Thanks to Recorded Books for the gifted copy!

About the book: Josephine Davis spent all of her twenties working her butt off to build Revenant, a fashion brand in Austin. Her biggest investor orders her to hire a consultant, who just so happens to be her ex best friend's twin brother Will, who she kissed ONE time on spring break nine years ago.

My review: The conversation surrounding burnout and slowing down is so, so needed, and something that's not really covered in the romance genre. I loved that this was a big focus here, especially as our FMC is such a go-getter perfectionist -- it's just so relevant to all of us firstborn women. Her dynamic with Will was great, and I loved that he was also her ex best friend's twin brother. I love that it was an unexpected romance for them that blossoms as Josie learns to reorder her priorities. It was really well done!

I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narration from Katharine Leonard.

PERFECT FIT
by Clare Gilmore
Narrated by Katharine Leonard
If you're looking for a nice and happy, but still book with depth in it, this is book for you. Fashion world is not familiar for me so it was nice bonus too.

I couldn't stop listening this one. The chemistry between main characters were so good. From the long time I haven't read so mature characters in romance book, loved that!

Thank you @netgalley for this advanced copy of the book.

4⭐, 2🌶️

This was a really cute second chance-ish best friends brother romance. I loved how much this book really was heartfelt between Josephine and Will addressing heir past but more about her growth and strength while dealing with managing her own clothing company. Both characters were loveable but WHAT THE HECK was that "cliffhanger: of an epilogue - not a cliffhanger but still what happened with the company?! Where's my wrapped up with a ribbon ending?! Then the unnecessary drama of Will's sister effecting their current day relationship was frustrating (but maybe thats my own bitterness over a childhood friendship ending showing up 😅)

Overall a sweet and cute romance that I definitely recommend for any contemporary romance lovers!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

𝟏 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 .𐦍༘⋆

idk if I was expecting something more or something just better based on the book’s write up.

this book is a quick read but it also just felt like nothing important really happened plot wise. this book felt like the author really wanted to write a romance book but wasn’t sure how to go about it plot wise because the characters and everything had things about them that felt more real but the situations and plot points just seem like such a weird choice. i mean some of the conflict is over a situation (miscommunication) that happened in HIGH SCHOOL and yet it’s somehow not water under the bridge until the characters are almost in their 30’s? weird choice. the idea of the magazine slamming her and all that was also really unnecessary in my opinion i feel like the fmc didn’t need that as a sign to make changes in her life but i digress.

i also usually like books that are a bit more slice of life feeling but this book was just a bit boring outside of what the author has as the main plot which was the romance, and even that wasn’t very interesting. the book just felt really outdated, like something you’d pick up in a bookstore in the 2000’s or 2010’s.

For reasons that I can't really remember, I did not like Clare Gilmore's first book, Love Interest. All I can recall is that the humor did not work for me personally, and I called it a millennial's wet dream (derogatory), and because of that, I was hesitant to request this one. However, after reading the synopsis, it sounded like exactly the kind of story for which I spend hours scouring bookstore shelves and blogs and Goodreads and TikTok. I love not-quite-second-chance tropes, successful women who know exactly what they want, and the beautiful state of Texas.

I'm really glad I gave this a chance. Will Grant is an absolute dreamboat and pretty much my ideal man. I love how supportive he is of Josie and that he's not scared of her drive, ambition, and success. Josie's flaws were a bit too relatable for my comfort at times, but she was also resilient, and thoughtful, and kind, and the kind of woman Jo March would be proud of.

With all of that said, the last line made me angry beyond belief, so I had to take off a star lol.

Thank you Clare Gilmore, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for the advanced audiobook!!!!!

I loved this story, it was an absolute swoon-fest! Ever since Josie was cancelled in high school for being accused of stealing someone's boyfriend, and betraying her best friend , she has thrown herself into building a fashion brand. At 27 she is CEO of Revenant a fashion label she built by channeling all of her energy into it. One day her past (Will Grant) literally crashes back into her life. He ends up consulting for her business and together they deal with the past. Josie and Will are such wonderful characters, they are thoughtful and honest, and this made me really cheer for them.

Thank-you to NetGalley and RB Media for the advanced listener copy. Katherine Leonard was an amazing narrator, and I listened to whole audiobook in one day. I highly recommend this audiobook, it will make you laugh and cry. Will Grant is on track to be my favorite book boyfriend for 2024.

Audiobook Version
•
NARRATION LOVES
❤️❤️❤️❤️.25
(rounded)
•
STORY LOVES
❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
(rounded)
•
Avg. Rating:</B> 4.25+4.50 = 8.75/2= 4.37 (rounded)
•
SPICE
🌶️ mild
•
RECOMMEND
💳 yes
•
→Performance: Katharine Leonard is a new-to-me narrator and I enjoyed her voice acting. She did a nice job conveying Josephine's inner monologues as wells as voicing the all the characters. If there is one thing I would change about her performance, it would be the differentiating between the characters a bit more.

→Story: Josephine and Will's story is an ex-best friend's brother, second chance(ish), workplace romance set in Austin, Texas without a third-act break up and a cute (re)meet.

After a kiss in high school, Josephine and Will went their separate ways, especially when Will's sister, Zoe, ended her friendship with Josephine. About 10 years later, Josephine, now a CEO of her own fashion brand, is on her way to meet with a consulting group when a cyclist runs into the back of her car. The cyclist is Will, a consultant with a highly respected firm, on his way to meet with the CEO of a fashion brand. After some convincing, Josephine takes a chance on Will and they both realize fairly quickly they have lingering feelings.

"Perfect Fit" by Clare Gilmore, also a new-to-me author, is a sweet romance with an underlying message that's fitting for our current social media environment -- cancel culture, the toxicity, and how social media affects your day-to-day life becoming dependent on follows, likes, the algorithm, and your relevancy.

If you want a sweet story about two people reconnecting and figuring out what their future will look like, I think you should give this one a read or listen.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to the "Perfect Fit."

This story is a cute and slightly spice novel. I love the slow progression of love but also finding your true self! Girl power mixed with doing what is best for you makes a great novel!

A Perfect Gift by Clare Gilmore is a contemporary romance that combines an enemies-to-lovers and second chance trope. The story follows Josie Davis, a CEO building her fashion brand in Austin, Texas. When her investor insists on bringing in a business consultant, a biking accident reunites her with Will Grant, a former friend and now the consultant on her team. As they work together, traveling to expand the business, their chemistry rekindles and grows into something more.

Josie and Will’s connection is laced with witty banter, emotional depth, and incredible chemistry. Josie is a refreshingly strong and independent lead who is driven in her career while still allowing room for vulnerability. Will, on the other hand, complements her strength with genuine acts of support and respect, never feeling threatened by her ambition. Their dynamic is both heartfelt and sweet.

While there’s a bit of angst over Josie’s hesitation about relationships due to her responsibilities, the story balances romance, humor, and personal growth, making it very relatable. This is def for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez - you'll appreciate the depth of character and emotional resonance in Josie and Will’s journey.

With fun banter and great character development, A Perfect Gift was such a cute, realistic romance. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

I listened to a chapter of this and struggled with the narrator. I felt she sounded a bit older than 28 and just didn't match the voice of the main character for me. I also think her masculine voice could have been a bit deeper as it was hard to differentiate at times.

Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for my #gifted ALC.

Powerhouse CEO Josephine Davis is all about hustle – until fate (and her investor) forces her to team up with Will Grant, the last guy she wants around. Will is her ex-bestie’s brother and the guy she awkwardly kissed nine years ago.

Will convinces her he’ll work harder for her company than anyone else and proves to her repeatedly that he’s the best one for the job! But sparks begin flying and love isn’t easy to navigate with distance and an unbalanced work-life.

I was immediately endeared to Will, especially as he began making suggestions for her company and seamlessly solving some of Josie’s dilemmas. He is a man of action and proved his loyalty to her early on. He carried deep regret over things from the past and as we got to know him, we came to understand why he did what he did.

To say that Josie threw herself into her work is an understatement. She hyper-focused on her work, pushing out any chance for a meaningful romantic relationship. Everything she did was to benefit other people and to find worth in the world. Will slowly broke down her defenses and took the time to understand the “why” of what she did.

The relationship was a slow-burn with several pauses along the way. I loved how Will encouraged her to learn for herself what was most important.

I felt the story was just as much about learning to trust and how to heal as it was a romance.

The audio narrator was entertaining! She brought the story to life and I listened to it in one sitting.

Romance Content: 2 open-door scenes that are easy to skip. Some explicit language.

This was a new to me author and narrator! This was so cute and I was so happy to listen early I love finding new stories and authors I love supporting them and definitely I’ll be watching for more!

5 out of 5 stars!

My love for this story, the characters and everything in between for ‘Perfect Fit’ is indescribably big! I cannot tell you guys how much I love, adore and relate to this book!

The audiobook was cherry on top for the book!

Clare Gilmore’s writing sparkles as she crafts an emotionally engaging and swoon-worthy romance that blends humour with heartfelt moments. I found myself completely enamoured with Will and Josie; one chapter made me blush, while the next brought a tear to my eye. Their chemistry is electric, but it's Will's acts of service that truly enhance the romance. From securing the ideal table for Josie’s best friend’s bachelorette party to caring for her when she's feeling under the weather, Will sets a new benchmark for being a book boyfriend.

This narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of burnout and the struggle to reconnect with passions we once cherished. Gilmore thoughtfully delves into how life's challenges can dim our enthusiasm while reminding us that it’s never too late to discover new interests or reignite old ones. Josie’s journey resonated deeply, offering a hopeful reminder of how resilience can reshape our perspectives.

The friendship between Josie and Camilla was another standout element. Their connection felt genuine and heartfelt, serving as a grounding force that enriched the story. Witnessing two strong women uplift each other through life's highs and lows was both refreshing and inspiring.

Perfect Fit strikes the ideal balance of romance, friendship, and personal growth, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a slow-burn, heartwarming love story without the typical third-act heartbreak. Clare Gilmore beautifully captures both the cozy and complex aspects of love and friendship, making it easy to fall in love with these characters and their journey. I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to Claire Gilmore, RBmedia | Recorded Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of "Perfect Fit." The book is available for purchase now.

Josephine David is a brilliant, successful, caring and humble female CEO who worked tirelessly all through college and then another six years afterwards building her own clothing line, Revenant. Revenant has a successful online store but now Josie is trying to expand and launch her first physical store front. Her biggest investor has advised her to take a CEO course and hire a consultant. Her best friend and Chief Branding Officer has named her the Maid of Honor. Josie feels overwhelmed with everything but determined not to let anyone down.

On her way to give her pitch to potential consultants to help her get Revenant B Corp certified, she has a collision with a very attractive guy. The guy is none other than her former best friend’s twin brother who she once shared a kiss that ended her friendship with her best friend.

The accidental collision reminds Will who Josie is deep down. He surprises Josie at her pitch, begs her to hire him and promises to work extra hard for her. Josie is hesitant but since Will works for the better consulting firm, she agrees.

Will is everything he promises and more. He helps Josie with Revenant but also with balancing her personal life and giving her what she is missing.

"I know your fever's about to hit. I can wrap you up in my arms. Get under the covers with you. Keep you warm. Make you feel not alone. I can let your head rest against my chest and that way, you'll feel another person's heartbeat, in sync with yours. That's the kind of help I can be. Even though I can't take away your physical pain, I can make you feel good in a different way." (Transcribed from audiobook, please excuse typos.)

All her life she just wants to be accepted and her compounded loss in high school really hurt her. As a result, she puts her sole focus on her business. There is no room for anything else, no romantic relationships. But Will somehow is starting to feel like her rock…

“And if you fall apart again, you’ll put yourself back together again because you’re strong. The only difference is from now on I’ll be there if you want me to, to hold your broken pieces.”(Transcribed from audiobook, please excuse typos.)

"I want to be there while you test each one and pick your favorites. I want to carry you around in my arms and then put you down and let you stand on your own two feet while you build something out loud that used to live inside your head. I want to stand on the sidelines and clap for you and then take you somewhere private and f*ck you. But mostly, Josie, I want to be a good person with you. Because you make me feel better about myself, just by being you."(Transcribed from audiobook, please excuse typos.)

I really like the characters, Josie, Will, Zoey, Camila, Derrick (please excuse typos in the names)… This is a warm fuzzy romance and something women with careers can relate to. Clare’s depiction of the struggles women face in the workplace is real regardless of the industry. I like that she shows a woman can be successful on her own. I am ambivalent about her needing a man but it is a romance after all.

As a woman, I was a bit disappointed by the ended. It was realistic. There is a HEA, some course correction, some image correction but I kinda wanted Josie to have it all, if you know what I mean.

Katharine Leonard did an excellent job narrating this audiobook. Her voice is clear. She uses different voices for each character. Will’s voice was sufficiently masculine to be believable.

Lastly, thank you Clare Gilmore and RBMedia for the ALC. My opinions are my own and provided freely.

TROPES/ THEMES: second chance, best friend’s brother, MMC taking care of sick MFC, supportive MMC, successful female CEO

Short synopsis: Josie needs a business consultant for her clothing company and ends up hiring her Ex-Best friends twin brother Will.

My thoughts: This was cutie of a rom-com. I think the initial meet cute was fun, luckily no one was seriously injured in the car/bike accident. Not going to lie, I binged this hard. As I read it in one day while my kids were at school.

Josie was such a work-a-holic, it’s no wonder she became so successful overnight. I liked watching her let go of herself and rely a bit more on others around her. Will was so sweet and caring, I loved how their communication was so open from the get-go, and they really were so willing to work hard for each other.

I listened to this book in one day. The narrator really helped captivate the personality of these characters and really drew me in to their stories. Very well done.

Read if you love:
- Workplace romance
- Best friends brother
- Second chance romance
- Girl boss/business owner
- Fashion industry

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore was really stinking cute!! It was kind of sort of second chance romance, which generally is not my favorite trope, but I did love it here! I loved the imposter syndrome rep- it sure felt a lot like looking in the mirror in a lot of ways. The relationship between Josie and Will was really sweet and I liked the way it grew over a reasonable amount of time. I didn’t find myself rolling my eyes at this one- I was just along for the ride and having a great time!
4.25⭐️

2.5 Stars

Josie, our Heroine, is the CEO of beloved e-commerce clothing company Revenant and she has put her heart, soul, and entire personality into driving her business to success. This woman’s life is her business and very little else. But when her company engages a consultant for growing the business, who earns the job but Josie’s one time spring fling (and her ex-best friend's brother), Will Grant.

I did enjoy the set-up for this book, and I loved the meet-cute for Josie and Will. It’s right at the beginning of the book and really nails Josie’s personality down for the reader. But from pretty early on, I could tell that Will was not a Hero of my taste. He’s the kind of man Written By A Woman with no flaws, no personal needs, and somehow has a secret culinary school degree. Oh, he’ll also upend his whole life from a city he loves to be close to Josie.

For an easy-breezy Romance, I have no problem with that kind of Hero. But <i>Perfect Fit</i> is more of Womens’ Fiction with the focus on Josie’s personal growth than the Romance and I never understand what made Will tick other than make Josie happy. I also felt that this book went on a bit too long with the Revenant workplace drama that pulled me as a reader from the romance.

Lastly, since I listened to this via audio, I didn’t feel that the narrator distinguished between the characters enough with her voice-acting.

Thank you to Recorded Books Media and NetGalley for the audio-ARC.

Starts with a re-meet cute, ends with a HEA. I like the main character a lot, so much depth to our star Josie as well as her friends and love interest. Great narrator. FMC is the best version of a struggling entrepreneur who is truly a good person with major anxiety and imposter syndrome. MMC is an ACTUALLY GOOD GUY who SHOWS UP. Friend trauma is a trigger for me. Wow. This is a really good book. There are some complex things happening and lots of layers, realistic scenarios, and a beautiful story of how friendship is different at different stages of life.

4.5 stars
I’d heard good things about Claire Gilmore so decided to request her newest release. The audiobook was great! The story itself was a refreshing change from the usual contemporary romance formula. I kept bracing myself for miscommunication, drama & the third act breakup. Instead, our main characters liked each other & used their words to talk about obstacles. I loved it!
*thanks to net galley & RB for the advance copy