it.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley to read and review in exchange for an honest opinion.)

“Callum?”“Yeah?”“You're my favourite place, too.”

It's been a while since I read a romantic comedy and I am so happy that The Matchmaker was my come back to genre.

This is the first time that I am reading any of Catherine Walsh's works and after reading this? It won't be my last.

The banter and chemistry between Katie and Callum are what makes every romcom fantastic and what has me kicking my feet like a teenager and giggling like an idiot. I can't stress enough how much fun this was to read.

Katie is so chaotic and her constant resorting to humour was something that I truly related to. I loved how headstrong and powerful she was and that she was never diminished to just being a love interest. Katie was passionate and determined and I knew she was always going to accomplish and work hard to do what she believed in, regardless of whether Callum was in the picture or not.

Callum was such a great male protagonist. He was charming, loveable and completely swoon-worthy.

The found family in this book is what truly tied it all together for me. These characters felt like a breath of fresh air and I found myself smiling as I read along. I mean it when I say I believe I have a crush on every single one of these characters.

My only critique is that I would've liked it if the romance between Katie and Callum was a more slow-burn. I personally would've loved some more moments between them so I could feel like I was falling in love with them. Keynote being personally because maybe I just love my slow burns (Very Likely)

I can see this becoming a comfort read and something I read when I need a breather and a laugh. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this to have on my shelf whenever I need a pick-me-up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.