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.”

I really loved Clare Gilmore's debut, Love Interest, so I was very excited to see if their sophomore novel, Perfect Fit, would deliver the same swoony romance, and I'm actually surprised to say that I liked this one better than the first. Will was such a wonderful love interest, and I loved reading about how attentive he was to Josie and her needs. I also really enjoyed reading from Josie's perspective. We're pretty different as people, but her voice was always sympathetic and relatable to read from. But the chemistry between the leads was what really kept me flipping the pages because oh my goodness, they were wonderful together. Clare Gilmore is quickly becoming an autobuy romance author for me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Josephine Davis, the CEO and founder of the clothing company Revenant, is on the way to the office when she runs right into her past. Or rather, her past runs into her when the twin of her ex-best friend slams into her car with his bike. Will Grant is suddenly back in her life and might actually be able to help her with her business. Her biggest investor is pushing her to hire a consultant, and Will Grant is one, working for the consulting company that Josie was hoping to hire anyway. Josie and Will didn't exactly have the highest opinions of one another in high school, but soon they both learn that they have more in common than they think.

This was such a swoony and real romance. I quickly got wrapped up in this story and didn't want to set it down! I love how strong and independent Josie is and Will doesn't try to change that about her. As Josie is working through burning out at work, Will gives her the space she needs to figure it out while still supporting her in all the ways that it counts. I loved that Will knew what he wanted and he was so sweet and caring with Josie. I also love that friendship is such a big and meaningful part of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I used to think that Emily Henry was crawling around in my brain but I think Clare Gilmore has her beat. Josie was so relatable. I thought the way Gilmore phrased Josie’s inner thoughts was brilliant. It was far more eloquent than how I would ever describe my inner self/driving force. The characters’ chemistry and interactions felt so genuine, soft, and intimate. I think if someone were to ask me for a book recommendation where the mmc is pathetic (respectfully), this book would be my top recommendation. Every time Will Grant, reformed Finance Bro, appeared on the page, there was a smile on my face.


I just loved Gilmore’s writing. It was magnetic from the first page. The plot flowed, and the word choice was deliberate. No part felt forced, unnecessary, or underdeveloped.


I loved everything about this book and I'm worried that it may be too niche because I felt so seen 😂 This book will speak to lovers of all things Conrad Fisher, Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams, SZA, and those who are working through the idea that their productivity is tied their to self-worth. (but) Moreover, Perfect Fit is just a delightful and heartfelt read that I hope all romance readers pick up.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

I absolutely loved Clare Gilmore’s debut and was absolutely overjoyed that I got to read “Perfect Fit.”

The characters were so well-written. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC, the excellent portrayal of female friendship, and so relatable. Who hasn’t felt burnt out before?

Now, can I please have an ICOML?

I wanted to like this romance more than I did. There was just too much angst from both the main characters. Josie has built a very successful clothing business, but she’s overworried about what other people think about her and her business. She’s a workaholic, but somehow, she misses that the person in charge of setting up a pop-up opening for her first bricks and mortar store was totally blowing it. She doesn’t respond to a journalist asking for an interview. She seems to think that having some organization certify that her business does everything marvelously for the environment, her business will skyrocket. Do people really care about that sort of certification for where they buy clothes?

She starts out the book totally stressed about impressing the guy she wants to hire as consultant to help guide her business to getting this certification. Why shouldn’t it be the other way around? She’s the one doing the hiring.

Then she runs into (literally) Will, the guy she knew in high school and the twin brother of her best friend back then. Something happened between them that broke up the friendship and you have to wait a bit to find out. Of course, she and Will fall for each other once she hires him to be the consultant for her business.

Will is also filled with angst that you just have to accept. So neither of these people are all that happy with their very successful careers at this point. And, of course, they fall in love.

I wanted to like them better because I like it when the female protagonist is a successful business leader. But I just didn’t buy these characters.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Josie has built her company Revenant from the ground up and when they look to hire someone to take her clothing brand to the next level, the last person she expects her is old best friends brother. Yes they may have had a little thing in high school that led to the demise of her and her best friend’s friendship but they can put that past them and work together…right? Will they be able to keep it strictly work or was the little flame never put out?

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

A kinda second chance romance rom com. Josie and Will shared a kiss years ago- a kiss that led to a rift between Josie and Zoe, her BFF who happened to be Will's twin sister. Now, Josie is CEO of her own company but her investor foists Will on her to help out. That's not a bad thing, as it happens because Will has grown up into a very good man. These two have excellent vibes and banter. And, then there's Zoe. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A light fun read.

i literally got out my laptop to write this review bc i am THAT serious about what i'm going to say

THIS BOOK IS PERFECT. and maybe my own current state of burnout and all that comes with that is clouding my judgement bc i related SO deeply to Josie, but i just really think everyone would agree.

Josie and Will are my Roman Empire. their entire relationship, beginning to end, had me in a constant state of euphoria. I was kicking my feet and GIGGLING like a freak so many times throughout this book (sorry for all the dms clare). The way that they reconnected and relearned each other, the respect Will had for every boundary Josie (aspired to) set, the friendship that they naturally had. i know i've already said it, but it was perfect!!! I intentionally took my time reading this because i was so reluctant to say goodbye to this story and these characters.

The thing that sucks me in so deeply with Clare's books is the way she writes them. I'm not an author so it's hard to me to describe the quality with which she writes, but it's lyrical and poetic. And for someone like me who can't envision things when i'm reading, i FEEL her characters and what they're doing like i'm there with them. i absolutely love the way that she writes and i will read everything she puts out forever and always amen.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley and SMP for the early copy of this, my new favorite book, in exchange for an honest review!

Will Grant is a man like no other. So much so that we all need a Will Grant in our lives. He was the perfect book boyfriend and was always there for Josie. I loved reading all about Josie discover what she wanted out of life now. My only fault was in the way the book ending; I wanted to know what she decided. All in all, I loved reading this.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.

5 stars for Perfect Fit! This is a well-rounded romance that has a perfect balance of love and self-development. Will Grant is a dream. I don't want to spoil too much. I'll just say, if you are looking for a romance novel with depth and emotion, pick up a copy of Perfect Fit.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Perfect Fit hits shelves on October 29, 2024.

Perfect Fit was a sweet story with some quick whit! I enjoyed the story and even laughed out loud a few times! My only critique is that I did find it a bit long in the middle but, that did not take away from my enjoyment!
You will enjoy this book if you:
1. like romance books with substance
2. like quick whit
3. like strong female main characters
4. like a little spice

Thank you Net Galley, Clare Gilmore and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to preview this novel and the opinions expressed are my own.

Perfect Fit is expected to be released Oct. 29, 2024, just in time for cuddling up with a tea and enjoying some down time!

Will Grant - welcome to the top book boyfriends club 💋
I loved everything about this book!

📖 Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore
⭐️ rating: ♾
🌶️: slow burn to open door

💭 overall thoughts:
I’m fully obsessed with Will, he’s the STANDARD for (fictional) men.
I kinda wanna be Josie when I grow up too 🥹

Josie is so tough, and used to doing everything on her own… Will lets her see she can, but she doesn’t have to.

He supports her and fully believes in her, but also helps her see there’s more to life than success in your career.

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

read if you love:
⌛️ second chance (ish - they never had much of a first chance)
💼 workplace/forced proximity
👗 fashion CEO fmc + consultant mmc
👯‍♀️ ex best friend’s brother
💙 he falls first
🐢 slow burn
💞 single 1st person pov

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t expect for this book to be as emotional as it was.

It was a beautiful story of two people who bettered each other, ones who met by chance, were pulled apart and then back together.

I’m a sucker for men who support women when they’re holding everything on their shoulders. There’s a type of feeling that is warm and feels like you’re getting a warm hug as the MMC takes cares of the FMC.

Josephine Davis has done a lot since high school - and on the way to an important meeting, is hit with a blast from the past. Her former best friend's twin brother shows up in the most unexpected way.

I liked the focus on character development, not shying away from the ways people can misinterpret or shut people off - and the choices we can make in our lives.

The Perfect Fit was a great mix of elements resulting in a book I didn't want to put down!

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Try this book if you like:
🖥️🩷 Workplace romance
❤️‍🔥 Slowburn
🤭Ex-Best Friends Brother
👫Forced Proximity
‼️ No Third Act Break Up

Another sweet romance from Clare Gilmore! The main character Josie, I found very relatable. Specifically, the way she thinks I really connected with. Will was patient and loving, he helped her overcome challenges and made her feel safe. The Perfect Fit is a reminder of how imperfect we all are, but someday we will find someone who will love those imperfections.

I think if you’re looking for an easy, quick, and sweet read, you should give this a try. 🧡

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. The characters seemed so real and relatable. I thought it was a lot more believable and authentic to real world relationships than a lot of romance novels.