I really enjoyed this book. I like that the protagonist is not perfect, she's beautifully flawed. She has a family history, that appears to be less than stellar. I loved that it's part romance, part mystery. I would say, the only negative was the semi-smooth resolution. I would have like to see the separation between Nate and Terri be dragged out a little longer.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

3.5/5 stars.

What a great, refreshing read! I really enjoyed this story. This is the fourth book in the Summerhouse series. I think that any reader would be fine picking up this story though. I laughed out loud quiet a few times reading this. I really liked Nate and Terri's chemistry. Highly recommended!

I have been reading quite a few rather emotionally heavy books recently so it was nice to sit down for a few hours and focus on something a little lighter that would give me a happy ever after ending.

This book is the second in a series about the fictional town of Summer Hill Virginia. I have not read the first book in the series, but the author did include some background information to help lay the groundwork for the story to follow. I suspect it would have been easier if I had read the first book but overall it didn’t make a huge difference.

There is an old adage that the sins of the father are visited upon the son. In this book it appears that the supposed “sins” of the mother have been visited upon her daughter, Terri Rayburn, for many, many years. Terri has learned to live with it feeling completely comfortable in her role of handyperson and general rescuer in the Lake community which her father helped to found. Visits to Summer Hill though leave her with a completely different set of feelings and insecurities.

When Terri returns home from her time away on vacation, she discovers a strange (but very attractive) male has moved into her abode. Her initial instinct is to send him running, but there is something about him that appeals to her and she thinks she may have met a man she could develop a relationship with. She even believes that her relatives may have placed him there in an effort to matchmake. Imagine her shock when she finds out that he is engaged to be married to one of the girls that she went to high school with. She leaves in anger but when he sets out to change her mind by using the skills that he has developed working overseas for the government to lighten her workload, a friendship and working team develop very quickly.

People around are thrilled to see Terri so happy and assume that the couple may be acting on the feelings that seem so obvious to others. In actual fact, they are both doing their best to keep things platonic but as time goes by, Nate discovers that the life his fiancé has planned out for him is not something he thinks he can live with.

Mixed in with the romance of the story is a mystery – whatever became of Terri’s mother Leslie and what happened when Leslie was a teenager that got her suspended from school? Why did she break things off with her high school boyfriend and why did the town condemn her for doing so? Some of the answers were fairly predictable and I drew some accurate conclusions well before the mystery was resolved, there were however, still some surprises in store for me.

Met Her Match draws a clear picture of how within a community there are ”the haves”, and the “have nots” and the tensions that run between them. The story ended fairly abruptly but left itself open for more to come with other characters introduced. I personally found both Terri and Nate very likeable characters and would be willing to read other books in this series.

I was approached by the publicist to read this book based on my interest in their previous women’s fiction and romance titles. Many thanks to Mira Books and #NetGalley. What is above is my unbiased review.

Kissel Lake. Welcome to a small town with small town gossip, secrets and mystery. Nate and Terri have great chemistry and this was a great read.

An excellent novel with a fascinating depiction of characters. I very much enjoyed this wonderful story and highly recommend it.

There were some ups and downs about this book, in my opinion. The plot was interesting. I liked the murder mystery angle toward the end. However, I wished it had been integrated more into the overall story line rather than crammed into the end of the story.

What did not work for me in this book, was the lack of true emotion show. Everything was tell, and the dialogues were full of info dumping at times. The POV issues drove me a little crazy. I didn't really care about what the sheriff, Stacey, or other random characters thought about Nate and Terri. I wouldn't have minded hearing about it from them in conversation, but I didn't need to get into their heads to be "told" what they thought. In fact, I never really knew what Nate was feeling or thinking.

There were two lines toward the end that had some emotion show - "my heart was pounding in my throat..." and "I clinched my fists so tight..." And honestly those were the little that I picked up on. The rest was telling me "I tried not to be sad..." things like that. I think it could have been a lot more powerful with more show and not so much tell the whole way through.

Also, I didn't see much overall change happen for Terri and Nate other than their circumstances changing. But what internal change did they undergo? At one point, Nate comes back and says, "I coudn't stay away..." And that ended the conflict of them being together.

There was a lot of interesting things going on in the story which helped and I did like the overall plot. There was some action in terms of dialogue and the story did move forward in a few external ways. And again, my favorite part of the story was the murder mystery aspect. I felt almost cheated that we didn't have more of that lingering throughout. At the very beginning Nate gets the text from Kit to ask about Leslie. He gets Della drunk one night and never talks about her, really. I think if that scene had happened a little sooner and Nate grew suspicious and began digging around - it would have been neat. I REALLY wish I could have heard more from Nate. I was so interested in him and felt like I didn't get to hear his thoughts and emotions much at all!

These are just my opinions. This story was really good, and I genuinely liked the characters and world building! And, I will certainly look into other reads by this author!

Another great addition to her Taggert series! This was a fast story, it began with a little romance and ended with a mystery. I thought it was well written and kept my interest. I enjoyed the story! Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

This book is well written and holds your attention. It has mystery, romance and just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you HARLEQUIN - MIRA (U.S. and Canada) Mira via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jude Deveraux never fails each of her books are romantic warm quirky with entertaining characters and a draw you in plot line.I picked this up and could not put it down.#netgalley#harlequinbooks,

Jude Deveraux is a master at creating a town full of memorable characters and weaving a mystery that touches them all in meaningful ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. Even though I could guess what was coming I wanted to know how she would reveal it and how it would affect the characters. She’s always a go to author for me and I’m never disappointed.

This was an interesting read that really delved in to small towns and the beliefs that can often lock those who live there in to a specific role. Terri and Nate meet under interesting circumstances, and while the sparks fly, barriers that seem insurmountable are in place to keep them from ever being more than friends. Quirky characters, humor, and a story that keeps you engaged.

You rarely find an author that hits the ball out of the proverbial park in more than one genre. It’s usually enough to find a niche and excel at it. Jude Deveraux though is that rare author. Romance – check. Time travel – check. Murder crime mystery – check, check. Well you get the picture. Any fan of Jude Deveraux has favorites of course and I admit to partiality towards the Montgomery and Taggert families. Lo and behold how surprised I was to run across both in Jude Deveraux’s latest book. MET HER MATCH is book number two in the Summer Hill series. You absolutely didn’t have to read number one – but the question is: why didn’t you. Okay I digress.
MET HER MATCH is vintage Jude Deveraux from start to finish, a joy to read and a pleasure to review.
Listen carefully MET HER MATCH is the newest story written by Jude Deveraux. With that news my work is done.
There is no one like Jude Deveraux and I should know. I have reviewed so many wondrous authors over the years that my list of favorites change pretty rapidly. It’s not that I am flighty – it’s just that the creativity of so many authors is truly humbling. And there is no author that has had the staying power like my Jude Deveraux.
Jude Deveraux created the Taggert and Montgomery families. Those names will forever be emblazoned in my memory. These families have spurned on some of the best tales and best characters. And in MET HER MATCH we are once again overjoyed with meeting two more fabulous guys – one a Taggert and the other a Montgomery. But in all truthfulness it is Nate Taggert that is the lead actor in a crazy romantic tale that morphs into so much more.
It is always a challenge to write a review that entices the perspective reader without giving too much information. None as true as with MET HER MATCH.
Expect the unexpected from Jude Deveraux. Just when you begin to sit back and enjoy a delicious summer romance in walks trouble. Everyone in Summer Hill has heard, through the ever present gossip mill, all about the Rayburn family and its problems. Beginning with the disappearance of Brody Rayburn’s wife Leslie who left behind a distraught husband and two year old daughter Terri. Leslie’s departure was unexpected but not surprising to those that suspected her of having an eye for men.
Since Leslie left Terri has found herself being the unwarranted target of harsh whispers and innuendo. Apple and tree stuff. Terri has grown up in Summer Hill as a part of the lake community her mother and father actually developed. Understand the social strata in Summer Hill is alive and well. Lake people stay with their own usually. Townspeople keep them in their place. But when a mystery starts to unravel a lot of people are going to be scrambling for answers.
Nate Taggert is new to Summer Hill and actually living in the same lake cottage with Terri – these scenes are priceless by the way. Nate is engaged to Stacey, daughter of the town mayor. Nate seems determined to find out why Terri is so reluctant to even go to a restaurant in town. But even Nate who cut his teeth as assistant to Uncle Kit Montgomery can’t predict what he will uncover. In the meantime Terri and Nate are becoming great friends and the lake folk can’t help but wonder why they don’t consider themselves a couple. Terri and Nate are meant for each other. They finish each other’s sentences. But Nate is in love with Stacey. Nate and Stacey are one of those couples that don’t really seem to make sense but you can’t argue with the heart or can you.
MET YOUR MATCH by Jude Deveraux is definitely going to be the hit of the season. It covers all the bases and will leave you wanting more.

Heat Factor: For two people who hold off on hanky panky, this sure got scalding hot.
Character Chemistry: I can’t handle how much I wanted them to get together
Plot: Terri ends up unexpectedly shacking up with Nate, a new resident to her sleepy lake resort town and fiance to the town golden girl. Terri’s a strong, capable woman who has shouldered the weight of her mother’s poor reputation as well as the loss of her mother as a young child. There’s mystery. There’s a sexy friendship a-brewing. There’s humor. It’s wonderful.
Overall: Despite an early on aversion, this book was straight-up satisfying.

I’ll get my only two strong criticisms done right off the bat--first, I don’t like the name Terri. It’s just a thing. I hear Terri, and I think terrier. I’ll bring it up with my therapist, but I immediately thought of wiry terrier fur and dog breath. I’m sorry, but it’s just not sexy. There, I said it. Second, Terri is immediately introduced as if she’s NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS. She’s strong and sassy and decisive and doesn’t care what anyone thinks and she doesn’t care what she looks like, etc. All of which are fine, but she’s just immediately described in contrast to other women as if she’s better because she’s NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS and it put me off a little bit.

However--the tight-knit friendship these two strike up is sooooo sexy. They immediately work in tandem. They anticipate each other’s needs, call each other on their crap, and get amazing things done. So you’re rooting so hard for them the whole book. It’s so obvious they need to shape up and get together, and the author walks a fine line with the appropriateness of their friendship. They’re even self-aware enough as a couple to be honest about the fact that their relationship WAS inappropriate when they’re hashing things out!! Despite the unfortunate first name, Terri is just impossible not to like. And Nate’s a strong, thoughtful, kind, community fixture by week two. Just...ugh, so cute.

As a series, I’m hopeful the next one dives in deeper to the whole Lake Kissel community. I did not read the first book in the series and can tell you that you don’t need to read the first one to enjoy the second one--but you’d better believe I’ll be tracking that first one down next!


I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

Met Het Match is a sweet read. Terri has been the pariah of the local town her entire life, solely based on her mother's crimes. Then Nate Taggert came to stay at her house and although engaged to the town's most popular girl, there's an instant attraction between them. Events turn interesting as the fiancé returns, a major festival occurs, and a two decade mystery is solved that impacts not only the entire town, but Terri and Nate's future. Deveraux concocts the most charming characters and situations for them to be in. It's always a good time to delve into a Deveraux book.

Small town gossip has given Terri Rayburn a reputation she doesn’t deserve and has been trying to live down all her life. When she returns home one day she finds a strange man, he has been living in her cabin since she left town. Terri thinks they’re being set up romantically and proceeds to kick him out, but Nate is her kind of man and they agree to share the cabin for a short time, platonically of course. The problem is Nate is engaged to the Mayors daughter, but Nate and Terri are attracted to each other.

I loved the banter and interactions between Nate and Terri. This was a romance but there was also a mystery. Terri’s Mother supposedly ran away with another man when Terri was very little. Terri’s reputation has been unfairly impacted by her Mother, with the help of a local town gossip. There is a twist to the mystery of the disappearance of Terri’s Mother that I didn’t see coming. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I thought this book was going to be a somewhat cheesy boy gets girl, but it was so much more it had a great mystery. I spent my 4th of July reading this book not even looking up to see what was going on around me. The characters were lovable and interesting. The story as a whole was a great one.

A fun vacation read with romance, small town gossip, an old mystery and some entertaining family dynamics. The writing is very descriptive which was wonderful in imagining the lake and the town. I could see how the lake and town people differed and it made the story and relationship dynamics more developed and rich.

A little bit of the ending was made clear early on in the book, but there was a twist to it that I was not expecting which made it quite entertaining! This story has some great characters. I enjoyed many of them, but I think my favorite might be Uncle Frank or maybe Kit which would be funny due to is visibility in the story.

This was a quick read and I enjoyed the town, characters and story. Thank you NetGalley, MIRA, and Jude Deveraux for the chance to read the story and share my opinions.

OMG I loved this book. Deveraux never disappoints. I couldn't put this down and wanted it to go on and on. Terri and Nate were perfectly perfect. I hope they show up in another story. She left so many windows open to continue this community. I want a Nate for my own and a friend like Terri.

Wonderfully romantic and enjoyable! Love Jude Deveraux's books and this one did not disappoint! Liked the characters nd the plot and the setting!

Met Her Match
Classic Jude Deveraux with a mystery twist near the end. I must say, I enjoyed this book very much. It is a bit of a Cinderella tale only the wicked stepsisters are the townspeople. Let’s start at the beginning. Terri lives in her Aunt’s house on the lake and takes care of the lake and the houses and people who live there with her father. They are known as the Lake People. There is a small town close by full of Townies and for many years there has been discord between them. This discord can be traced back to some incidents that happened with Terri and her mother who is no longer in the picture. Many misunderstandings have occurred and Terri is presumed to have caused many problems for the favorite son of the town among others. Terri accepts her fate without challenging anyone. Then Nate Taggart arrives (remember the Taggarts from previous books?). There is a mix-up and he ends up staying in the same house with Terri. They are immediately attracted to one another but cannot act on the attraction as Nate is engaged to the Mayor’s daughter. Through a mutual decision, he stays and they end up working around the lake together. I won’t tell you the rest of the story but it was a very good read. I recommend this book.