Oh this was very cute!!

I adored Love Interest by Clare Gilmore, so I was excited to get an ARC of this one! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press - this one is out TOMORROW !

Y'all know my favorite romances are with strong leading ladies - gals who are ambitious, but just haven't figured out the whole love thing yet. And that is definitely our Josie. She is CEO of her own clothing company - she started it years ago by sewing her own clothes, posting them to instagram and taking custom orders. It's not shocking that she hasn't dated since her college relationship ended - she's been too busy building her empire.

When we meet Josie she's driving to her office in Austin when a cyclist runs into her. But the part that really takes her aback is that she knows him - it is the twin brother of her high school BFF. Seeing Will brings back lots of feelings - their shared kiss, the fallout from it, and how he often dismissed her interests as too juvenile and girly. But she can't deny that he's changed - and when he offers to help her company, well, she has a hard time saying no...

This was such an enjoyable read! I really enjoyed the characters and the themes that author Clare Gilmore explored - ambition, growth, challenging family dynamics, burnout, and change. Can't wait to hear what yall think!

Clare, you have done it again! This was a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this read. This book was well read and I found that Clare knows how to write a good workplace romance. I enjoyed this and I don’t want to spoil it. This is a good read and I can say it is a good to go read.

I went into this story somewhat blind. I knew I had liked the synopsis enough to request it but couldn’t remember exactly what it was about other than a romance. But it blew me away with its characters. Josephine is a strong FMC that is also relatable and of course the swoon worthy Will Grant that just got added to the book boyfriend roster.

Clare Gilmore did an amazing job creating depth, chemistry, and a believable romance between Josephine and Will. I’m not sure if this falls under the second chance romance trope or best friend’s brother trope or a little of both but I loved it. Gilmore even addressed the topic of hustle culture and following your dreams regardless of social expectations.

Lastly, an added bonus of this story was that it was set in Austin, TX. I used to live there and this book took me back home for a while. I had to look up if Gilmore lived there because she captured the city and food scene so well!

Overall 4.5/5 stars for Perfect Fit and Clare Gilmore. I will definitely be picking up whatever she decides to write next. Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the chance to read this early in exchange of an honest review.

Oh my heart this book is perfect! I am not sure I can put into words how much I loved this book. I read it cover to cover in one day and would have happily read another 100 pages.

First of all, Will Grant, welcome to the top of my book boyfriend list. I was smitten with him from the very beginning and I was jealous of Josie 😂.

"You are not and have never been a surface-level girl, Josephine. You're just a girl who loves things you have every right to love. And if I'm the boy who once convinced you that can't be true, then I will become the man who convinces you it absolutely is."🫠🥹

Josie is the CEO of a fashion line which she created from her dorm room in college. She has been on the fast track and carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is a people pleaser and feels criticism deeply and she has the need to be perfect.

Josie was best friends with Will's twin sister in high school, and they haven't seen each other since their senior year, they are reconnected when Will quite literally hits her car. Will convinces Josie to hire him as a consultant for her business and that puts them in each other's orbit again.

I really loved Josie's character and related to her in a lot of ways, hello people pleaser 🙋🏻‍♀️. She really felt she had to do everything on her own, Will was there to tell her that she absolutely could do it all on her own, but she didn't have to. He just supported her, believed in her and loved her. I really appreciated Josie's growth throughout this book and with the support of Will, her ability to find her work, life balance.

This was an excellent slow burn, it was a great story of female friendship and how those friendships grow and change as you age. It was a story of change and how it's ok to change your priorities and start dreaming of something new. This book also had such excellent communication, between Josie and Will and between Josie and her best friend.

And also, Will Grant is perfect!

"“You are the end of everything for me.” 🥹

Thank you to Netgalley, Claire Gilmore and St. Martin's Press for my arc of this book.

well developed story with sweet and relatable characters. i really enjoyed this one and was rooting for the two of them since the beginning. will be recommending this one

once again, clare gilmore kills it. her writing is so whimsical and fun and it really feels so effortless to get through her novels. will mf grant is such a gem and i really liked josie and how she tried so hard to not be a “gaslight gatekeep girlboss” CEO. i just really love a workplace romance and clare does a good job of making this fresh. also this is not a typical second chance romance really, it was a really fun way of reconnecting two characters with killer chemistry. i demand everyone pick this one up!

Perfect Fit
By: Clare Gilmore
4.5 stars

What a fun book! I did not expect to become totally engrossed in this story but there I was, reading it within 3 days and loving the journey! I was hooked from the very beginning when our FMC Josephine gets hit by a man on a bike while driving to work!

Josephine is the CEO of her own clothing company, Revenant, that she started in her college dorm room years ago. Now with an investor, an online site, and trying to open her first brick-and-mortar store while becoming b-corp certified, she’s feeling overwhelmed as her life is consumed with her work. Her friendships are starting to fall back, even as her best friend who is her second in command is getting married and potentially leaving the company. All of this pressure building and in walks the guy who upturned her life back in high school, Will Grant.’

Will was the twin brother of her best friend and on one night the two ended up kissing and the aftermath ruined her friendship with her best friend, Will’s sister Zoe. Will crashed into Josephine, literally and metaphorically, and becomes her consultant to help her obtain her b-corp dreams. The two have unresolved chemistry and history from the very beginning and watching them explore their desire was absolutely beautiful to watch! Will is the definition of a true KING! He shows Josephine so much love, support, and never puts his needs above hers. The two find a real true love between the trips, meetings, and revelations.

You know when you meet someone and they just click? You can tell what the other is thinking by a simple look, you know their body language and their deepest secrets, morphing into a true partnership? That was Will and Josephine! Clare Gilmore does an amazing job of making her characters so damn relatable that at times I had to remember that these are fictional characters!

I love that this book explored social media, people’s perception versus reality, career burnout, career change (for the better), and overcoming grief. There was endless humor and banter throughout with some genuine friendships and nods to Austin, Texas. I was so excited because I have once been to a location mentioned and it had me hopping with joy to be able to connect to the book in that way!

This is a perfect read for anyone who loves:
-Second chance romances
-Workplace romances
-He takes care of her while sick
-Female friendships
-Self discovery

Many thanks to Netgalley & St.Martins Press for this eARC! Now to go back and read her debut novel because this writing was so good!

I could not love this book more. It is the perfect fit for anyone if you want to have dreamy characters, sweet banter, and to feel cared for by a book. Josie is a CEO of her own clothing company, and she is both ambitious and kind. I love that Gilmore writes such good people--you're always rooting for them. When she has an actual run-in with Will Grant, she starts to think about how she might finally be burnt out from all the work she's put into making her company success. Josie and Will have a rocky history--a kiss one night in high school destroyed her relationship with her best friend--but quickly they become each other's biggest supports. Josie has some issues with imposter syndrome, and thinking that she doesn't deserve all the good that has come to her, but Will shows and tells her how deserving she is. I COULD NOT LOVE THIS MMC MORE. Will Grant is the dream. And there's no unnecessary drama between these characters--there's just real adult complexity and working through their issues. I actually cannot think of anyone that wouldn't love this book. It is unimpeachable. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

CLARE GILMORE NEVER FAILS!

I truly loved every moment of this book. I was in a reading slump and I picked this one up knowing it was going to save me from my rut.

Will Grant is the best book boyfriend I've read in awhile. His intense, deep love for Josie and the way he wants any piece of him he can have... Incredible.

The yearning, the communication, the banter, the way they learn the worst parts of each other? I want this book injected into my veins.

I love the tropes and themes that this book has going for it: female friendship, mental health, second chance romance, self discovery… however, I felt like some of the emotions that I was supposed to feel as a reader were cut short by the writing style. For example, when the book’s protagonist was supposed to have been going through a mental breakdown, the writing style from her POV didn’t seem dramatic enough or stressed out to the point of unstable narration, so I didn’t feel like it represented what was happening in the story. I also felt like the chemistry between Will and Josie was so unrealistic, even despite their brief history in high school. The writing was less focused on their conflicts as an aspiring couple and more focused on conflicts within Josie’s life, which was good for a coming of age story but less so for a rom-com in my opinion. Overall, this was a very fast-paced easy read, and I could completely envision it as a Hallmark-styled movie!

Perfect fit
3.75⭐️3🌶️

First person
Contemporary romance
Romcom
Workaholic FMC
Ex-Best friends brother
He falls first

This was a great contemporary romance that hit on second chances, work-life balance, mental health, and that all encompassing feeling of falling hard and fast for someone.

So often the “just knowing” is played up as people being immature or not believable. This made it a natural mentality.

I love that these adults spoke to each other like adults. It takes so much unnecessary drama out of the equation.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own

I loved her debut novel Love Interest! So of course I had to request for her sophomore novel Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore! Which of course did not disappoint!

This was absolutely delightful. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish.
The characters were charming and witty.
Will and Josie have great chemistry, and their witty banter keeps the story light and fun.
I read this all in one day! I loved this love story. The characters were endearing and sweet.
I loved the supporting characters as well. And, the relationship had all my favorite tropes. It was engaging and endearing. I couldn't put it down.
The writing is so smooth and effortless. You can literally feel every single emotion.
I really enjoyed this book! It was such a cute story and I literally laughed out loud several times.

I highly recommend this fun and quick read

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Overworked CEO Josephine Davis is forced to work with Will Grant—the twin brother of her estranged best friend and her one-time spring break fling. Though romance is off the table, sparks fly as they uncover a connection neither expected. But with burnout looming and a long-distance gap, Josie faces a choice: career or love.

This is for the girls who “don’t do anything halfway.”

Clare’s writing immediately hooks you. Her fresh flirty-yet-sophisticated voice showcases her mastery of workplace romance and palpable connection. I loved everything about Will & Josie 🥹🩷

Josie-
Fashion brand CEO
Designer
“It girl”
feels like an imposter in her own life
ICOM- iced caramel oat milk latte
Aspiring vegetarian
& loves bike-rides

Will-
Reformed finance bro
Josie’s consultant
Predators fan
Snores
Dork for architecture
Won’t let her ignore fun the in the city
Food connoisseur
Electrifying yet comforting romancer
Takes care of he when she’s sick
& loves bike-rides

Together they share a delicious slow-burn that only enhances who they are through natural relationships and growth. A beautiful rekindling of friendship, attraction, work, and dreams.

Thanks @smpromance @netgalley for the eARC #smpromance #netgalley

Perfect for you if you like:
Workplace romance + TRAVEL
Dependable & emotionally in-tune MMC
Girl boss with character growth
Palpable chemistry

Similar to:
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
How to End a Love Story by Yulia Kuang
Valley Verified by Kyla Zhao

⛔️chapters 28 & 32 contain explicit romance scenes (open door)
⚠️explicit language, excessive drinking, drugs

♾️⭐️ I need to start by saying that I read this book in less than 24 hours. And I made 75 highlights.

That’s a lot even for me.

Second, Will Grant, I have no words. I love him. I need him. Clare has now set the bar way high now for me for book boyfriends.

I also adored Josie, her life and her friends. It all just worked. The slow burn was perfection. I was slowly losing it in the best way.

“I’m losing it, and Will Grant can tell. His dimples have entered the room. But at least the sexual tension between us has mostly dissipated, replaced by a comedic warmth I’m not sure is any less dangerous.”

I seriously have nothing bad to say, this book was beautiful. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Perfect Fit. It hit the spot as a cute story with not real drama and no third act breakup. I read it at a time when this was exactly the type of story I needed in my life.

I didn’t really connect with the lead characters, Josie and Will. I kept hoping for a more realistic portrayal of a young female CEO, Josie, of a clothing company and the consultant, Will, hired to help her get B Corp certified. The business bits didn’t come across as all that authentic, particularly the pop-up store or the travel to check out manufacturing facilities. However, it is an engaging, easy to read story.

FYI Perfect Fit ends on a cliffhanger. If you like your books to end neatly tied up you may want to forgo this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin for the gifted digital ARC provided through NetGalley.

This is a fast, cute, warm fuzzy read. I enjoyed the friendship story more than the love story, but overall a good one!

3.5 stars but rounding up

Thank you Netgalley & St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy.

This was a pleasant and refreshing romance read. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it was enjoyable. The story isn't heavy on spice or high-stakes tension but has a nice warmth. The pacing felt quick without being rushed. The writing was generally accessible and easy to digest, although a few pop culture references felt forced. Josie is a relatable main character and doesn’t veer into being too frustrating, though I would have liked to see more depth in her other friendships. It sometimes felt like her friends existed mostly to help her resolve her issues. It’s not a life-changer, but if you’re after a light, fresh read, it hit the spot. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for early access to this book.

4.5⭐
1🌶️
Tropes: friends to lovers, forced proximity, second chance-ish, slow burn, he falls first

It must be kismet when Will Grant accidentally crashes his bike into Josie Davis’ car. They were high school acquaintances, Josie was best friends with his twin sister, Zoe. But after a fallout with Zoe and being publicly canceled amongst her schoolmates in the last few months of her senior year, Josie hasn’t talked to either of them in 10 years. In that time, Josie has taken a small college hobby and turned it into a thriving small business and has been single for the past 4 years. Will, you find out, has moved to NYC and built a successful career as a business consultant. But their fateful “reunion” on the streets of Austin has brought them back into each other’s lives and discovering the feelings they have for each other is hard to deny.

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. It was such a satisfying read. I’ll be honest, part of it has to do with similarities I saw between myself/my spouse and the FMC/MMC. For example, we’re both sewists who had a sewing business. And my husband also snores like a freight train lol. It’s the little things.

But also it was just so well written. I love this author’s writing style, although I do wish it had been dual POV. You could really feel the chemistry between Will and Josie, and I don’t know, it was like I was experiencing what Josie was when she described everything that happened with Zoe, as well as her frustrations and insecurities with social media, trying to run a business and not lose herself in the process.

And that epilogue man. It was perfect but I hated it. And I loved it. But I hate it too. And I kinda love it 😤😩 Definitely definitely recommend this book!!!!!

✨Possible Light Spoiler✨
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There was only one thing that seemed unrealistic that I didn’t really like, which was how she had two O’s when they were just getting started with the spicy scenes. Like just from them touching each other- and not in erogenous zones. I know the author is trying to showcase just how dead her libido has been for the past 4 years and just how much Will “brings her back to life” and I’m totally prepared to suspend a significant amount of reality for the sake of books, but this just seemed a bit too improbable.

Another thing I really liked about this book is the whole social media subplot/framework. You learn just how addicted to social media Josie was in high school, and how an incident where she was canceled/bullied online leads to her deleting all of her accounts. I think this is such an important topic to bring up because social media is so terrible for people. I genuinely think it’s a cancer that is destroying people. Especially in the third act “drama” (or whatever the phrase is, it’s not a breakup) you see just how insidious social media is when an article comes out about Josie. I love that this book is bringing light to that topic.

Second chance romance? Best friend's brother? Will Grant is an A++ book boyfriend! There was a bit of miscommunication trope thrown in there as well.

Josie Davis, a hardworking CEO, has spent her twenties building her fashion brand when she’s forced to hire a consultant. Enter Will Grant, the twin brother of her estranged ex-best friend. Despite sharing a mistake-of-a-kiss years ago and never quite getting along, sparks fly as they are drawn to each other. As Josie navigates burnout, old friendships, and a long-distance connection, she must decide if she can slow down long enough to let love into her busy life.

The beginning of this book was a bit slow for me, but the pace and banter picked up when Josie and Will started traveling - especially in Barcelona. But seriously, what the heck was that ending?

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Clare Gilmore for granting me access to this book. All opinions are my own.

This book hooked me from the start, and I really enjoyed it! While some moments felt a bit unrealistic, it was exactly what I wanted—a lighthearted rom-com. The male main character (MMC) was incredibly caring and thoughtful! I especially loved that he was upfront about being a strong communicator—such a refreshing change!

The travel scenes and wedding events were so fun. I found myself relating to many moments, and highlighting many quotes. The pop culture references were also a fun touch.

Tropes:
- Workplace Romance
- BFF’s Brother
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
- 🌶️ Low Spice
- No Third Act Breakup, Great Communication
- Friendship
- Self-Discovery
- Austin, TX

If you’re looking for a fun rom-com with heartfelt quotes, this one’s a great one to pick up!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. Releases 10/29/24.

“All you did was pout. You were Season One Conrad Fisher. You were Olivia Rodrigo’s entire Sour album, on repeat. You were Ken when Barbie took away his mojo dojo casa house. You were—” “At least four other references I won’t understand?” he interrupts.

“We’re facing each other now as adults with real careers and fully developed brains.”