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.

How to describe Perfect Fit? First off, I devoured this book in just a couple of days when normally it takes a week or more to finish a book, you know because of life. But I could not put this one down!

Josephine Davis is living what she thinks is her best life in Austin (sadly she's a longhorn and I'm an Aggie...but I can forgive that for this wonderful tale!) where she is about to open the very first storefront for her clothing business Revenant. She is expectantly reunited with her high school best friend's twin brother, whom was the reason they drifted apart. He's gorgeous and gets under her skin. Will is up front how he feels, but Josephine is afraid that she cannot make anything more important than her business.

Clare Gilmore unfolds one of the best romances I've read in quite some time. I love the settings in Austin and Nashville. The character development is fantastic. You feel like you're one of Josephine's friends or coworker. And watching the relationship that builds between her and Will unfold is super sweet, sexy, and sometimes silly. I love how there is not only romance, but there is a discovery of one's self worth and meaning that really spoke to me. Please, please, please write more stories like this! We all need some happily ever after in our lives.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

There are two things I need to tell you about PERFECT FIT that should immediately convince you to read this sophomore novel by Clare Gilmore.

1. Will Grant, or rather, Will. Freaking. Grant. Clare Gilmore has crafted the perfect book boyfriend. Supportive. Thoughtful. Respectful. Talented. And smoking hot. He’s spoiled me for all future book boyfriends. Maybe it’s just me, but, he’s the total package. Read the book and tell me if you agree.

2. This is a romance where the actual romance takes a backseat to the personal growth of the FMC. Josephine is every woman (young or old) who feels like they have to constantly run faster on the treadmill of life just to get by; who feels like an imposter in their own life; who has bought into the fallacy that having it all means doing it all; who wants so desperately to be loved that she isolates herself from the possibility of being hurt; who measures herself by others’ opinions. In short, Josephine is authentic and the image many women see when they look in the mirror.

This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read for me for those reasons and many others, including the emphasis on female friendships. There are plenty of lighthearted moments, a terrific romantic plot, and characters you will embrace. I simply loved this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

DNF @ 53%

given all of the positive reviews I have come across for this story, I am sad to report that it didn't work for me. while the premise held potential, as did the second chance aspect, the weight of josie and will's history was not deep enough to hold my attention. also, it was a bit hard for me to believe josie's career path. she seemed a bit over her head by the responsibilities of her position. will's character was sweet, but the scenario designed to have him and josie return to each other's lives felt thin.

however, I did enjoy clare's writing style overall. there was decent pacing and a flow that keep me hoping that I would eventually feel invested in the romance and development of the characters. sadly, I lost interest and couldn't regain enough to push through to the end.

I loved this book from the very beginning! The coincidence of Josie and Will finding each other is just what every romcom dreams of! I absolutely love Will and he is the perfect male main character. Josie is so relatable to me. She talks a lot about how if she doesn’t have a plan/goal she’s trying to accomplish she is afraid she’ll feel lost or fall apart. She also talks about her self worth being tied up in outside sources like her company and that definitely makes sense to me. I really appreciated seeing the growth and thought process. There are lots of “LOL” moments as well as great references to healthy relationships and therapy. All around fabulous read!! My one complaint, that epilogue!!! Girl… IYKYK!