4.5 STARS

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! Sarah Adams is one of those authors that has been sitting on my TBR forever, and I am so upset with myself for how long it took me to pick up her books. This story of Evie and Jake (and Sam) was so heartwarmingly adorable. This is a single dad, age gap, horrible first meet cute book with a whole lot of disability representation.

Evie has had epilepsy for years and has an adorable service dog named Charlie. Now she works to match others who need service dogs. And after a trick gone wrong, Sam signed her father up to meet with Evie about getting a service dog for her own seizures. After realizing how wrong Jake is, a beautiful, beautiful, friendship starts between Jake and Evie. Which eventually turns into so much more.

I loved everything about this book and these characters. I loved the closeness, turned motherly figure that Evie was to Sam. And the relationship between Sam and her father is unmatched. If you are looking for a perfect single dad trying his hardest for his daughter, you would see a picture of Jake.

The narrators for this book were fantastic and truly brought these characters to life. I loved that this narration was done in dual narration because we really got to feel all of the emotions that these characters were going through! Rusty Mewha and Leanne Woodward are two new to me narrators, but I will definitely be looking for more of their work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the advanced listeners copy.

This was such a sweet and precious romance🥹 I loved Evie and Jake and how they complemented each other, and I loved watching both of them with Sam. And as a major golden retriever lover, I love that we got not one but TWO awesome dogs as side characters in this book. Really loved reading the Sarah Adams backlist title, and now I really want to read her other ones!

You’ll love this book if you like:
🦮Single Dad
🦮Age Gap
🦮Opposites Attract
🦮Disability Rep
🦮Light language and low spice*

*There is some language but it felt very minimal and mild, which I appreciated. There is one semi-spicy scene towards the end of the book, but it is very non-explicit and non-detailed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me an advanced audio copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

 
Such a cute cozy and sweet romance.
 
There are two things I love in romance books: cute animals and cute kids with single parents.
I find both these minor tropes very difficult to execute because the FMC and MMC have to bond both with each other and with the kid/animal.
Well, here Sarah Adams does it flawlessly.
 
Evie has epilepsy, she is 27 and wants to live her life free of the burden her surname carries. She works for a Service dog company after regaining her freedom thanks to her dog Charlie. So when she received an email from a single dad, Jacob, asking for information about a service dog for his 10-year-old daughter with epilepsy, Evie was ready to help in any way she could.
Unfortunately, Jacob didn´t know anything about this email, being tricked into it by his daughter Sam.
But what do you do when your daughter may have needs you cannot always meet? And what do you do if the lady trying to sell you a dog is hot and you have an instant connection?
 
Sarah Adams is always able to engage from page one and she proves it EVERY SINGLE TIME!
 
The only tiny bit I didn´t like was the miscommunication bit by the end, I felt it was a little unnecessary, but apart from that it was flawless.
Perfect for a cute summer read by the beach.
 
And as always thank you to my loyal friends NetGalley and  Dreamscape Media for allowing me to review this book! The audio was flawless as always!

Que delícia de leitura! Foi meu segundo contato com a Sarah Adams, mas também o primeiro no idioma original, já que eu li Táticas do Amor em português mesmo, e uau! Agora entendo porque The Match já tinha tanto o carinho dos leitores da autora desde a versão independente, e que bom que foi relançado agora com direito a um audiobook tão bem narrado!

Esse, aliás, é só o primeiro ponto positivo da trama, uma narração dupla muito bem executada. Mais que isso, porém, The Match é um quentinho no coração para falar um pouco sobre deficiências invisíveis, mais especificamente a epilepsia como no caso da protagonista e da filha do nosso mocinho. Ainda que mais voltado à realidade com a presença de um cão de serviço, a autora faz uma abordagem bem importante sobre a ajuda real que esses cães desempenham e no fato de que, entre altos e baixos e apoio externo aqui e ali, é possível ter uma vida que não se resume a uma condição ou doença - ainda que a falta de compreensão e empatia em muitos casos dificulte ou atrase um pouco essa realidade de pessoa para pessoa, infelizmente.

Também gostei muito da forma como o romance se desenrolou, não me ganhando de todo a ponto do livro ser cinco estrelas, mas ainda me fazendo sorrir e suspirar aqui e ali entre as interações de Evie e Jake. Ela é uma mulher bem resolvida que não deixa de se mostrar vulnerável quando preciso e aceitar ajuda sem um orgulho exagerado, ainda mais de quem o faz de forma genuína como nosso mocinho que, por sua vez, antes de mais nada, é um pai incrível! Ele e a Sam tem uma relação tão fofa, ainda que inicialmente nublada pela superproteção dele pela condição da filha, mas vê-lo se soltar um pouco mais, tanto por si quanto por ela, ao longo das intervenções de Evie com a Daisy é lindo demais!

No geral, é um romance clichê e leve que traz um tema muito relevante e o aborda de forma significativa. Gostei de como a autora tratou sobre os background familiares dos personagens também, principalmente, mesmo com tanta interferência errada, sem ter vilanizado os pais da protagonista e ter dado um final tranquilo Lara a relação deles, mas ainda realista junto. O fato de ser closed-door também me agradou, isso sim é mostrar um casal com química e que convence o leitor sem precisar apelar pra muita exposição ou vulgaridade.

I love Sarah Adams’ books and I initially read this a couple years ago and loved it so much!!! I’m so excited it’s being traditionally published!

This was just so sweet and happy and every time I went to listen to it, it brought me so much joy 🥹 I also loved the narrators! The southern twang they added was so good and made me love the characters even more!

I loved the epilepsy representation and the single parent trope. It was so well done!

I can’t wait to continue rereading Sarah Adams’ releases as they get trad published!

This is an easy-going romance with dogs and a cute child - the instant recipe for success. It's perfect for a beach holiday or a long weekend. Nothing too deep or dramatic, except for some toxic family background.
I have mixed feelings about the audio version: Evie sounds a bit sugary, like someone who is constantly smiling, and I find her annoying in some places. But otherwise this is a heart-warming and uplifting story.

I read this back in the day on KU when it first came out, but when I saw the audio, I knew I wanted to re listen. This story was adorable and I love Evie's service dog, Daisy! She was just adorable. Evie and Jake both faced different struggles but I think they helped them understand each other better. This is a slow burn romance as well as a clean romance and I truly loved it!

Read this if you like:
•single dad
•service dogs
•swoony books

This book was so dang cute. I couldn’t get enough of the service dog rep for epilepsy. Both characters have a tough background but they were perfect for each other!

Thank you Dreamscape for the ALC

This is a cute, slow-burn, very clean romance.

While I liked the story overall, some parts pulled me from it. Evie's family wanting her to marry Tyler was strange. Evie didn't tell them about the bullying; honestly, they might not have cared. But I had a hard time believing that Tyler, even though he sounded super creepy, would push that hard after being rejected.

I also do not personally connect to female characters incapable of innuendo.

The narrators were great, and I enjoyed this audiobook.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for the eARC! All opinions are my own.

This one had me all in from the very beginning. It was so much better than the typical romcom vibes I was expecting. The perfect blend of romance, humor, drama, and even some serious topics being covered. Our FMC, Evie, having an epilepsy diagnosis and working through the struggles that can bring in life on top of a very unsupportive family, and our MMC, Jake, having a self absorbed (narcissistic) ex wife while learning to be a single dad to a cute but sassy 10 year old named Sam who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy herself.
The narrators did an amazing job portraying their characters and really pulling in the reader/listener. It was an absolute joy watching Evie and Jake’s relationship grow as they worked through their insecurities and pain caused by people they should have been able to trust. It was just as enjoyable to watch Evie quickly learn to love Sam as if she were her own. Jake and Evie’s relationship with Sam shifts and changes as she learns some independence with her new service dog, Daisy, and encouragement from her family.
Overall just a beautiful story with so many good things throughout. I can’t recommend it enough and will be reading the next book in this series ASAP.

Sarah Adams bring us this delightful and hopeful romance featuring a single dad, Jacob, who is busy raising his 10-year-old epileptic daughter when he meets a beautiful and fun service animal trainer, Evie, with the same diagnosis. Both Jacob and Evie have personal obstacles that each most overcome as they find their way to each other. This novel takes place in Charleston, South Carolina and the two audiobook narrators Rusty Mewha and Leanne Woodward bring these characters home with slight and appealing Southern Lilts – just great narration. Thank you to #Netgalley and @dreamscape_media for this five star romance.

Evie and her service dog, Charlie, become an integral part of divorced dad Jacob and his daughter, Sam's lives when they need a service dog for her seizures. As Evie also experiences seizures, she’s perfectly positioned to provide Sam with the understanding and support she needs.

Sure, this book is a bit cheesy—maybe even extra cheesy—but it flows well and hooks you right from the start. How often do you come across a story featuring not one, but two service dogs? It's a refreshing and intriguing topic.

Yes, there's plenty of romance cheese, but it’s also a super cute story that’s hard not to like. The audiobook narration adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making the experience even better.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the chance to listen and review this delightful audiobook ARC. If you're a fan of heartwarming tales with a side of romance and adorable dogs, this one's for you!

Evie Jones’s life changed the moment she was diagnosed with epilepsy at sixteen. Finally out of her family’s claws, her life’s passion is working for Southern Service Paws and help people match people with disabilities with a service dog. Little does she knows that the big challenge of her career can turn out in the love and life she always dreamed. Can she convince Jacob to give Daisy a chance in helping his daughter with her epilepsy? The both need to face their demons form their past and their insecurities in order to have their HEA. The audiobook with Rusty Mewha and Leanne Woodward is amazing.

Rating: I loved it!
Narrators: 4
Re-release date: 7/2

I am so excited about this re-release of The Match! I loved this version as much as I remember loving the original. I can’t tell you any specific changes, but I can tell you this has the same charm, warm-heartedness, and swoon as the original did. I forgot how much I love Jacob, and just how nearly perfect he is. I love Sam and Evie’s relationship and just loved this overall!

I can’t wait to re-read The Enemy next :)

The Match was an adorable slow-burn romance that highlighted love is possible even in uncomfortable and scary situations. With insightful discussions of service animals, the story provides strong disability representation and views that many don't frequently see. The romance between the two leads is adorable, and the love for the daughter in the story melts the readers heart.

📖 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬
🎧 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐚 & 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

“𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦, 𝘌𝘷𝘪𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴.”

This was one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time! The audiobook, narrated by 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐚 & 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, was fantastic! I have loved every audiobook put out by Dreamscape Media, and this one continued that trend!

After being diagnosed with epilepsy, Evie was able to reclaim her independence when she received her seizure assist dog, Charlie. Now she works for Southern Service Paws helping people be matched to their service dogs. When she meets Jake and his daughter Sam, they don’t get off to a great start.

Jake will do anything to protect his daughter, Sam, who was diagnosed with epilepsy. He is resistant to getting a service dog for Sam because he only trusts himself to protect her. He is the sweetest girl dad! This man watched all of Gilmore Girls and has a fully stocked closet of feminine hygiene products. 🥹

The chemistry between Jake and Evie was next level! I loved them together so much. This is a closed door romance, which is perfect for this story.

“𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘌𝘷𝘪𝘦. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘮’𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘳 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘦’𝘴 𝘦𝘹-𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘑𝘢𝘬𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘌𝘷𝘪𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴.”

Evie has to deal with her controlling parents and Jake has to deal with Sam’s mother, who up and left them to be a model. Together, they are able to fill the void in their hearts and grow together. The relationship between Evie and Sam was so dang precious.

This is just an unbelievable sugary sweet story! If you love grumpy x sunshine stories with a single dad and strong independent woman, add 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬 to your TBR today! If you are an audiobook lover, I highly recommend this one!

I can’t wait to dive in to book two, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲!

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🎀 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
💫 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
☀️ 𝘎𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺 𝘹 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦
🫶🏼 𝘌𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘴𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘱
🦮 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘰𝘨𝘴
💗 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
🚪 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

Another super sweet and adorable closed door romance from Sarah Adams! This story has some REALLY great epilepsy representation which I enjoyed so much!!

Evie is a 27 year old who has been living with epilepsy since she was 16. Her best friend is Charlie, her service dog and her job is working for Southern Service Paws, a company that places service dogs with the people who need them. Enter Jacob, a hot single dad whose daughter also has epilepsy. In a parent trap kind of situation the daughter arranges a meeting hoping her dad will agree to getting her a service dog.

This was definitely a case of instant attraction and while I did feel the relationship between Evie and Jacob moved pretty quickly, it was just so heartwarming I didn’t even care!

Told with Sarah Adams’s trademark laugh out loud humor (when an author can make a scene about periods both romantic and hilarious you know they’re hella skilled!) and great on audio. I switched between my hard copy and the audiobook edition and the transitions were seamless. If like me you’re still working through this author’s backlist rest assured this is a perfect feel good read!

**(And it was even better in this newly re-released edition with a bonus chapter!) Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to listen early to this as an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

⚠️CW: toxic family relationships

🐕‍🦺Single Dad
🐕‍🦺Friends to lovers
🐕‍🦺Small Age Gap
🐕‍🦺Epilepsy Rep
🐕‍🦺Grumpy/sunshine
🐕‍🦺Service Dogs
🐕‍🦺Angst + Banter
🐕‍🦺Closed door
🐕‍🦺Dual POV
⚠️ Epilepsy episodes on page

A ray of freaking sunshine heroine with a golden retriever service dog plus a grumpy-ish single dad I'm in! Jake as a dad is 100/10 stars. Phenomenal man who does all the things for that girl. Learning how to do hair is just one of many things. Jake as a guy is a bit grumpy.

Evie works for Southern Service Paws (SSP) helping others find their service dogs. She was a client at one point having epilepsy herself and got her AMAZING boy Charlie! Evie helps Jake's daughter, 10 year old Sam, who was recently diagnosed find her perfect match.

Evie and Jake are filled with angst and swoon! I loved their pull and their hea!

This was sweet, but I feel like it's pacing was a little off. I was listening to the audiobook and had the thought of "oh, did it skip?" multiple times because it was off.

You guys! It's been 3.5 years since I read The Match for the first time, and I'm sooooo thankful to Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this new and improved version being re-released into the world this July! These are my honest thoughts.

I fell in love with Sarah Adams with The Match. I loved the characters, the premise, the feelings, the friendships, and the love that blossomed in this story, and it's only gotten better with a 2024-twist and some small updates, including THE NARRATION!! This audiobook was dual narration and I loved Evie and Jake brought to life with these narrators! It was so much fun to experience their love on the page in my ears. What joy!

This story is one so full of real life. Evie's living on her own as an adult with epilepsy, and she brings her BFF and service dog, Charlie, everywhere she goes. She meets Jake for the first time when his sneaky daughter, Sam, tricks them into meeting Evie at a coffee shop so that Sam can get a service dog because, like Evie, she has epilepsy. Jake's a jerk at first, feeling betrayed by Sam and angry at his instant attraction to Ms. Jones, but he's got a soft spot in his heart for his daughter, and as a single parent, he needs all the wins he can get. Through the process of helping Sam get a service dog through Evie's non-profit, the tension builds.

"Let's keep in casual" quickly transforms to more for both characters. I loved watching these two fall in love, and watching Evie become the woman Sam needs in her life.

This book gets five stars from me! Give it a listen or read when it re-releases on July 2nd!