Well Matched is Book #3 in Jen DeLuca's
Well Met Renaissance Faire romance series!
About the Book
A pretend relationship gives two friends more than they bargained for in a Renaissance Faire rom com filled with flower crowns, kilts, corsets, and sword fights.
Single mother April Parker has lived in Willow Creek for twelve years with a wall around her heart. On the verge of being an empty nester, she’s decided to move on from her quaint little town, and asks her friend Mitch for his help with some home improvement projects to get her house ready to sell.
Mitch Malone is known for being the life of every party, but mostly for the attire he wears to the local Renaissance Faire—a kilt (and not much else) that shows off his muscled form to perfection. While he agrees to help April, he needs a favor too: she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so that he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more “serious” career than high school coach and gym teacher. April reluctantly agrees, but when dinner turns into a weekend trip, it becomes hard to tell what’s real and what’s been just for show. But when the weekend ends, so must their fake relationship.
As summer begins, Faire returns to Willow Creek, and April volunteers for the first time. When Mitch’s family shows up unexpectedly, April pretends to be Mitch’s girlfriend again…and it doesn’t feel so fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they’ve just been putting on an act. But when there’s the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans—and open her heart—for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.
My Review
First off, I absolutely LOVE this series! The books are centered around the town’s annual Renaissance Faire and they are completely enchanting! The characters are fun and endearing… well except for April. Ugh. I have never wanted to shake a character more in my life than her. And I know why, because she is exactly like me. A single mom who’s been burned before and stays FAR and WIDE from any mention or interest in the opposite sex for the purposes of dating, and whatnot. But April’s got me beat in the hard-headed department. She was such a hard character to like.
Now our beloved high school gym teacher, coach and kilt-wearing Mitch is a different story. He’s funny and kind and has a heart of gold despite his hound dog persona. Although underneath all the fluff and the easy smiles, Mitch has a lot of depth and some hidden hurts that he hides so seamlessly, not even his closest friends realize it.He’s such an amazing guy and I think he can do better than April the cactus. Double ugh.
I have been struggling writing this review because I don’t like April’s character. At all. We first meet her in Well Met (Book 1). April is Emily’s older sister and she’s laid up recovering from a car accident so there’s a reason she’s a bit grumpy. April’s the hardened, skeptical character that humbugs things like magic and love… and fun. But it’s okay because she’s a secondary character.
In Well Played (Book 2) April is more prominent in the series, still a secondary character with the crusty attitude and an easy banter with Mitch. They support Stacey (main character) well and you’re not really affected much by April’s cynicism.
In Well Matched, April is front and center and so is her hard, inflexible demeanor. And April is NOT a fan of the Renaissance Faire and makes it clear in the previous books as well as this one. April’s character and her dislike of the Faire and pretty much everything else is like a cloud over the story and it feels like some of the original magic of the first two books is dampened in Well Matched.The book is not as fun or as joyful, it really made me sad. However, this in no way will stop me from reading future books in the series.
Overall, I give the story 4 Stars because Mitch is amazing and the Renaissance Faire never fails to bring good cheer! Huzzah!
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher in 2021 in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
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About the Author
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| Photo: © Morgan H. Lee in 2023 |
Jen DeLuca is the USA Today bestselling author of the Well Met series, which was inspired by her time volunteering as a pub wench with her local Renaissance Faire. She loves Publix chicken tender subs, cold brew coffee, and the Oxford comma. Jen lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, their rescue dog, and almost too many cats. Learn more at www.jendeluca.com
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