This was so warm and charming, and while some of the situations are over-the-top, it did feel plausible. I think a lot of that comes down to the fact that the issue keeping the main characters apart is incredibly realistic- Dara's Jewish faith is incredibly important to her both professionally (as the founder of one of the leading Jewish matchmaking apps) and personally, and adjusting to the idea of Chris, decidedly NOT Jewish, as potential partner isn't something she's prepared to do. This also deals with mental health really well- I always appreciate a true to life portrayal of living with anxiety. There are lots of humorous moments, but the heartfelt ones hit the hardest.

Matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz created J-Mate, a popular Jewish dating app. She can set up other people, but her own has been a mess. When her bubbe shares the checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national television, news anchor Chris Steadfast proposes they create a show based on her criteria to find her own husband. Chris is the opposite of her list, a non-Jewish single dad, but the attraction between them still flares to life. Dara starts questioning if “perfect on paper” can compete with how hard she’s falling for Chris…

Dara is so very anxious, I felt like I was absorbing some of it as I was reading her chapters. This isn't a bad thing, we're in her POV pretty deeply. List making, algorithms, and logic help her combat her myriad fears, and never once is it played for laughs or she's put down because of her anxiety. As she says, it's a part of her and just something else for her to live with. Chris' life is a hot mess next to hers, and grief still weighs on him at times. He's a thoughtful and caring man, one you can instantly connect with as well. Before Miriam opens her mouth on the show, we know that there will be a connection between them and that they fill the needs they don't even know they have. Matchmaking is very much an art, and we see Dara in her element from chapter one. She tried to turn it into an algorithm as well, which really only goes so far. It's difficult to codify feelings, after all, and that's an important element for every couple.

We know the outcome of this book before Dara and Chris do, and the challenges they face are very real ones. Like Dara's anxiety, it's dealt with honestly and realistically. Being Jewish is very important to her, a fundamental part of her family and culture. We get glimpses of the importance of the high holy days, the history and presence of those days so we understand it as well. (I loved the shout-out to the Matzo Ball Max from Jean's prior book, a great stealth sentence in the story. ) The disasters of dates before finding Mr. Perfect on Paper, and the growing distress regarding emotions, all bring us back to the importance of understanding and communication as well as commitment in a relationship. Trust me, it isn't as boring as that list just sounded. It absolutely is a hilarious segment in the book. Another great romance from Jean Meltzer you should absolutely pick up and read.

The first half of the book was really difficult for me to get through. It felt like it only focused on Dara's anxiety and the fact that she's Jewish which got really repetitive. Once I hit part 2, it got better but not enough to make up for the beginning of the book. I was hoping I'd connect to Dara more since I grew up in a religion that strongly encourages you to marry someone within the same religion. The romance is fine and cute.

The perfect Jewish husband should be:
* A doctor or lawyer (preferably a doctor)
* Baggage-free (no previous marriages, no children)
* And of course—he must be Jewish

Easy enough, right? Especially for a successful matchmaker, with over 10,000 wonderful matches, A multi-millionaire, beautiful and brilliant to boot. Dara Rabinowitz may appear to have it all. But she also has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. More than that, her sole focus has been about working very hard at perfecting her multi-generational matchmaking business, bringing it in into today’s world of apps. Throughout her life, Dara has had to learn how to manage her anxiety, whether it is worrying overmuch or having full-blown panic attacks. I love the way that these issues are addressed in this book, as well as some of the coping techniques that really help Dara.

Dara get the opportunity to meet her celebrity crush, none other than Chris Steadfast, host of a morning talk show right there in the city of New York where they both live. Dara does not go alone. In fact her grandmother Miriam accompanies her in a live guest spot spot on The Morning Show. After all, it was Miriam who started the matchmaking company. What neither Dara nor Chris expected was for Miriam to share Dara’s list of her version of Mr. Perfect. Although embarrassed beyond belief, the sharing of that list could very well increase the success and popularity of not only the matchmaking business, but also to keep that morning talk show on the air by improving its ratings.

Not only does Chris have an idea to help Dara work with her list of finding the perfect Jewish husband, they soon battle an attraction to one another that holds no hope. Dara is not just a Jewish woman by name. Her faith is who she is as a person, whether it is the Jewish holidays, the diet that she maintains and other things that are very important to her. Marrying outside of that is something that could never happen. Therefore, why even think about acting on their shared attraction?

Chris has his own issues to deal with, and that includes being a widower of two years with an 11-year-old daughter. He has already uprooted her when her mother passed away, and now that his show is failing in the ratings he is worried that he may have to uproot her life yet again.

What a beautiful story, whether it is the comedic failures as Dara goes on her dates, or if it is the seriousness that the story has when it comes to dealing with Dara’s anxiety and the grief that Chris and his daughter are still dealing with. It is sort of like both sides of the coin here in this absolutely fantastic story by Jean Meltzer. More than that, this is a book that really delves into Jewish beliefs and culture in a pleasant and informative way. This made an already enjoyable story that much better.

I love the balance that this book strikes when it comes to what Dara needs and wants in her life and how that is measured against her moral and religious beliefs. I also love the fact that they have to battle their growing emotions when it seems that there is nothing that could come of them. The way this book was handled showed that even the most difficult and highest mountain can be traversed through time and perseverance. Lastly, this book examines whether love is enough or whether stability and tradition has more importance.

This is the second delightful book that I hav3 read by this talented author. The previous book I read was The Matzah Ball, and that was a five-star read for me just as this one is.

Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RVYH9UvbAbw

Dara Rabinowitz is following her family’s footsteps as a successful Jewish matchmaker. Of course her technology is more advanced than the previous generation. Dara is the creator of a successful Jewish dating app called J-Mate.

Dara and her bubbe (grandmother) appear on a national television show to discuss their matchmaking. Dara’s bubbe reads Dara’s list of what makes for the perfect Jewish husband. Dara is mortified, but the TV producers want to turn it into a television event.

Single dad, Chris Steadfast isn’t Jewish but he knows what makes for good TV and Dara’s quest for the perfect Jewish husband fills the bill. Chris’ TV ratings are tanking and this is just the thing that could save his career. The only problem is that Chris is very much attracted to Dara , but he doesn’t match very well with Dara’s list. In fact, he doesn’t match it at all.

Dara is busy fighting off her own feelings towards Chris. Their attraction may cost both of them their careers.

I really enjoyed Jean Meltzer’s The Matzah Ball. When I saw this one, I just had to read it as well. She did not disappoint. In fact, I enjoyed this one even more. Both books are standalone books and not part of a series.

The characters in this book are so lively, witty and realistic. They kept me smiling through the entire book. Dara and Chris have so much chemistry, it sizzles. Just about everyone can see it, except them, of course.

The author sprinkles Jewish traditions throughout the book. Dara and Chris had many legitimate concerns that couldn’t be solved with a simple discussion. I appreciate that. One of my pet peeves is when two characters could have a five-minute conversation and their problems would be solved. That’s not the case here. It’s more involved than that.

Dara, also, suffers from an anxiety disorder. The author portrayed it quite realistically. I could feel Dara’s pain.

It’s a fast-paced, romantic comedy that I gobbled right up. I had so much fun reading this. I’m hoping to see more from this writer. She’s become a “must read” author for me.








FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mr. Perfect on Paper is such a delightful romantic comedy! I loved the characters, the glimpses into Jewish culture, and the family dynamic between Dara and her grandmother. I also loved anxiety rep and how that played into the story. This was a quick, fun read that's a perfect pick me up!

Thank you to NetGalley for my complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

Ok - Jean Meltzer did it again! The Matzah Ball was great, but Mr. Perfect on Paper is WONDERFUL! A full on Jewish hug. Her second rom com is funnier and wittier than her first and I loved every single second of reading it.

Dara Rabinowitz created the dating app J-Mate to help other Jewish singles find love. While she’s good at matching others, Dara has yet to find her Mr. Perfect. When she and her bubbe go on Chris Steadfast’s show to talk about matchmaking, her list of perfect qualities for a man is read aloud on national television. Then her search for love becomes a TV sensation, but what happens with the attraction she and Chris, a non-Jewish man, share…?

There is SO much to love about Mr. Perfect on Paper. Chris Steadfast is a dream. Dara is successful and driven. But there’s so much more to this book than just a love story and an HEA. Dara has General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and it dictates so much of her life in the book. I related to her a ton, also living with GAD. Also, Chris faces a lot of grief throughout the book as a widower and single father. And while there are these heavy moments throughout the book for each character, Meltzer balances it with her humor. I never felt overwhelmed by the heaviness. Also, when I say this book is a Jewish hug, I mean it. Dara’s Jewishness is such a part of her in every single way. The story educates readers on the Jewish High Holidays without feeling like a school lesson.

Safe to say, I truly adore MPOP. Also, Jean Meltzer might be the sweetest author to engage with, and I love how she’s shared so much of her story. I can’t wait for her next book!

In Mr. Perfect on Paper, Dara is a highly successful CEO and greater of a dating app, who happens to be Jewish, in her 30s and still single. When her beloved Bubbe chooses to share Dara’s list of requirements for the perfect husband on live national TV, Dara finds herself the star of a reality TV segment meant to help find her perfect match. But as it turns out Dara’a perfect on paper match and her real life match may not be the same person.

I have to say that Jean Meltzer has done it again! I absolutely adored her The Matzah Ball and Mr Perfect on Paper is just as good. The way in which she is able to make her romances both humorous and thought provoking is spectacular! In particular I really enjoyed how this book tackles the idea that what we may think we are looking for may in fact not be what we need to be happy. I also admire the fact that Jean Metzler has been spotlighting not only aspects of Jewish life, but also raising awareness regarding chronic illness and mental health in her novels.

If you are looking for your next romance read I definitely recommend picking this one up

I have been eagerly awaiting this second novel from Jean Meltzer which puts a Jewish female MC front and center in a love story that isn't about Christmas and to be honest Meltzer can do no wrong in my eyes!!

Why I loved this book:
- Our female MC Dara lives in sweatpants and automatically we are best friends
- The romantic interest Chris is not just your new book boyfriend, he's your new book husband! Chris really is a great mix of human and dreamy, flawed yet understanding. I loved his relationship with his daughter.
- I am highly entertained by a whacky story where the heroine goes on dates that just make you gasp and cringe only to find what she's looking for is right in front of her (hin hint this book)
- I am also a Jewish girl who fell in love with a non-Jewish boy so this is my love story too
- Bubbe Miriam is my hero and a scene stealer and reminds me of so many grandmas in my life
- The mental health rep! Dara has Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and it is portrayed very accurately and honestly
- I felt the closed door romance was very appropriate for the theme of this book

I love how Meltzer digs into all the different ways there is to be Jewish because it's not a one size fits all religion. I also love the Jewish themed dates around holidays that are so important in Judaism. I also love how the book took the time to spell out things some non-Jews wouldn't be familiar with and I hope it was educational for readers.

In conclusion, read this book if you like: laugh-out-loud romcoms, whacky hijinks, and Jewish representation! A 4 and a half star read for me

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a super cute book with a fun concept! Dara is the creator of an app designed for Jewish people to find each other, and she gets interviewed on a talk show about it. The host of the talk show, Chris, is tasked with getting the very anxiety-ridden Dara to come across as likable to an audience of the failing TV series. The ratings soar when Dara’s grandmother embarrasses her by reading off the list of things that Dara herself is looking for in her future husband, and Chris knows he has to keep having her back on to save his show. But he might have gotten more than he bargained for when he realizes his show isn’t the only thing he cares about . . .

This was a charming romcom that checks all the boxes for an easy, fun, quick read. I loved Chris - he was a single dad who deeply cared about his daughter and equally went into the Dara/Chris situation with no ulterior motive. I also appreciated Dara’s kickass energy, as well as her relationship with her grandma. The finale scene of Dara and Chris racing to find each other felt like it was out of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, which is one of my favorite movies and a great honor to be compared to, in my opinion. I kind of pictured Chris as Matthew McConaghuey in that movie for the whole book. Further, Meltzer’s writing style is fun and engaging.

What fell short for me was that there were parts that felt a bit unnecessary and it took awhile to really dig into the action. There were also a few awkward phrasings that I could have gone without, including referring to breasts as “floppies” (barf), calling the act of chewing “masticating” more than once, and the constant focus from Dara on whether or not someone “tasted right.” Additionally, while I loved the Jewish aspect of Dara and getting to learn more about that, her continual explanation for everything weird that she did being about her anxiety annoyed me. I think there are ways to show that someone has anxiety without the character’s internal narrative having to blatantly tell the reader that she has anxiety every other page. But those are small issues - overall, 4 stars is still a very enjoyable read!

Read if you like: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, reality TV and dating shows, beach reads, single dad tropes, granddaughter-grandmother relationships, and books that examine deeper issues like religion and anxiety in a more subtle way

Dara, a Jewish matchmaker, must find her own perfect match in this romantic comedy.

Dara lives a secluded life in New York. She is the third generation of matchmakers, something that usually falls to married women. But when Dara's mom dies, she left the business. She takes the business into the present creating the J-mate and making matchmaking even easier by using logarithms. Dara is trapped by her anxiety and sticks to work which was something she could easily understand. But life gets complex as she does a spot on local TV with her grandmother. Her bubbe tells everyone about her list of her perfect husband. While Dara is embarrassed, the show finds a great feature by helping her find Mr. Perfect on Paper. But the anchor man for the show may screw everything up.

The best part of this book is its humor. Dara reminds me of Becky Bloom from the Shopaholic series as Dara keeps getting into humor situations without even trying. It's these moments that propel the book as it gets old reading the characters' love sickness while you wait for something to happen. The physical humor would make this book great to make as a movie or show.

The biggest problem with the book is how Generalized Anxiety Disorder is handled. I love seeing people with mental struggles be successful. But Dara has something more. Having dealt with this in professorial capacities, this is a very severe version of the illness, and, as the character jokes, seems more OCD. Someone might identify with this, but people are going to walk away thinking we have to look up every bathroom for a ten-minute drive. The author has a chronic illness and I wonder if these are her experience (one on the far end of the bell curve). The worst s that there is no discussion about handling it. Therapy and medication come up once but it's all hushed by the dues ex machina that is her mom is a cognitive behaviorist and has an emergency radio app.

I give the author props for dealing with anxiety even if it is an acute version. This gives some depth to a story that could have been too fluffy. Overall, Mr. Perfect on Paper is a cute romance that teaches you a lot about Jewish courting.

3.5 Stars

I have to start this off by saying that I love Jean Meltzer. She’s a sweetheart and she genuinely does a phenomenal job of incorporating both invisibile illnesses and Jewish representation into her books – and for that, she will always be an auto-buy author.

Overall, this book warmed my heart. I loved the character of Chris, the past trauma he had to endure for himself and his daughter, and how he attempted to work through it. I loved the message that a person can truly bring happiness into your life (not that they’re the ONLY thing to bring you happiness though). I loved the realistic portrayal of Dara’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder, how open she was about it because it’s better to share your story and experiences if you ever want the world to begin to understand it. I also loved Dara’s devotion to her faith. As a Jewish person who grew up with minimal connections to her faith, I love reading Meltzer’s books as a way to connect to parts of my culture I never realized I was missing – but also getting to see parts of it I recognize too.

A couple of things stuck out to me, and after reading other reviews, I feel I need to acknowledge them too. The first third of the book felt a bit over-explained and repetitive to me. The exposition was great and I loved meeting the characters in their own worlds, but all Dara could think about was her GAD (which can be realistic for many, but felt a bit out of place at times as she wanted to be seen for more than her anxiety) and her wealth – and yet she didn’t seem like someone who was truly trying to flaunt it.

Also, as much as my romantic heart truly loved the ending, parts of it didn’t sit right with me when it comes to someone who wants to remain fully devoted to their faith. That, or there were parts of it that never came back up to be fully explained (like conversion, or lifestyle changes, etc.).

Overall, this book was a sweet romcom – I was laughing and truly enjoying myself. I LOVED Chris and I loved that the “perfect man on paper” really wasn’t perfect for the one looking at him. Definitely one worth checking out!

The plot of this book really drew me in. There’s a good amount of Jewish themes which i really liked cause I learned a lot about the religion and culture. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the author’s previous book The Matzah Ball, which I haven’t read, but am now adding to my TBR cause I enjoyed this one!

Thank you Netgalley and HTP Books for a gifted copy of this book which publishes 8/9/22!

Dara is a CEO of a famous Jewish dating app called J-Mate. She comes from a long line of matchmakers and knows the formula for love. Except for hers. She has yet to find her match, and when she appears on live television, her Bubbe divulges her checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband”. Chris the news anchor thinks if they turn her search into a show, it would boost their sinking ratings. Dara and Chris develop undeniable attraction, but their relationship doesn’t seem to fit any of her standards and checklist.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Loved the representations on this book. From Jewish cultures, to generalized anxiety disorder and single dads! It all blended perfectly and well. Ever since I’ve become a parent myself, I had a newfound attraction to really good dads, so Chris was absolute perfection in my eyes on this one! Handsome AND a great father? Yes please! Dara’s Bubbe/Grandma and her friends the Challahback girls were also such cute and funny side characters that made the story very heartwarming. Pick this one up if you’re up for a good laugh!

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚: 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦, 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘱, 𝘑𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

If you thought Meltzer’s first book was good, wait until you read the second. It’s an absolutely terrific read. There are so many scenes that I was howling with laughter and several scenes that held undeniable awwww moments.
There is a terrific cast of supporting characters that complete the story. I love one of the last scenes on an iconic bridge and the fire brigade.
A widower and a matchmaker find each other but are they meant to be. I thought it was great writing when Chris begins to have feelings for Dara as he is setting her up on perfect dates for her husband hunt.
However, the ChallahBack Girls were a riotous pack who deserved far more scenes than what they got. A golf cart will never be the same, nor will the streets of New York.
Read this book now!

When the request for this book came across my email I absolutely squealed with delight. Not only was it on my want-to-read list on Goodreads I also had it on my wish list on Amazon. I read one of her other books in Nov 2021 and I fell in love with her writing. I couldn’t wait to start it.

Dara is a thirty-something tech guru who owns and runs J-Match. A dating site for Jews. She is a third-generation matchmaker. Dara also had GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She has to have everything just so and planned out to a T. She finds comfort in listening to Emergency Scanners. She thinks everything is going to plan for a morning show who is run by her “crush” Chris the TV anchor. That all changes when her beloved Bubbe goes off the rails and takes the interview in a whole new direction. Oh my, if I thought I had a grasp on Yiddish words from the first book I read I was thoroughly mistaken. It’s a good thing it kept me on my toes the entire time and I loved it! I truly loved Dara. The way the author tackled a huge taboo subject of anxiety was amazing. I myself have anxiety. Granted it is not as bad as Dara’s but I am at times embarrassed by it. Dara certainly was not and I applauded the author for that. It is something that we shouldn’t hide behind since it is part of us and who we are.

I loved how the author wrote about a whole inter-religion relationship. The ins and outs of it. Then she also wrote about the Jew falling for and dating a Non-Jew because that is a real thing in some Jewish families still to this day. The book was a feel-good book. The writing style flowed and was easy to understand. Like I said above there were some things that I had to look up because I wasn’t entirely sure what they meant even from context clues. The author also added in a single widowed Dad who had not a single clue how sort of bra to get his daughter. It was perfect, It showed the side that wasn’t through rose-colored glasses. Not every man no matter what he says is a bra expert. I see that the author has another book coming out in 2023 if Goodreads isn’t lying to me and I will certainly be seeing if I can get an ARC of it!

3.5 Stars

Dara is the creator of a popular Jewish dating app. She’s a successful matchmaker with other couples, but has had no success with love for herself. When her bubbe (grandmother) shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national TV, Chris, the TV anchor, turns Dara’s dating life into a segment on his morning show. Will Dara ever find her Mr. Perfect on Paper?

This was a fun romance based heavily on the Jewish culture. Some of Dara’s dates were laugh out loud funny, and I loved the relationship that she had with her bubbe. General anxiety disorder also played a big role in the book and we got to see Dara dealing with her anxieties in a very realistic way. It was also the cutest how Dara and Chris ultimately got together. Overall I thought the book was entertaining but it was a little too long (399 pages for a romance).

A huge thank you to HTP and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Meltzer comes through again with a funny and sweet take on the experiences of a woman navigating disability and love - I so appreciate Meltzer's commitment to representing disability while indulging us in the romance we expect when reaching for a book like this. I worry that non-Jews won't connect with this book and will have a hard time understanding Dara's predicament. Further, I fear giving my patrons (many of whom are not Jewish) a perspective on interfaith relationships from the POV of an extremely mainstream and hurtful take in the religious Jewish community that interfaith relationships are the downfall of the Jewish religion and the culture. I'm Jewish and I know that it is not true, and frankly many Jews like myself are dismayed by this perspective in the community.
I don't see the book resonating with my patrons, but I can see this book being successful with patrons from the Jewish community.

Mr. Perfect on Paper is what I would call a “rom-com.” There were some laugh out loud spots in this story. If you just look at this book as romantic fiction is it very entertaining but if you look at it from the jewish perspective it just doesn’t run true. If someone is that religious it is not very probable that they are going to fall for someone not jewish. There are just too many obstacles. However, the book as “chick lit” is a fun read even though you know how this story is going to turn out. One can readily identify with the characters; Chris, the handsome TV anchor and Dara, the workaholic CEO. They each have their own issues which is a large part of the story. Bubbe is a larger than life character and is easily pictured; everyone knows someone like her! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

Dating app CEO Dara is looking for the perfect Jewish husband. Broadcaster Chris checks none of her boxes. So why can't they resist each other?

This is a delightful, emotional rom com with tons of chemistry and heartwarming side characters.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I absolutely LOVED The Matzah Ball - growing up Jewish the story just resonated so strongly with me ( I mean it was a perfect Hanukkah book!). I knew after MB that I'd absolutely read anything that Jean Meltzer would write! So when I saw Mr Perfect on Paper was coming...I had to read it! and its actually my favorite over MB.

Main character Dare Rabinowitz, the CEO of a. Jewish dating app, comes form a long line of matchmakers. She's made a ton of matches but in her personal life...she's not found "Mr Perfect" - maybe do to her LONG list of non-negotiables? Cue the perfect romcom music...as Christ - a non-Jew and a single dad, meets Dara and the SPARKs are going off. Can she get away from that long list of Must Haves?

Love the idea of an interfaith marriage (since my husband is Catholic)... I cannot recommend this one enough!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA & NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital arc