This was not for me, but there is a very important reason why- I don't care for Emma (the book or retellings). and I didn't know that's what this was going into it. So if you do like Emma retellings, you will likely love this book! I just struggled with Jia's selfishness and her desire to meddle in people's lives for her own benefit. I also didn't quite understand how two matches was enough to decide she was an expert in matchmaking.

I really enjoyed the set up though and seeing a story that takes place in Mumbai. It's a refreshing change from the endless rom coms set in New York City. Overall, I'm very interested in Swati Hedge's writing and will be back to read her next book. This just wasn't a good fit for me, personally.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Now this is a heartwarming desi romance! “Match Me If You Can” by Swati Hegde takes readers into the bustling streets of Mumbai, where the aroma of street food mingles with the cacophony of traffic.

Meet Jia Deshpande. She struts through life as a confident fashionista, but beneath her stylish exterior lies a secret: she's a writer for Mumbai's top women's magazine. She churns out cliché-ridden listicles about love and relationships. Jia's life revolves around her job, her weekly family game nights, and her anonymous blog where she candidly spills the messy truth about real love.

Meet Jaiman Patil. He’s the charming pub owner who's been an honorary part of Jia's family since childhood. Jaiman's moved to America, but his heart remains tethered to Mumbai. Life with the Deshpandes is chaotic, loud, and more loving than anything he experienced growing up. Yet, he harbors a secret: his feelings for Jia run deeper than friendship.

When Jia's boss tasks her with setting up a coworker for her new matchmaking column, she dives into the world of meet-cutes and romantic connections. But as she orchestrates love stories for others, her own emotions become entangled. Ger carefully constructed facade threatens to unravel in the perfect storm of Jaiman's presence, his warm smiles, and the way he stirs her heart.

Hegde weaves a delightful friends-to-lovers romance in Match Me If You Can. Her prose dances like the colourful saris in a Mumbai marketplace, and her characters leap off the page. Jia's wit and vulnerability make her instantly relatable, while Jaiman's quiet strength and passion for mixology add depth to their dynamic.

The chemistry between Jia and Jaiman sizzles like a spicy street-side snack. Their banter crackles, and their stolen glances across crowded rooms ignite a slow-burning fire. As they navigate the complexities of friendship, family, and love, readers will find themselves rooting for this endearing couple.

Hegde's Mumbai is vividly alive, from the bustling streets, to the monsoon rains, and the tantalizing aroma of street food. She captures the city's heartbeat, infusing it into every scene. Whether it's the cozy pub where Jaiman mixes cocktails or the chaotic Deshpande household, you'll feel like a part of this vibrant world.

This story is more than a romance; it's a celebration of Mumbai's spirit, of friendships that withstand time, and of love that defies expectations. Hegde's writing is like a warm hug, inviting you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavours of India's financial capital.

As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, hearts are tested, and the line between friendship and something deeper blurs. Will Jia and Jaiman find their happily-ever-after amidst the chaos of Mumbai? You'll have to read to discover the answer.

“Match Me If You Can” is a delightful, heartwarming debut that will curb your sweet tooth and leave you feeling warm and happy. Hegde's voice is a breath of fresh air in the world of desi romance, and I eagerly await her next tale.

Settle in with a cup of chai in your favourite reading nook, and let this love story whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Mumbai.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell/Penguin Random House for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love reading diverse romances, so this one was right up my alley! If you're into contemporary romances and looking for something a little different - reading from the perspective of Indian dating culture is incredibly fun!

**Thank you to Random House, Dell & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

In this friends to lovers trope, Jia finds that Jaiman, her childhood best friend is her happy ever after.
Jia is fond of matchmaking people successfully until she is challenged at work to matchmake a fellow co-worker. Things don’t go well, but it made Jia rethink her thoughts about love.
Match me if you can is a sweet, slow romance book were the characters work through complex situations that lead them to each other.
This book would leave you wanting more. If you are in a reading slum, this is the right book to get you out!

Thank you to Random House publishing and Swati Hedge for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I made it a goal of mine this year to try and read more diverse romance novels, so you can imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon this book. The book is set in modern India and focuses on this idea of modern matchmaking. The book revolves around the relationship between Jia and Jaiman, a magazine writer and pub owner respectively. Looking at our two lead characters, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked seeing Jaiman's emotions and vulnerability on page. Jia, our main character, was both over the top, meddlesome, and somehow still completely oblivious. As a reader, it was extremely frustrating at times. Luckily, we see some character development from Jia towards the end.

I really wanted to like this book, but it was hard for me due to the lack of connection with the main characters and some of the sub plots that were presented. There where times the author spent so much time spelling out unnecessary details (such as how to improve the pub's Google ranking in the first few chapters) that it took me out of the story. It felt like details like this were included just to bump the word count.

I really hate leaving a negative review because I think Swati Hegde has potential. Others have praised the book, and I am glad they were able to enjoy the story. For me, it just wasn't a perfect match.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

This was such a cute desi romance. It follows Jia, a woman in her 20s who works at a magazine and secretly runs her own love advice blog. She wants to be a matchmaker after a couple of successful matches! Jaiman is her childhood friend, who runs a pub and has been in love with Jia for years.

Things I loved about this book:
First - a moment for this gorgeous cover please!?
Jia and Jaiman had a cute friendship - they teased each other but also supported each other. The first call when they need help. The genuine affection and love grew.
The supporting cast of characters from the pub, Mimosa magazine, and their home lives were so much fun.
Oh but Jia not noticing that the marketing manager was into her.. eek!
Manoj and Charu were so adorable!!
I really loved that men showed emotion and vulnerability on page! It’s not something we see enough in real life. Having it in romance made me feel a certain type of way (Spoiler I loved it!)
No third act breakup!! Instead, there’s a third act grand gesture.
Loved that happy ending.

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

Super cute, modern, Indian version of Jane Austen’s Emma. I will have to say that it took me a long time to like Jia. She came off a bit oblivious and a bit over the top, but the rest of the characters, especially Jaiman, kept me interested until Jia wised up.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher.

The FMC was not tolerable. She was a hypocrite in terms of communication being the saving grace of relationships and then she did not communicate at all!!!!!!!! The male main character Jaiman was a fantastic character.

The way I squealed Everytime it was Jaimin's POV! this had my favorite tropes: best friends to lovers, anonymous emails, no real third act breakup! I definitely didn't put it down, and I truly loved how he was there for Jia all her life. I didn't enjoy the miscommunication but it happens so you go through it. I think Jia's character development was great, I did like her at the end!

I think a big part of life is being able to say that you want your dreams and to truly go for it. They both finally figured out how to work together and it was glorious! :)

I'm so grateful to the publisher and net galley for providing this advanced reader copy, but I'm afraid this book isn't for me. Nothing about this book was bad; I just couldn't connect with the characters.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing/ Dell for an eARC 🔥

Ah, Jia and Jaiman, you two are just the cutest☺️ “Match me if you can “ is like a warm hug for your heart, a delightful romp through Mumbai's bustling streets and the ups and downs of love. Jia, with her confident style and hidden vulnerabilities, is a total charmer. And Jaiman, oh Jaiman, the way he's been pining for Jia from afar is just *swoon*.

The way their friendship blossoms into something more is like a sweet, sweet slow dance. You can't help but root for them as they navigate the ups and downs of relationships, family expectations, and finding their own happily ever after.

The writing is witty and engaging, like a fun night out with friends, and the cultural references and settings add a depth and richness that will make you feel like you're right there in Mumbai with Jia and Jaiman♥️

I absolutely loved ,how Swati Hegde weaves in the complexities of Indian culture and tradition, exploring the tensions between family expectations and personal dreams. And the supporting cast of characters? Absolutely delightful! You'll fall in love with Jia's quirky family and the whole gang at the magazine🔥

This book is like a cup of hot chai on a cozy evening - it'll warm your heart and leave you feeling all the feels.🥰

MATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Swati Hedge

Thank you @randomhouse for the ARC 🩷

Everyone deserves a friend like Jaiman, I was rooting for him from the start.
Damini and Charu are also absolutely incredible people, it feels like you’re part of their friend group when you get to know them.

If you’ve been looking for a romance set in Mumbai, India then this book is for you! (Also!! A Whipped Rose cocktail sounds like heaven) 🌹🍹

What a cute & quick read! Read this one in one sitting!!🥹
Will post the full review near publishing date🫶🏼

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Swati Hegde's "Match Me If You Can" is a charming rom-com that sizzles with the vibrant energy of Mumbai and the irresistible allure of love. Set against the backdrop of a bustling cityscape, this novel captivates readers with its endearing characters, witty banter, and heartwarming romance.

At the center of the story is Jia Deshpande, a confident and vivacious fashionista whose knack for setting up perfect meet-cutes is matched only by her reluctance to confront her own feelings for her childhood friend, Jaiman Patil. As Jia navigates the complexities of love and friendship while juggling her career aspirations, readers are treated to a delightful tale filled with humor, heart, and plenty of surprises.

Hegde's prose is as effervescent as a perfectly mixed cocktail, effortlessly blending humor and emotion to create a story that is both entertaining and heartfelt. From Jia's hilarious escapades in the office to her heart-to-heart conversations with Jaiman, each scene crackles with authenticity and charm.

What sets "Match Me If You Can" apart is its richly drawn cast of characters, each with their own quirks and vulnerabilities. Whether it's Jia's meddling family or the eclectic patrons of Jaiman's pub, every character leaps off the page with vivid personality, adding depth and dimension to the narrative.

As Jia's attempts at matchmaking go awry and her relationship with Jaiman takes an unexpected turn, the novel explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the true nature of love. Hegde deftly navigates the ups and downs of romance, delivering a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

In conclusion, "Match Me If You Can" is a delightful romp through the streets of Mumbai, filled with laughter, love, and plenty of heart. Swati Hegde has crafted a feel-good novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next literary offering. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or simply looking for a fun and uplifting read, "Match Me If You Can" is sure to hit the spot.

This one is tough for me. I really don't like to give lackluster reviews, but that's exactly what this book was for me. The main characters, Jia and Jaiman, are seriously unlikeable. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot, and honestly found them quite annoying. But, I do think there is probably people that will truly like this book, so give it a chance.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

A fairly faithful Emma retelling, this contemporary romance follows Jia and Jaiman, two lifelong family friends as they navigate love and work in Mumbai. I ended up really liking this book but let me start with the negative, to get it out of the way. All that are familiar with Emma know what to expect from the female protagonist and Jia is no different. Oblivious and immature, she thinks that she knows what’s what but of course she doesn’t. I always find this hard to read in these retellings and Jia’s perspective was sometimes so very hard to read. I almost wish it was toned down a bit in this book because, alternatively, Jaiman is such a good male love interest, maybe one of my favorites. His perspectives were by far my favorite and it made me want only the best for him, which often was not Jia. She came around in the end, though, as the Emmas always do, and the setting of Mumbai and the fun side characters made this an entertaining read. I received a digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Thank Netgalley for the ARC copy. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with the book, but there was nothing I loved either. It was just a bit slow and subtle for my taste.

Enjoyable read. It didn’t start to really pick up until around 2/3 the way through the book, but I enjoyed the overall storyline.

This was a super fun Emma reimagining, fresh and sweet with the angle of the anonymous blog, the Mumbai setting, etc. Really enjoyed it!

This is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. There are certain aspects of the story that are also inspired by You’ve Got Mail.

What I liked:
- The author’s writing style
- How seamlessly the author was able to weave in an ensemble cast with multiple supporting characters into the story
- I was emotionally invested and cared enough about the protagonists to want to keep reading
- The Mumbai setting
- Friends to lovers trope
- Some of the relationship advice through the female MC’s blog seemed sound and helpful.

What bothered me:
- There seemed to be a lot of miscommunication/misunderstandings between the MCs. It felt like if the MCs could just communicate and clear the misunderstandings, their issues could have been resolved easily.

SPOILER ALERT:
- The male protagonist’s passive attitude towards his failing pub and that the female protagonist had to be the one to come up with an idea to save it (like a role reversal of the damsel in distress trope).

However, if you are a fan of Emma or the movie, Clueless, you may enjoy it.