First things first, although the story as-a-whole is original, the basic premise isn't an original concept. But that doesn't change the fact that this is a well-written, laugh-out-loud, charming debut. I really hope Zoe May releases another book, she has such a natural talent for both developing a chick-lit romance, and embedding humour within the narrative throughout! I loved Perfect Match.

This book follows Sophia, a character who seems quite snarky and, to be honest, narcissistic and materialistic, from the beginning. However, throughout the book, Sophia does mature and becomes a likeable character, who you are rooting for. This is interesting, because other characters who you feel are honest, humble and kind in the beginning, I found myself loathing half-way through the book. The characterisation was well-done, enough for the reader to feel a connection to the characters, and more-so to the romance happening between the characters. My favourites were Sandra, the quirky co-worker (I was rooting for a romance between her and Tom, to be honest) and Chris, the geeky date, who wasn't appreciated for his amazing fact-file.

I don't want to say too much more, as I want to keep this spoiler-free! But I would highly recommend this one if, like me, you love Sophia Kinsella like chick-lit, full of quips and cute romance. It's a happy, charming read and one which I very much enjoyed.

Full Review Here: https://thereadingruby.blogspot.com/2018/01/book-review-perfect-match-by-zoe-may.html

Perfect Match is a decent romantic comedy. Although it is fairly predictable, I did enjoy reading about Sophia and her adventures in online dating. A great read for anyone looking to find their perfect match!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Format: ARC Kindle ebook
Tissue warning: no
HEA: yes
Triggers: online dating
Narrative: 1st person, following Sophia
My reviewer rating: 2 of 5
Published: January 18, 2018

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC novel in exchange for my honest-to-goodness review.

I'm sorry to say that I didn't particularly enjoy this story. I had high hopes with the blurb. It just seemed cute and original and ... well, cute. But I cringed. I eye rolled. I shook my head and persevered.

The premise of the novel is that Sophia is a serial dater. She meets her beaus in all imaginable online dating group sites. Each and every one is a bust. Sophia finds something to nit-pick on for each man she meets. With her latest online match with Chris becoming another X-mark on her list of dud dates, her best friend convinces her that she should try one last dating site. With this, they both have a good time coming up with the parameters of what exactly Sophia is looking for. She basically just says "eff it all" and makes up a dreamy, unrealistic man. Billionaire. Entrepreneur. Travels frequently. Must love his adopted cat. And must look like Edward Cullen. Oh, I mean, must look like Robert Pattinson.

But, I am glad I read it. The blurb was absolutely successful in reaching and intriguing me. So, great job there! The rest just fell completely face-first flat for me. And that's just me. My opinion. Take it with a grain of salt. You may love the story and are probably shaking your middle finger at me now. I apologize. I really do.

Zoe May’s debut novel, Perfect Match, is a lovely light read with a few unexpected laugh out loud moments – Japanese soup, anyone?
Perfect Match does suffer with debut novel syndrome in that at first the writing is a little clumsy and slow going. I urge you to persevere, however, as the author soon finds her stride and the book turns into an engaging story following the development of Sophia’s emotional maturity. At the beginning of the novel Sophia is immature, self-absorbed, and downright superficial! She is annoying, but that is what makes following her journey of personal growth so much fun.

The last half of the book is certainly the best. It is here that you can see the author finding her style and becoming comfortable with it. If you give Perfect Match a go, you may just be pleasantly surprised. Zoe May has shown potential in this, her first novel, and she is certainly an author I will be keeping an eye on in the future.

Perfect Match by Zoe May is a delightful romantic comedy about finally meeting your “perfect man” only to realise he’s not what you really want, or need.

This is a witty, intelligent, warm debut from Zoe May. Although social media/online dating based books aren't that uncommon now due to how the dating game has changed in the past decade, and how we are all now glued to our phones, this book is original and keeps you guessing throughout which I thought was really refreshing.

This isn't a novel of boy meets girl and everything fairy tale and whimsical happens under the London skyline, oh no, you need to buckle up and enjoy the ride. It is a raw, thought-provoking account of modern dating including all the perils of ghosting, dick-pics, harassment and dating site algorithms; however, it also covers friendships, family, careers, house-sharing, as well as providing an insight in to class differences and social expectations vs realities particularly well.

There are some very funny antics, but what I especially enjoyed was the way that the main character, Sophia, is written and how you experience her outlook and approach maturing throughout the story. At the start of the book there were quite a few aspects of her personality (being a bit of a slacker at work, judgmental behaviour, shallow expectations) that I felt were far from ideal and I struggled to relate, however as the story evolves and you chart her journey you see what insecurities underpin her actions and the growth she is going through.

I found the ending gripping and without any hints or spoilers it really doesn't disappoint, this is a very strong writing debut and deserves a lot of success.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this advanced copy to review honestly.

This was a really sweet book. I liked the romances, and there were a few surprises, but what I liked most were the friendships.

This book was better than the standard plot of girl has no luck with finding a date and meets all sorts of losers in online dating until she meets the right guy. That’s the basic set-up and we’ve all read variations on that plot device before. However, there are some intriguing twists in this story that help it rise above other books with a similar plot. I can’t say much more without giving away those twists, but this was well worth reading. Stick with it and you’ll find it well worth your time.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.