BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Match Me If You Can' by Sandy Baker.


Read and reviewed for Sandy Baker, Boldwood Books, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.


Publication date 28th September 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Ever After Agency' series.


This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

'Match Me If You Can' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sandy discusses/includes a supporting character that has fertility issues with unsuccessful IVF attempts.


Where the heck have you been hiding all my life Sandy!!! Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner!! An absolute must read!!!



OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this gorgeous page turner and I cannot WAIT for the next book in this series to come out along with getting stuck in to all of Sandy's previous books!! They are just guaranteed to be stunning!! I absolutely adored the unique storyline which is hard to come by when it comes to romance books as there are so many out there but Sandy has created an absolutely gorgeous storyline which I cannot wait to continue in the next book in this series!!!! Poppy works for the Happily Ever After agency and has to find her client Tristan a woman to marry before his 35th birthday or Tristan will lose millions of pounds from his inheritance. Poppy manages to match him up to another client who has to marry and stay married for 5 years or she will get cut off from her father's wealth. However, things are definitely not smooth sailing and there is drama, unwanted bedtime visits and it leaves you wondering if Tristan will ever find his Happily Ever After!!! Poppy and Tristan head off to Greece and Edinburgh on their matchmaking travels and OMG Sandy's stunning evocative writing skills really does bring Greece, Edinburgh , London and the characters to life. I absolutely adored being swept off on holiday and was so absorbed that on the rare moments I looked up it took me a while to realise I was in Wales at home and not in Greece on a boat or outside Edinburgh Castle!!! The storyline is stunning and is ram packed with friendship, romance, holidaying, fun, sarcasm and is an absolutely stunning escapism romantic read!!! This is one of those books that are very easy to read and perfect for any reading situations whether you are laying on a beach or curled up in front of a fire. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for a gorgeous and relaxing read that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Sandy's fantastic evocative writing skills. I cannot wait to get hooked into more of Sandy's books so I hope she is busy writing her next stunner in this series while I get stuck into her previous books!! This is definitely one of those books that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter. Grab your copy today and fall in love with The Ever After Agency series today!!!


Well done Sandy on an absolutely stunning and perfect start to what promises to be an absolutely stunning series!!!



This may be the first book I have read by Sandy but I cannot wait to get hold of more books by this extremely talented author!!!


It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.


The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. I absolutely loved Poppy who I thought was a friendly, strong, likeable woman and I was rooting for her throughout. My heart went out to her when certain things were happening and she felt stuck between a rock and a hard place although I won't say any more about that. She was funny, sarcastic, friendly and everything anyone could ask for in a fantastic female protagonist!!! I wasn't sure what to think of Tristan at first but he quickly grew on me and I loved his friendship with Ravi and Jacinda, along with Poppy's friendship with Shaz. There were just so many amazing characters that I loved getting to know that I could write about them all day but I don't want to bore you so I'll start to wrap it up here. However, I will add that there was definitely a very cringeworthy character but their antics made me laugh and there wasn't any characters I disliked, which makes a huge change for me as there is normally at least one character!!! Actually, hold that thought !!! I spoke to soon!!! Tristan's Aunt was a horrid money grabbing character but thankfully we don't have to put up with her much!!! Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group that I wont be forgetting any time soon! I cannot wait to meet them all again and I'm hoping they will (almost) all be in the next book in this series!!!



Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner! This has got to be the most stunning book I have read this year 💜!!!



Congratulations Sandy on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am absolutely mind blown that I have never read any of your absolutely gorgeous books yet!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books especially the next book in what promises to be a stunning series if this gorgeous read is anything to go by. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! Welcome to my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂


Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first two chapters of Sandy's next book in this series which promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!



Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with holidays, romance, fun, laughter, friendship and so much more!! A perfectly relaxing and stunning unique read!!!!


381 pages.


This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!


Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.



#MatchMeIfYouCan #TheEverAfterAgency #SandyBarker #RachelsRandomResources #BoldwoodBooks #theboldbookclub #BoldwoodBloggers #BookAndTonic #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited #Netgalley



@MatchMeIfYouCan @TheEverAfterAgency @SandyBarker @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @theboldbookclub @BoldwoodBloggers @BookAndTonic @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnimited @Netgalley





https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86




https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks






https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R




https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/




https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86






https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86



https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prf

This was a fun book. I loved the banter between Poppy and Tristan. They both had some great friends and I can’t wait to read more from this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

I really enjoyed the storyline, but it fell a little flat for me for a few reasons: I feel like the slow-burn didn't slowly build enough. I felt like the relationship between Poppy and Tristan went from nothing to everything. I understand Poppy's hesitation, due to her job, but felt like it was unfounded from other details about her job.
The anonymous blogger part of the storyline didn't feel like it fit for me.
And Tristan really wasn't very likeable for me. It was ok, but I feel like it could have been done much better.

I would like to thank netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was really enjoyable and unique.

I loved reading this book. Slow burn is one of my faves and this definitely lived up to my expectations! I really liked the plot and the story too.

Poppy Dean is the sort of girl who enjoys a challenge and she certainly gets one in her quest to pair off Tristan. The reader knows from early on that there is a huge amount of chemistry going on between them and that that might just be a stumbling block. There are some humorous moments as Poppy tries to come up with the answer. I particularly enjoyed the scene in the restaurant when Poppy is trying to not be noticed. The friendships she has made at work mean that she is trusted to get on with the job, but she seems unsure for much of the story, deferring to her colleagues.

Tristan is a strong character but you see through his arrogance when he is with his friends. He seems to be the polar opposite of Poppy who is always upbeat. He is a reluctant, rather grumpy suitor who she nicknames, Mr Impossible. This is a light, entertaining read with plenty of dynamic between the characters.

In short: opposites attract

3.5⭐️

I struggled to get into this book. The slow burn was so slow that even the snail got tired of moving/waiting. I kept waiting for something to happen.

It is not all doom and gloom as there were things and a scene that I enjoyed. The room swap scene was very hilarious.

The blurb was interesting but the delivery was not. I like Poppy but Tristan is like an AC blowing both hot and cold air.

This was too long. Way too long. The plot could have benefited with fewer scenarios/chapters and the story would still be good.

I enjoyed Poppy’s train of thoughts and her working class background. I enjoyed her relationship with Shaz. I loved Tristan’s relationship with Ravi and now Jacinda.

I felt the mystery of the anonymous blogger was not concluded.

If you love slow burn, grumpy/sunshine then you will enjoy this.

I received an advanced copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.

The last time I read a Sandy Barker book it was book 5 in the Holiday Romance series. I really don't like reading series out of order so as soon as I heard about the author's new series I was determined to get in right at the beginning. Sandy Barker was also one of the authors at the readers retreat that I went to earlier this year which was another reason why I was super keen to read this book!

This is the first book in the Ever After Agency series. The Ever After Agency is a match making agency which exists to find matches for the uber rich, all subject to the highest levels of secrecy. Poppy is an Australian working in London and loves her job at the agency. However, with someone threatening to reveal the agency, she is feeling a little anxious about things.

In the midst of the turmoil in the office. Poppy meets a new client. Tristan Fellows is handsome, successful and comfortably wealthy. What he isn't is married, and the terms of his recently deceased grandfather's will are that he must be married by his 35th birthday, which is very, very soon in order to inherit an absolute fortune. Tristan has been encouraged by his friend Ravi to use the agency as he successfully found love via the agency.

Soon Poppy has got three beautiful women lined up as possible matches, who are willing to meet the conditions that Tristan has put in place, the most important of which is that this is not going to be a love match. Obviously these women have their own reasons for saying yes to this arrangement, some of which are somewhat surprising to both Poppy and Tristan.

Poppy accompanies Tristan as he goes to meet the first woman but as she spends time with him, she begins to feel the first fluttering of attraction, which of course is completely forbidden given he is a client.

For Tristan, he can't quite believe that his beloved grandfather has imposed such a condition on the inheritance, to the exclusion of his female cousins, which obviously caused a lot of family drama. To be honest, I struggled to believe that there would be such a condition in a will in this day and age, but sometimes you just have to suspend belief in a story. With the deadline looming, numerous family dramas, there's no surprise that Tristan is a bit grumpy. It is only with his close friends, Ravi and Jacinta where he can let himself relax.

Where Tristan is apparently all surliness, on the outside Poppy is all sunshine and rainbows, so if you love a grumpy and sunshine romance, with plenty of repartee, then give this one a go.

I would really love to read Ravi and Jacinta's story and I kept on seeing if maybe this is a story that the author has already told, but apparently not. Ravi and Jacinta were really supportive of Tristan despite the craziness of the whole scenario, and they provided some reality checks as Tristan introduced some of the women to them, and they seem to have a great romance of their own.

I enjoyed this first book in the series, and I am looking forward to reading more!

Sandy Barker loves to travel and this always shines through in her books, and this is no exception with the locations varying from a mega yacht in the Mediterranean to Scotland as well as London.

fun and cute, the second half had me giggling and smiling like an idiot 🤭 wish they didn't take so long to realize their attraction but once they do it gets good! (closed doors tho)

Wasn't a big fan of this book. I just couldn't help with it. I wasn't a fan of the characters and the book itself found a little wanting. However I am sure others will enjoy it.

I got 15% into this book and had to DNF. I just couldn’t vibe with the story or the characters. I do think the writing was good and will look out for future titles from this author.

This encapsulated some of my absolute favorite romance tropes!! Grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience!! I can’t wait for the next one!

Match Me If You Can by Sandy Barker turned out not to be exactly what I thought would be.

I love enemies to lovers and fake marriage tropes and had high hopes for it. However it felt flat for me.

First of all, there was at least for me, no real chemistry between the main characters. There was also almost no flirting or any kind of spice for more than half a book.
The main characters while not unlikeable were not very likeable either. Poppy was more or less ok, even though she changed her feeling too much too often and seemed at times really inconsistent. Tristan was truly like a dual personality, while highly sucessful in his chosen high stakes career, while dealing with potential clients acted more or less like a shy and incompetent teenager, and I simply couldn't connect those two personalities.
At first the story seemed really promising and the premise was interesting, unfortunately as I kept reading my interest diminished little by little and I couldn't wait to finish it.
The idea was really intriguing and caught my attention, execution was sadly lacking.

✨My Thoughts✨

Thanks as always to the blog tour organiser for my spot on this tour.

Poppy works at the Ever After Agency which is an exclusive match making service which only has clients of the highest calibre including royals and the rich and famous.

The Agency NEVER advertises, it is run in the most discreet way it can be, so how can a blogger know all the secrets of the agency and be about to reveal them?.

Putting this aside Poppy tells the rest of the team about her new client, a man called Tristan Fellows who needs to find a marriage of convenience in 40 days or his inheritance goes out the window.

I’m not sure how to begin but this story was jam packed with fun, laughter, romance, love and SO much more than you can ever imagine it was delightful from beginning to end.

The enemies to lovers between Poppy & Tristan was sublime even though Tristan was the perfect grumpy sunshine.

I loved the Ever After Agency, every character was absolutely fabulous and I hope the next books in the series will be about each staff member, I’m especially looking forward to reading Saskia & Ursula’s stories.

I was drawn in by the interesting premise of "Match Me If You Can." However, I found the plot and its execution to be somewhat flat, and the expected chemistry between characters didn't quite hit the mark for me.

That said, there were moments in the book that did make me smile, and Barker's writing is easy to follow. It's an overall okay read and I'd recommend it to those looking for something casual and lighthearted to read. 3 stars from me.

I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley. As always, my opinions are entirely my own.

Tristan is in need of a wife, but it does not mean he is looking for love. It is Poppy’s job to find Tristan a match, but after three potential suitors, it seems Tristan may have found someone and they may have been there from the start.

Barker writes a funny narrative with fantastic characters. There was nothing I didn’t like about the book, it gave me heartwarming feelings as well as emotional tears and laugh-out-loud moments.

This is the first in a series and I look forward to finding out what is next from this author.

This is the first in a series that is new
That I thoroughly enjoyed so recommend to you!
It is based around the Ever After Agency where
Matchmaking solutions are sought with care.

A 30-million-pound inheritance is coming Tristan's way
But only if he's married his grandfather's will does say.
Tristan has until his 35th birthday to find a wife
But he really doesn't appreciate all the strife!

Poppy Dean is the matchmaker for this difficult task
Finding him a suitable wife in a month is a huge ask!
But she's a professional, so she'll do her very best
And hope that fate will help to do the rest.

Tristan is arrogant, good looking and a catch
But will this really help Poppy find him a match?
With three possible contenders at the top of the list
Will one of these prove the partner not to be missed?

What a fun romcom this proved to be
As Tristan meets potential wives, one, two and three!
With the support of his friend he hopes to be in luck
As this is the route his friend successfully took!

I really enjoyed the antics, the mischief and the fun,
With great characters, a mystery and romance by the tonne.
It covers so many different troupes as the story goes along
Making you wonder if Tristan will find the wife with whom he can belong.

For my complementary copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Match Me If You Can is the first installment of the Ever After Agency series and my first meet-greet with another new author. I love the idea of a discreet matchmaking agency that takes clients by referral. It sounds so posh as they go to great lengths tailoring the right fit for the client. Not to say, that perfect fits always happen the easy way as you’ll find out.

Poppy Dean is an agent at Ever After Agency who is tasked to find a match for Tristan Fellows, aka “Mr. Impossible”. This is no ordinary match because Tristan needs to find a match in one month and marry her for two years to meet the requirements for his Grandad’s will to receive a boatload of money. So the hijinks begin as Tristan meets a man-eater, a gold digger (more like a woman with a tangible secret plan), and a logical partner until Tristan realizes he is in love with his agent, Poppy, and he has days to convince her.

Poppy is the consummate professional. Her extreme patience, kindness, and ability to put out fires while staying calm is admirable considering Tristan is a rude and arrogant wanker who takes some getting used to. The attraction is a slow burn with a sudden realization and at times I wished I could see Poppy and Tristan together more rather than Tristan and his potential matches. Poppy is Australian and her wonderful vernacular and kindness start to grow on Tristan. Tristan isn’t all bad. He’s under a lot of pressure and has family members breathing down his neck for a piece of the pie. Add to that the fact that his devoted Granddad died, and he’s only given a month to find a stranger to marry, and he certainly has a lot to be stressed about.

Poppy’s background in psychology is essential to reading her clients and she read Tristan all wrong. She takes all the mishaps and bad matches in stride and it’s understandable she’s concerned about her job now she’s falling for her client. Not to mention, someone is trying to out the agency which could lead to ruination and termination for everyone. With some bumps along the way, the protagonists finally find their way and there’s a fun grand gesture at the end.

There are a number of colorful supporting cast members who are generous with kind and firm voices of reason, sympathetic ears, and tough love giving Poppy and Tristan pause to really think about what they want in life.

I am delighted to recommend this sweet and funny grumpy/sunshine romance that makes one question what one needs versus what one wants.

Thank you to Ms. Barker for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

A sweet, fun read with a lot of humour and some great chemistry between the main characters. This is a great first read in the new series from Sandy Barker - full of her usual fun characters and gorgeous settings. Poppy was a great female lead and i loved her attitude to life and her professionalism. Her sense of humour so useful when giving details of the options for Tristan to chose from. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's next for the Ever After Agency.

Poppy works for an elite matchmaking company called Ever After, where she has a client she’s nicknamed “Mr Impossible” aka Tristan Fellows who needs to be married in a month to inherit his grandfather’s fortune.

I really enjoyed this, I thought the banter between the two characters was really great. I wouldn’t usually read books about marriage for convenience but this had a nice twist to it.
I did feel like the actual romance took a long time as this was only very late I. The book, o wanted to see more of Poppy & Tristan together!
This was a great slow burn with a happily Ever After

Thanks netgalley & bookandttonic for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review