3.5 STARS

First things first, I was given a copy of this book as an ARC, in exchange for an honest review. A big thank-you to NetGalley and Laura Bradbury for allowing me to be an early reader!

Unlikely Match is about Jules Kelly, who has a rare autoimmune disease known as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). This is a disease that attacks and scars the bile ducts.

Jules’ health is deteriorating and it has started to deeply affect her work and social life. She no longer dreams big, as she does not know what the future could hold for her.

There is only one way to treat Jules’ condition: a liver transplant. As of current, PSC is a disease that has no effective cure or treatment. The only option for Jules is to receive a transplant — either a deceased donor transplant or a living donor transplant. Jules is not high enough on the list for the former, so she needs to find someone in her life who would be willing to donate their liver to her.

Jules works as a CEO of a travel agency known as GoodGuides. Her company is currently merging and sharing space with a tech company. On the day of the merge, she meets Tom Davenport, one of the team members.

Tom and Jules get off to a rocky start. However, over time they spend more time with one another and they learn about each other. They’re each other’s person and they only truly trust one another.

I loved the connection between Tom and Jules throughout the book. And the entire idea of a transplant romance was so unique to me and I’ve never read anything like it. As someone who aspires to one day work in the healthcare field, a lot of this book resonated with me and I loved that.

At times, the book was slow. I noticed a bit of the miscommunication trope towards the end and I wasn’t a fan of that. But if you’re able to get past those parts, then you will totally love this one!

If you are looking for a good workplace romance that has a transplant/health theme, then definitely look out for this book that came out on May 26th, 2022!

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.


I read this book and I enjoyed it, it has something that I find really interesting in romance stories, it touches the topic of health and it does it with such naturally way.

I liked the characters are so well written that is hard not to love them, the author makes a good job making this story enjoyable with the tropes involved, grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, opposites attract and workplace romance.

It really feels like with all the tropes, it would be a cliche romance, but isn't like that.


So highly recommended.

Unlikely Match is not an unlikely hit! I was captivated from the beginning about who Jules and Tom were and their dynamic. Whether it was fighting or tentative flirting I was excited for it. The setting of these two unlikely companies having to share space for a year was such a great motivator. Bradbury did an amazing job with making Jules and Tom well rounded, relatable characters with honest motivations and an attraction to each other whether they liked it or not.

As someone who formerly worked for a tech start up I could see how accurate some of the tech-bro mannerisms and speak were even if they weren't meant to be obnoxious. I especially loved the found family aspect of this story. Not only do the two companies merge but the friend groups merge and the emphasis on working until you drop shift to be something more realistic.

I was hoenstly not sure if I was going to like this book. but it hit every note perfectly. From the emotional backstories to the current family dynamics and the everyday battle to hold it all together this books got them all and did them so well!

This book was SO cute and I loved the representation throughout. I also loved that receiving a transplant, though obviously life changing, is never discussed as though it will be a perfect fix-all that leaves Jules “whole” and cured. She is chronically ill and that is never disputed or treated as something that she will just move past (at least not by any characters that are protagonists).

I loved this and I loved the struggles and emotions and discussions throughout, and how everyone had genuine reasons for the decisions they made, even if others couldn’t quite understand what they were.

Book Review:
3.5 ⭐️’s

This was my first book by this author, and it was overall a fun read. A quick workplace romance with a slight enemies-to-lovers vibe, but I’d say it was more stranger-to-friends-to-lovers since the animosity between the two didn’t last very long.

This was a quick read but I wish there would have been more tension drawn out between the two main characters. It was resolved too quickly and then a misunderstanding was thrown in that could have been left out.

I did appreciate the look inside the life of someone on a transplant list and what all that entails, not just physically, but psychologically. I also really liked the characters of Stewart and Brian and wish we had more of them.

If you’re looking for a super quick read by the pool, pick this up, if your looking for a story with a lot of feels and meat to it, maybe skip over this one.

I received an advanced copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

To start with, a big thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars
“You’re like the rest of us, Jules. You’ve earned your black belt in surviving; the hard thing is remembering how to live.”

About the book:

Jules’ life is a mess right now:
She is struggling with a rare liver disease called PSC that is ending with her health every days and the only chance she has to survive is a transplant. If only donors grew in trees, right?

Also, Jules just met her new enemy. Tom Davenport, the coldly, judgmental CEO of the company Jules’ is sharing space office. But the good thing is that fighting and arguing with him every day gives Jules a bit of that vitality she is losing every day.

But as Tom and Jules get to know each other, they understand that maybe they are not that different. And maybe, as Jules is running out of time, she is going to need to understand that her unlikely ally might be her perfect match.

TW: Parental abandonment, foster care system, medical trauma, PTSD

My view on it:
An enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, workplace banter/romance with an added transplant trope which made it an amazing read!

First of all, kudos to Laura and many such people who live with PSC and gave to go through such ordeals just to try to survive. I really loved how the author used her own experience with PSC and created this wonderful romance novel that just hits differently.


Loved the book. Loved Jules and Tom.

Jules being a fierce fucking warrior and Tom being the immense thundering support system for her.
The fact that Tom saw Jules for who she was underneath all that Jules put up for display was the highlight. Both of them had their own share of struggles and healing to go through. Despite all that, the decision to give each other their individual space to cope up with the life changing events was the best one.

How can I not mention Alan? Everyone deserves a friend like Alan in their lives. Alan and his Jujube are #FriendshipGoals
“I love you, Alan.” Now that everything else was fading away, the only thing left standing was love. “I love you too, my Jujubes.”

All in all, do I recommend it? Most definitely!
It was a great read. And you will definitely not regret reading it.
And with all the information that was thrown about PSC, the authors personal experience with PSC made it all the more genuine.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC in exchange of an honest review.
4.5⭐

•• “You’re like the rest of us, Jules. You’ve earned your black belt in surviving; the hard thing is remembering how to live.” ••

•• What’s this about? ••

Jules’ life is a mess right now:
She is struggling with a rare liver disease called PSC that is ending with her health every days and the only chance she has to survive is a transplant. If only donors grew in trees, right?

Also, Jules just met her new enemy. Tom Davenport, the coldly, judgmental CEO of the company Jules’ is sharing space office. But the good thing is that fighting and arguing with him every day gives Jules a bit of that vitality she is losing every day.

But as Tom and Jules get to know each other, they understand that maybe they are not that different. And maybe, as Jules is running out of time, she is going to need to understand that her unlikely ally might be her perfect match.

•• What do I think about it? ••

You have no idea how much I loved this book. I’ve never read anything that involves transplants and romance, but Laura created an amazing story with these two topics well developed.
So, this is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, workplace romance. Just my favorite tropes mixed with a disease made an unforgettable novel.

Let’s start talking about Jules. She is now at the lowest point of her life but that doesn’t stop her from being a badass, strong and determined woman. Jules is this person that is willing to fight until her very last breath, even when she is so tired she keeps fighting, that’s why I loved her character so much. I also loved how she understood that sometimes you have to put yourself first in order to get well (physically and mentally).

Then we have Tom. He is one of those grumpy, workaholic man and I don’t know why I love this type of man so much. Tom was also this sweet thing that, even when he wanted to fight so hard with Jules, he was also having the cutest details with her.

They say that actions speak louder than words, and that goes exactly with everything Tom did for Jules. From a simple takeout of pierogi to a (spoiler), Tom was just perfect. But, yeah, I loved his character and how he grew up so much.

Now, I need to talk about my favorite character. Alan Higginbotham the Third, you are the BEST FRIEND OF THE YEAR. I don’t even have words to describe how good and supportive was Alan for Jules. Trust me, when everything in Jules’ life turned their backs on her, Alan was the only one that was there for her even in the worst moments. I think everyone should have their Alan in situations like that. Alan was my highlight of the story.

••“I love you, Alan.” Now that everything else was fading away, the only thing left standing was love. “I love you too, my Jujubes.”••

Oh, and I cannot not mention the worst characters of this book. Jules’ family was something that is better to be just erased from earth. I hated them so much. Always treating Jules as if her disease was a joke. Just read this so you can also hate her: ••“I’ve never seen you looking this chic. Look at those cheekbones, darling.” (…) “I look this way because I’m dying, Mom.” She gave another shrug.••
Yes, the book is full of those shitty comments.

Anyway, I just have to say that the book was unique and a mixture of emotions. Since the very first fight from Tom and Jules, to the lots of Pierogi, the amazing hospital staff, the way their first time ended and how amazing and emotive their second date was, this book stole my heart.

So, do I recommend it? Definitely, I know you are not going to regret reading this because is one of a kind. And I loved that the author involved her personal experience with PSC and created this wonderful romance novel.

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I liked this book. It did take me a while to get through it as there were some slow parts (and I’ve also been on a trip) but it was very heartfelt, emotional, and sweet. It was a change of pace to read about a MC with a terminal illness and needing a transplant. I had heard great things about the story, and it was very enjoyable. It also really made me hungry for pierogi. I had access to an ARC, and unfortunately there were LOTS of grammatical errors, which threw me off from the story a bit. I am rating this 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4), and thank you to Laura Bradbury and NetGalley for the ARC.

I have not read a lot of romance this year but one's I did had me feeling a bit disappointed. This book however, really kept me hooked. Although there was the romance plot, it was so much more. Both the female lead , more so, and the male lead's lives and experiences made me sympathise and love them so much more as well as root for their love story. I never really read about transplant patients in books and when have it was not to thr extent as in this book. It made it so much more enjoyable learning about it and the struggles, endurance and strength and at times hopelessness that these patients must feel and experience throughout their lives. It really was an eye opener and it made this plot so much more intriguing. I do love a good enemies to friends to lovers. This pacing was done right and I was anticipating them getting together and having their hap9 ever after. I do believe in the notion of opposites attract and that was what the FMC & MMC had. I loved their banter and was happy it didn't normally disappear when their relationship began moving away from enemies. Overall I fully enjoyed this book and will be recommending it.

This is my new favourite book of Laura's!! I was cheering on Jules and Tom from the beginning. Given Laura's history, she is the best writer to share a PSC journey. Now, when is the movie coming out?

Jules Kelly and her best friend and business partner are joining a shared workspace with another startup company. Sparks fly for her and Silobase CEO Tom Davenport and their opposing management styles. While her company is more laid back, Tom is work obsessed and expects his employees to be the same. But Jules enjoys the controversy with Tom as a distraction from the terrifying disease that's killing her. But as much as they clash, she also can't help but feel drawn to him. Just when things start to heat up, her illness gets worse. Maybe this unlikely match could be the key to saving her life.
While this book covers topics like toxic family relationships, life-threatening illness, gender bias, etc. it approaches these heavy topics with sensitivity and humor. I loved how strong a character Jules was when facing her illness. I loved the relationship between her and Alan. And Tom was such a misunderstood and surprisingly sweet guy.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

An absolutely well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but this book had me on the edge of my seat and on the verge of tears.

I highly recommend this lovely book to anyone who loves rom-coms and forced proximity.

Unlikely Match is a Romance that shows the hardships of chronic illness as well as the unlikely match that a person can have on you, body and soul.

First, the cover artwork is great. The illustrations are right on trend with romance covers at the moment and showcases our two main characters, highlighting her chronic illness. The colors are bright and vibrant and made me curious about what was within the pages.

We meet Jules, or Juliette, who is the CEO of a startup company, GoodGuides, who happens to be going through liver failure. Due to this, her health has slowly been degrading overtime making it more and more difficult to do what she'd like to do in life: run a company, get away from her narcissistic family, and maybe even fall in love somewhere down the line. But, she's more worried about if there will be a "down the line" at all.

Her company and one other company, Silo, a tech startup company, which run by Tom Davenport share the office space together as they duel for the bid of an angel investor. But, Tom and Jules don't necessarily see eye to eye and start off on a bad leaf at the beginning. Overtime as her health declines and their relationship flares - in bad and good ways - the clock is ticking. Not only for their relationship, their companies proposals, but also for her life.

Will Jules find a transplant donor so that we can live healthily? Who wins the angel investment? Do they ever decide to understand their complicated relationship?

4 Stars. Would recommend. I enjoyed this book and thought chronic illness was written well within it. Being someone who is chronically ill, as well as being from a perspective of seeing my mother be terminally ill it was refreshing how well both perspectives were written. It honestly helped me understand my mother's side of her illness better as well, so to that I thank the author.

I do think that it started off kind of slow. At 50% of the book, that's where things really started to take off for me and I enjoyed the read from there on out. I wish there was a bit more character building on Alan's part within the story, as well as some additional background on their companies. It would have been nice to learn more about that since the two main characters were so passionate about them.

But, I would read it again and would recommend to friends/family who want to understand more about chronic illnesses and how some people who are dealing with them might feel - in a way that isn't a textbook. Plus, the romance was just adorable! I was rooting for them the entirety.

Thanks to the author, Laura Bradbury, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.

WOW. Just wow. Unlinkely Match was a deep, compelling, intense and emotional romance.

Now, Jules isn’t your average romance FMC— she’s dying. An orphan disease is threatening her life and Jules is in need of a liver transplant to survive. The book follows her daily life throughout this journey, along with her private life— her work as a CEO of a startup, her family and friends relationship...

The description of Jules’ daily life struggling with her sickness felt so raw and real. It was hard to read at times, but I actually learned a lot and definitely think this representation matters SO much. The author got a transplant herself and this story is therefore done beautifully and with a lot of care.

I adored all the relationship in this book. The dynamic between Jules and Tom, the LI, were hilarious right from the beginning. Their respective character development was amazing. Jules doesn’t let the sickness bring her down: she’s fierce, strong willed, and her constant arguments at the beginning with Tom were incredibly entertaining. The way their relationship slowly evolved was really endearing.

I also loved Alan, Jules’ best friend. Everyone needs an Alan in their life. Their friendship was beautiful and strong, I enjoyed every time they were both on page.

Many side characters, like Jules’ doctor, were nice additions.

The writing style is great: it’s compelling and throws you right into the story from the beginning. It’s easy to follow, despite the tough subjects tackled or some of the technicalities that get explained. Jules is a lovely main character and not once was I annoyed or bored by her.

Many moments brought tears in my eyes, only to smile or even have a fit of laughter a few pages later: that’s how good the author is at creating an emotional rollercoaster throughout this book.

I highly recommend Unlikely Match, but please proceed carefully if you can be triggered by any of the following: terminal illness, hospitals, blood work/needles/IV…

Otherwise: if you like your romance books with more depths and a lot of emotions, this one’s for you!

Huge thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this ARC!

I enjoyed reading this book by Laura Bradbury. A great, sweet plot that was enjoyable to read. Hope to read more by this author.

5 shining starts to this funny, heartwarming, tear-jerking, beautiful gem of a book.

Jules Kelly, CEO of a tech company and absolute badass woman, has a rare terminal liver disease and is desperately waiting for a transplant. If that was not enough, she now has to share her coworking space with another start-up and its coldly gorgeous, judgmental, CEO, Tom Davenport, to whom she finds herself inexplicably attracted to as he seems the only one able to conjure Jules' spark and vitality through their fighting and witty banter. All is well - or as well as it can be when one lives on borrowed time - until it isn't: a serious medical complication exposes their true feelings, their fears and how far the people who truly love you are willing to go to help you.

What to expect from this story:
- OwnVoices
- badass heroine
- enemies to lovers
- workplace romance
- grumpy - sunshine
- witty banter
- the best bff a person could ask for2

Trigger Warnings:
- medical setting
- terminal illness
- medical PTSD
- transplant
- parental abandonment
- foster care system experience

The struggles Julie faced after the transplant, when she had to learn to adjust, come to terms with what she experienced and what her life would look like from then on was very eye-opening, raw and extremely touching. This romance was not only captivating, funny and heartwarming, but also informative and thought-provoking, which is why this book and this story will stay with me for a long while.

I think I may have found a new favourite author.

Do yourself a favour and add Unlikely Match to your TBR (it's on KU!!), you won't regret it!

***Thank you Netgalley and Laura Bradbury for the eARC of Unlikely Match in exchange for my honest review***

Firstly, I want to quickly mention that this book broke my 4 month long reading slump so you have to know that it's good! The moment I read the first chapter, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down and I knew I was going to love it!

This book follows the journey of Jules Kelly and Tom Davenport, two tech-star up CEOs whose companies got the opportunity to share a subsidized office space. They get off to a very rocky beginning when Jules hears Tom being an 'asshat' about her company and basically we follow their journey.

Jules is suffering from a rare disorder and is silently fighting for her life while waiting for a liver transplant. Her friends have vanished from her life and get parents are on another level.
The only thing that seems to spark her now is arguing with Tom, and spending time with him while building her company.

I loved everything about this book. The representation, the characters, the side stories, character development, the witty banter, the dialogue, the focus on start-up culture and mainly the focus on medical care, health and mental support.

I really hope everyone picks this book up and enjoys it as much as I did! I hope this book gets the love it deserves! It will hit you in all the right feels! Beware, there are some tear-jerking moments as well!

5 ⭐

Thank you NetGalley, the publishers and the author for a copy of this book! This book just came out so be sure to pick up your copy!

Unlikely Match is a work place enemies-to-lovers with a unique twist. It follows Jules, who has a rare liver disease, and Tom, a rival CEO whose tech company shares office space with hers. The pair love to hate each other and have some of the best banter and hate-flirting I've come across in an office romance ever. Things start to shift between Jules and Tom, because duh, and it blows up in their face a bit when they ended up pitted against each other in a competition for a large sum money gifted by an anonymous investor.

This was just really unexpected and I loved it.
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I really enjoyed this book! It has my favorite trope, enemies to lovers, but the story was fresh and different enough to keep things interesting. The second half of the book went much more quickly for me, and I found myself not trying to guess what happened next because I was so engrossed in what was happening in the "now" of Unlikely Match.

Because the author went through a similar diagnosis herself, I also found the book educational and obviously written from a perspective you don't see a lot in books, especially women's lit/romance.

I would definitely recommend this book for someone who likes stories about enemies to lovers or workplace romances and wants a romantic tale with a little more weight to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Laura Bradbury for providing an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #GrapeBooks for the ARC of #UnlikelyMatch!

This book was SO fantastic! It's taken me several days to write this review because I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Initially, I wasn't sure how I would feel about the premise of the book. Jules, a CEO, who desperately needs a liver transplant or else she will die and then there is Tom, the CEO of another company in the same space. Naturally, they hate each other. Throughout the story, the author weaves in friendship, personal growth, and, of course, love. Even though this book touched on some deeper topics like medical trauma and PTSD it has so many funny moments that I was chuckling while reading. I love that the author was a big proponent of "keeping it real" and I felt like this was a very realistic portrayal of something that could have happened. This wasn't a typical rom-com and brought a fresh spin to the genre, it was a really quick read for me and I recommend it!