Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer is a wonderfully charming story of Dara, a very smart woman with strong Jewish faith, a great love for her family, and generalized anxiety disorder. Although Dara is the founder of J-Mate (which is the book’s equivalent to jdate), she does not date often and doesn’t have a special someone in her life. That’s where he Bubbe comes in and outs her “Mr. Perfect” list on national television. The rest of the book follows Dara as she tries to find her perfect partner.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was delightful and normalized anxiety that many people feel. I also really liked the character of Chris. He is so sweet and caring and totally has that hot single dad thing going for him. Oh, and I can’t forget the Challahback girls. They were hilarious!

I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of Jean Meltzer’s other book The Matzah Ball.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for advanced copy.

4.5 Stars!!!

Normally I’m not a fan of books with other people/dates, but Jean Meltzer pens this trope with grace. The book is full of cultural and religious references, all of which are nicely explained, that drive the story through the conflict to a beautiful HEA.

My only negative comment is that this story is a slow burn, the MCs take a long time to get to their HEA. I would have loved to read a few more chapters with their new romance.

I received a pre-published copy from the publisher. I’m sharing my honest review because I think you will enjoy this book!

This was literally a perfect weekend read for me. I really enjoyed it. The MCs were so adorable, loveable and quite relatable. Along with that, pacing was quite perfect too. I really liked how things unfolded and the MCs get their hea. In a nutshell, it was a perfect 5 stars read for me.

When her wish list of the perfect mate is broadcast during a morning show interview, Dara Rabinowitz, creator of the popular dating app J-Mate gamely - and bravely - agrees to go on blind dates to find that perfect match. On television. It's one disaster after another until she realizes the perfect person is right in front of her, not on her piece of paper.

The title fits the story perfectly. Filled with likeable characters, this was fun, witty and charming - this was a perfect vacation read.

Mr. Perfect on Paper is just perfect. Meltzer has written another charming, thoughtful, wonderful rom-com. The characters leap off the page and the story is totally refreshing. Bravo!

Oh! I loved this book. It was super cute and I couldn't put it down. Dara is part of a three generation matchmaking family business. In an attempt to promote her business she is pushed into finding her "Mr. Perfect on Paper" to save her favorite daytime show. Through her journey to find the perfect Jewish man, Dara fights her attraction to Chris because he is exactly opposite of what she is looking for and doesn't check one box on her list.
Dara has a choice to make. Does she continue on her path to find and marry her perfect match or does she find that perfect on paper isn't perfect for her.

I look forward to discovering more books from this author.

I adored this book! It's a perfectly-plotted rom com that goes deep, but also hits you with the laughs right when you need it. I read and enjoyed Jean Meltzer's previous book The Matzah Ball. But I think Mr. Perfect On Paper is even better. From page one, the reader is immediately immersed in rich, fully populated world that you really want to get to know. The characterization and storytelling is intricate and well-executed. The side characters are fun and engaging, too.

I loved how the protagonist Dara is so open about her Generalized Anxiety Disorder. My whole heart was rooting for Dara and Christopher to get their Happily Ever After, despite their various obstacles. But I was in no rush to get to the end because I was so thoroughly enjoying the journey that included little twists and surprises that kept me guessing.

I just can't say enough about this book because it's the perfect mix of everything I want in a romance - smarts, heart, hope, realism, and a little magic.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jean Meltzer for the free digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Love Jean Meltzer and all her books...so excited to read this...thank you to Netgalley and to Ms. Meltzer for advancing Jewish representation in mainstream literature, particularly in popular fiction. it's important to have books for all readers!

This book was absolutely adorable. Dara was anxious, awkward and a fierce determination that made her so relatable for me. I’ve been enjoying the romance novels that have a lot of culture embedded so this was spot on. Dara’s journey for love takes you through the Jewish High Holy Days and integrates of lot of Jewish culture throughout the book. I found myself rooting for Dara and sometimes yelling at her and Chris both. There were times I was literally laughing out loud then reading scenes to my coworkers at lunch. Recommend for a cute, fun read.

As the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate, matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz knows the formula for lasting love—at least, for everyone else. Until her beloved bubbe shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national television and charming news anchor Chris Steadfast proposes they turn Dara’s search into must-see TV.

As a non-Jewish single dad, Chris doesn’t check any of Dara’s boxes. But her hunt for Mr. Perfect is the ratings boost his show desperately needs. If only Chris could ignore his own pesky attraction to Dara—a task much easier said than done when Dara starts questioning if “perfect on paper” can compete with how hard she’s falling for Chris…

Both of them are so lovable. Christ is actually a nice person and a wonderful, caring guy. Dara is smart and adorable. Love how they work things out together. The entire book is so funny and I laugh out loud so many times. Her 'dates are hilarious... :)

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I enjoyed Meltzer's The Matzah Ball so much that I was super excited for this book and it did not disappoint. There is some great comedic writing her and characters that are so full of life. I wish there was a little more time spent on the two characters actual romance but this was a great read.

Love blooms and chaos ensues in this sweet and delightfully funny rom-com!

This book was so cute, and I found myself laughing so many times. From single dad Chris, to uber successful Dara and mischievous Bubbe, this book was full of adorable and lovable characters.

Dara is a 3rd generation matchmaker, who's has built a successful business dedicated to bringing couples together, and yet she herself is still single at 34. Chris, a recent widow and single dad, just trying to stay afloat and make his show successful. Thanks to Bubbes meddling antics, they decide to help each other and run a show helping Dara find her match. I love how Dara and Chris's relationship grew over the course of the book. He was there for her from the start, and helped her through all of the obstacles she found herself in.

This book did a really great job delving into the complicated world of living with anxiety. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I really appreciated the authors approach to this subject and the unapologetic way Dara handled herself and her needs.

One criticism, the couple sentences about "floppies" wasn't needed, and I think should be taken out. Otherwise I loved the book!

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication 8/9/22 and I definitely recommend it!

4.5⭐ This review will be posted to my blogs & Amazon closer to publication day!

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As a Jewish woman in an interfaith relationship, I really appreciated the details that went into the writing of this book. It gave a look into the life of a modern Jewish woman and the complexities of interfaith marriage. I also greatly appreciated the accurate representation of generalized anxiety disorder. I know that GAD is different for everyone, but this particular book really resonated with me .

“Never trust a bubbe with an over-sized pocketbook.” Dara learns that lesson when her bubbe pulls out The Perfect Jewish Husband list from her pocketbook that Dara drunkenly created one late night. Her grandmother precedes to read it during their televised interview on Good News New York to promote Dara’s matchmaking website J-Mate. Dara never thought anyone would see it, especially the show's anchorman who she’s been crushing on.

Dara partners with Chris, the lead anchor of the show, who thinks Dara actively looking for Mr. Perfect on Paper could garner the ratings he needs to save his show. Chris has none of the qualities on Dara’s Mr. Perfect list, but as they spend time together, maybe the list can be amended.

Dara has Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the author treats this as an unapologetic aspect of her personality. She is very open and honest about it which is refreshing. Also I really liked Chris. His relationship with his daughter and the life he has built after the death of his wife was well done and realistic.

But even though I understood why she was so rigid with what she felt was essential for a husband, I still didn’t like it. I felt that taking more time with the compromise rather than all the obstacles would have been a better use of this couple's time.

Thank you NetGalley and MIRA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jean Meltzer for the opportunity to read this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

I won’t lie, the first chapter alone was hard for me to read because I am not familiar with the Jewish culture or Judaism. And that’s no one but my own fault for not trying to branch out and read books that showcase cultures that differ from my own. With that said, this book did an amazing job at displaying the Jewish culture, it’s traditions, and even the deeper meanings of symbolic holidays. It was informative without being overbearing.

Dara Rabinowitz has made a name of herself in the Jewish Community as a third-generation matchmaker, who brought the old traditions to the modern age through a dating app!

Christopher Steadfast is a newscaster for a small daytime show called Good News New York, after his wife tragically died two year ago leaving him as a single dad of a preteen.

The two join forces when Dara tries to promote her app. Instead her grandmother ends up telling the world her granddaughters wants in a spouse. The segment goes viral which sparks the idea of giving Dara blind dates on the show to find Mr. Perfect.

I truly enjoyed every single blind date! This book gave us every scene that was absolutely needed to tell the story there wasn’t a part that felt like a filler and the story was told in a way that had you anticipating what came next. I loved the spotlight on GAD and how it was normalized! This is a book to look out for!

Mr Perfect on Paper is a great romcom, a will they/won’t they romance. I loved the characters, their dialogue, the real life situation they fell into, it made them easy to connect with and helped me want to follow their story. I especially appreciated that the story talked about generalized anxiety disorder. Mental health can be so taboo but to read about it and watch a character struggle but also find ways to move forward will help so many people.

4/5 for Mr. Perfect on Paper

For me:
I've always been quite curious about Judaism, it's a fascinating, yet closed off religion. This book gave me a good look into the religion and culture of Jewish people. Written in a way that is easy to understand by just the general public, the book captures your attention from the very beginning.

Dara:
Absolutely lovable. She may have a few personal issues, but she knows who she is. She basically owns her wealth and her status, and is not afraid to show it off. It annoys me when women just try to hide who they are in society because they think that men will speak badly of them. Dara loves completely and truly, something that even I can take away.

Chris:
Man, he really is a pretty amazing person. He is selfless and quite charming. His love and care for Dara is there from the beginning, even if it is a bumpy start.

The plot:
The plot was super well-developed. The small time skips were well-placed and didn't give me whiplash. Unexpectedly my favorite part was the humor...I did not think that this much comedy would be intertwined into the story. I loved it though and I probably giggled like a love-sick fool at least a dozen times in my room.

Author:
Jean Meltzer has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She writes absolutely amazing and well-thought-out books with great romance stories. I also really enjoy that she includes diverse characters that have different disorders....it's awesome representation for the book industry!

Another feelgood romance: a matchmaker heroine who needs a little push for her happy ending by creating a list of ideal Jewish husband even though the right man; charming, gold hearted single dad stands in front of her, extending his helping hands to her accomplish her cause!

This book is definitely an informative introduction to Jewish culture and clinical approach to anxiety issues is realistically told.

It’s great idea awakes awareness about how we create dreamy soul mates on our minds but in real life how to get attracted by flawed polar opposites! Reality is so different than the boxes you’ve created for your dreamy man!

I wish Dara could see it earlier. I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs to warn her not to waste her time with other man. But the book would finish so earlier, wouldn’t it?

I enjoyed this second book of the author and I will keep reading her lovely works.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

3 1/2 stars, better & more emotional than many current romances with a hint of fun & whimsy

I also liked how it focuses on real life issues of religion and family. Plus the main character is a very high achieving person with General Anxiety Disorder, which the book addresses accurately & in a way that makes sense for the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 stars ⭐️
Dara comes from a long line of Jewish matchmakers. Creating perfect Jewish marriages is what she does-she even created an app to streamline the process. Unfortunately, anxiety has prevented her from finding her own perfect match. When her Bubbe puts Dara’s list for a “perfect Jewish husband” on TV, Dara finds herself thrust into the limelight in search of her own happily ever after.

This book provides a really sweet and interesting commentary on how what you think you want isn’t always what’s perfect for you. Sometimes what looks good on paper isn’t always perfect in real life. It was fun to be along for the ride as Dara’s views changed and as she hunted for her “perfect” husband. This book always provided cool insight into the Jewish culture-I learned SO much. 🤯

While I always appreciate a neurodivergent MC, this book approached Dara’s anxiety in almost a clinical way. I’m an anxiety suffer myself, and I don’t know anyone who actually calls it “generalized anxiety disorder”, and this book threw that term around like confetti. Just call it anxiety like everyone else-we get it.

In general this was a sweet little RomCom with a HEA. It was easy to read and showed us that sometimes it’s okay to are outside your comfort zone and to go against what you THINK you want.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.