Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Close Match

Rate this book
Evangeline Brogan grew up Broadway royalty. She commands the stage until one night, everything changes. With lifelong secrets revealed, she’s determined to find out the full story.

Even if that means leaving everything she knows behind.

Arrogant and protective, Montague Parrish needs to be strong enough for his mother and stepfather as a family crisis comes to a head. He’s wary when fate brings Linnie into their lives at a critical moment.

Over time their relationship changes; offering light when fear is ready to consume them both. And then reality intrudes, threatening their need to survive each other.

After all, life can bring a close match, but it takes love to make it a perfect one.

ebook

First published October 3, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Tracey Jerald

35 books1,256 followers
Want to keep up with Tracey?

www.traceyjerald.com

For more outstanding romance reads, follow Foreword PR

Please direct all inquiries to my personal email - authortraceyjerald@gmail.com for a faster response

To sign up for her newsletter, go to: smarturl.it/TraceyJerald_News

Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” 
After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. 
When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. 
To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
82 (60%)
4 stars
26 (19%)
3 stars
22 (16%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
1,960 reviews565 followers
October 5, 2019
4 💖💖💔💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s ❗️

I was so strongly surprised with this new release of Tracey Jerald. Her writing has evolved and is remarkable as in the Amaryllis series, yet the maturity is highly perceived.
In all her books she manages adeptly to tie together the romance with very serious issues that our society faces.

Linnie and Monty’s journey was harsh, painful and heartbreaking, encountered with alcohol addiction, loss, ptsd and cancer. It’s a story of struggle, heal, strength, love and hope.
Close Match was a great read❣️
Profile Image for Clau.
865 reviews117 followers
January 14, 2021
It took me more than 6 months to read this.
Why did it took me so long? Well, at the beginning, the story was really slow. Nothing interesting happened, not until I reached about 30%. But then, the main characters started to annoy me, so I wouldn't be able to read more than a chapter, sometimes even less (it has about 82 chapters). Some situations would make me cringe. And finally, the romance simply bored me (again: nothing really happens in that regard).
So, why did I finish it? Mostly because I don't shelve as DFN in goodreads. And I really wanted to rate it with 2 stars, but then it started to get even more boring and slow. I rolled my eyes most chapters. So, I'm kind of sorry, but I honestly can't give it a higher rating.

I know the author was trying to write an angsty romance, a story about forgiveness, strength and going forward. But in my opinion, she didn't succeed.
Profile Image for Ellie.
541 reviews148 followers
October 21, 2019
2.5 stars.

I really, really, really wanted to love this book. I was in the mood for an emotional read and this could certainly be called that given the number of issues thrown at the reader in a few hundred pages.
The book touches on fame, death, finding a parent through DNA testing, illness, PTS and alcoholism - the latter covering multiple characters and also the most interesting facet of the story for me.

I have a psych background and addictions counseling was my specialty, so the subject is one I know inside and out. I was curious to see how this writer handled it, if she'd be responsible and do the research. To not do so is not an option with so galvanising a subject. My verdict is that she did so in some fashion, either through study or actually living through it with someone, and for the most part did well with it. There were parts that became too preachy/judgy for my liking, but I also get it's hard to completely avoid that in a fictional story.
What I didn't like was Linnie suddenly taking an about-face of sorts near the end. She seemed to understand that an addict in recovery must be completely selfish during the acute and step-down phases of rehab. Monty had loads to work through.
Loads.
She knew this, right? He was in the fight of his life with his future and perhaps his freedom at stake. He was going to suffer and would need to focus and heal, and everything else had to take a back seat.
She chose to reach out, she chose to send the gesture she did. He wasn't nearly ready yet. When she finally saw him again he'd completed his intensive and rather long stint and was finally ready. But I felt in her outburst she kind of made it all about her and it pissed me off a good bit.

The book was decent, but for me the connection between Linnie and Monty got lost in between all the issues explored in the story. All the grief and anger and mystery and discovery and MORE grief - and this was BEFORE it becomes crystal that Monty is slowly losing his shit. And I really didn't find his particular backstory was given the execution or resolution it required.
But I didn't feel the spark or the romance between Linnie and Monty, and that's a damn shame. There was just too much being thrown into the mix.
Now, had their story been more about them and less about her Mom and parentage and Ev and her Broadway career and the drawn out descriptions of her practicing dance moves every 5 minutes, it would have worked as a love story. As it was, it did not - in my opinion. Two or even three separate books and sets of characters could have tackled all these issues better than cramming them all into one.

Lastly - and I don't give a toss how many times I've said it - WRITERS! People PAY to read your work and it is assumed you don't care about presenting a quality product if your books have so. Many. Mistakes. Quit that. It's bloody distespectful.

Rookie writers get a wee bit more latitude when it comes to editing and proofreading errors. But this writer has at least a half dozen novels under her belt, so there is no - and I mean NO - excuse for not using an editor - or at least one that knows WTF they are doing! For an experienced writer, the sloppy writing and other issues are unacceptable. Extra words in a sentence. Missing words. Poor sentence structure. Punctuation mistakes. Misspelled or just plain wrong words.
I swear to Christ, if one more writer who insists on describing the act of throwing up uses the word 'wretch' instead of 'retch,' Ellie's gonna cut a b*tch.

Not the worst I've read, could have been a lot better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Milica's Bookshelf.
892 reviews258 followers
November 5, 2019


Okay, let's be honest. I didn't expect this story to make such an impression on me. I read all of Tracey's books and therefore, I thought I knew what to expect.. but she surprised me, again. In a great way.



I don't like spoilers, and for that matter, I won't say anything.

A really beautiful story. So raw, breathtaking and healing at the same time.

Prepare your wipes, relax and swim into the story. You will enjoy it! ♥

'Sometimes people have to come in and out of your life to become better versions of themselves.'


Profile Image for Gina Marie.
1,601 reviews9 followers
September 18, 2019
Break out the tissues, because you definitely are going to want to ugly cry at some points when reading Close Match. Linnie and Monty both have lived through some very rough times, and both have struggled with their own self-worth. Their journey is sweet and painful; sometimes the joy and happiness you find is clearer because of the hurt and demons you have fought to get there.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
September 8, 2019
To be honest, the Amaryllis series is one of my all time favorite series ever. When it ended, I was worried that no future books would be able to live up to the very high expectations that I had after that series. I don’t know why I was worried because Close Match is amazing!! A fantastic read that will suck you in and take your emotions on a wild roller coaster ride. It is well written with characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I loved this book.
Profile Image for Soulla Georgiou.
230 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2019
Another fabulous read from Tracey Jerald, who over the past year, has become one of my favourite authors.

This story takes us from the Broadway stages of NYC to the hills and farms of Virginia. It is a family saga that touches on some very real themes. Linnie and Monty were brought together in the most unusual of circumstances and although their chemistry was instant, the slow burn of their relationship was a joy to read. All of the secondary characters were wonderful and the relationship between Linnie and her sister, Bristol, and brother in-law, Simon, had me laughing out loud on many occasions.

A great story and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,752 reviews
October 2, 2019
I am not sure I can sum up how I feel about this book because I loved it so much. This story has so many layers. Linnie finds that all she thought she knew about herself was just an illusion. Those around her were great stage players in hiding their own demons, while she felt the weight on her shoulders to be what everyone needed. When the time comes for her to grab a hold of her own destiny will she be strong enough to walk away if necessary.

Linnie and Monty are destined for a great love but there are many obstacles in their way. With the support for family and close friends, they eventually find their way but is the damage to their hearts reversible. This story has high, highs and low, lows with the right amount of angst to keep you sucked in consuming page after page. An amazing inspiring story of redemption and forgiveness.

"I likely can't see the stars because she's dulled them out." "She's the only star I've genuinely wished upon." ~ Montague
Profile Image for Stacie.
1,344 reviews138 followers
September 30, 2019
I was worried going in to this book. Close Match is the first non-Freeman Family story and I wasn't sure how I would do without my beloved family. As usual, my worries were unfounded. Close Match blew any and all expectations I had about this story out of the proverbial water. Linnie and Monty's story was beautiful and unexpected.

While I was expecting an amazing love story, I wasn't expecting it to be on as many levels as it turned out to be. I refuse to give spoilers as usual but I will say I was surprised again and again throughout the book. As usual, the attention to research and detail was outstanding. Sometimes, statistics in a book can come off as too clinical but the manner in which absolute facts were incorporated into the story appeared flawless and appropriate. Each twist and turn the plot took brought me deeper into a world that I had a hard time leaving. Everything Monty and Linnie faced was 100% relatable and each challenge endeared the couple to me again and again.

Close Match has stayed with me since I was lucky enough to read the ARC (thank you to the author and her publicist for that lovely birthday gift). It is not a story I will easily forget.


1,656 reviews71 followers
September 29, 2019
Words can’t describe how the book hangover I have! This book is genuine, passionate, thought provoking and nearly brought me to tears at SO many points. As a newbie to Tracey I had NO clue what I was walking into! The stories are intricate and layered- and will keep you hoping for more. It’s real. And it’s believable. It’s not contrived. These are the reasons why I read books. Absolutely stunning job.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,090 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2019
This author is magic

I discovered this author this year and fell in love with the way she crafts a story. I was sad to see the end to the amazing Amaryllis series. I needn't have worried because she proved that it is her ability to create characters and stories that jump off the page that makes her a force to be reckoned with.

I loved that she, again, tackled a sensitive topic and handled it with grace and care. So many families deal with this and there can never be enough attention to this problem. It truly takes a village to help counter the destruction that this can cause. Well done.
Profile Image for Ashley Hampton.
480 reviews21 followers
September 18, 2019
Close Match... Where to start? Okay firstly, I have to give this author major props. She can take a story- line such as Close Match and turn it into the most unimaginable cathartic experience of your life. Close Match came NO where near what I had drummed up in this head of mine. I know I can count on this author to bring such a wide array of emotion, which is what I prefer when I am residing in a different world, but jeez oh peeps Evangeline and Montague's story is on a whole'nother spectrum. Tracey Jerald's writing is some of the best of the best. I felt so closely to this story, because her writing is that impeccable. The way she wove the tell of Evangeline and Montague, made me feel as if I was living it. Their journey was not easy, in the slightest; but the brilliance of this author was showcased easily through the development throughout the entirety of it. The characters portrayed themselves in such a way, a realistic way that it was hard to remember that this is a work of fiction. They were validated, warranted, but most of all persons with life like feelings. Overall, this was a fantastic read that requires a tissue or two, but oh so worth it.

I feel like I need to shut up, before I blow the story. So, just one more thing.

Thank You to this author for tackling such profound moments, that we humans face on the daily. That takes courage and strength, because I know how I felt reading this, I couldn't imagine putting thoughts into words like you have.

*I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
October 3, 2019
I'm such a HUGE fan of the brilliantly addictive, Tracey Jerald, that while I knew that I would love this story, I just didn't see what was coming which would try to destroy my heart! Close Match is one of those stories that will make the hardest heart, (like mine), thaw, then totally shred it as the angst levels were more than my tough self could handle, and I found myself bawling more than once, and I'm not talking about some eye leakage, nope, it's of the using a whole box of tissues, snot slinging variety. In fact, as I sit here thinking about it again while writing this review, well, let's just say I'm losing it again. This is the story of Linnie & Monty, two people who are each other's soulmates, but the obstacles to be together are almost too much. It's definitely not an easy journey, and seriously, I wanted to hug both of them throughout the book, even if I got mad about things and/or decisions made. There were so many shocking twists, that I dropped f-bombs right & left, and it's those twists which are keeping this review generic so I don't spoil anyone's experience. The hell Monty & Linnie faced was of the walk through fire variety, and it was so destructive at times, that I believed would destroy their hearts completely. Can they ever come back from everything they went through to a make a real go for something amazing?! I know those answers, but if you need to know the answer, I strongly encourage everyone one clicks this emotional ride that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Kelly.
654 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2019
Heartbreaking and heartwarming

I’ve been a fan of this author since book 1 of the Amaryllis series, and all the things I loved in that series are here in this new standalone. Great characters of course, but not just Linnie and Monty, who are a very human mix of strong and vulnerable, talented and tortured, but amazing secondary characters as well. A slow burn story (there are plenty of sparks between Monty and Linnie from their first meeting), it’s the relationships between all those characters that really drive the story, with a mix of love, laughter (the cilantro wars! 😂), tears (Monty’s letter 😭) and tension.

There is some secret keeping, something that normally drives me a little crazy, but worked well here for a mix of reasons. Some of it was everyone was keeping some secrets to start with (and keeping those secrets made complete sense to me instead of feeling like a plot device), some secrets we learn a little at time, and for one big secret, because it was someone else’s secret to share. I kept turning those pages because the author does a great job foreshadowing, and I HAD to get to those shoe drops I was sure were coming. If occasionally, parts of the plot went in a direction I expected, it didn’t lessen the impact or the emotion, and the exact form was always surprising.

Sweet, funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming, this was everything I’ve come to expect from this author and more. 5 stars

B2B Kelly
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
October 3, 2019
I fell in love with this author with the Freeman's series and can't say enough about her style and skill that was witnessed while enjoying it. In this case the author takes it up a notch and gives us a peak behind close doors without letting it take over and cloud the depth of the story. Linnie has the perfect life and she's happy and secure with it. Her family means everything to her but that changes due to a tragedy that does more than take someone she cherished away, it shakes the very foundation her happiness and security was based on. Now she starts from scratch, finding out who she is and how her world has changed. Monty is hiding from a past he has yet to recover from. These two are drawn to each other even through their suspicion.

This author takes the subject of alcoholism, the impact it can have on family and turns it into an emotional story that has no limits. It isn't a quick read that gives you an ez pz hea and resolution no that would be too easy. It's a heartfelt read that will have you laughing and hurting as it navigates through the pain and strain this disease can inflict. But this author doesn't stop there, nope no way. It's a read you will bury yourself in and feel every emotion while hoping beyond hope that it all works out. It will make you hope that being a close match will be enough to fill the emptiness left by loss, lies and deception.
Profile Image for Chantay.
252 reviews
October 3, 2019
I have read several books written by Tracey Jerald but book definitely pulled on my emotional heart strings. You think you know what will happen but this author’s words has you drawn into an emotional whirlpool. Once you start this story, you are completely committed to it like a binding contract. You can not walk away; it was so good!!! Evangeline “Linny” Brogan’s life as a actress was not all glitzy and glamorous as it seems. When internal family conflicts and secrets are revealed; Linny must find her own “truth”. She meets the devilishly handsome ex-military agent Montague “Monty” Parrish along her journey. Monty is finding his own “truths” while trying to battle his own inner demons from the past and present . There is some uncertainty and shielded emotions during their first encounter but the immediate attraction is there. Together, they have the strength to help each other battle the conflicts that lie ahead. Somewhere along the way they find a deeper connection emotionally and physically. Life is complicated but love is more complex. Monty and Linny will both find out love is the greatest addiction of all! My emotions was all over the place while reading this story. Definitely worth the book hangover and looking forward to the next book!!! 💕💕💕
Profile Image for Miria Ardizzi.
141 reviews17 followers
November 6, 2019
I have to start off by saying that I have read all of Tracey Jerald's books the Amaryllis series, have LOVED them all and Close Match was no exception. This story was amazing and I feel Tracey Jerald's writing and story telling just keeps getting better and better.

Close Match is a story that is filled with so many emotions and so many important aspects of life that so many of us deal with. It's Linne and Monty's story of hope, love, loss, determination and realizing what is truly important in their lives, the love of family and their love dor one another.

Linnie is an accomplished, bright actress and dancer who followed in her Mom's footsteps when suddenly her world is turned upside down when it's struck with tragedy. Certain revelations as a result of this brings her and Monty together in a quest to find her "true" life. Monty being an ex service man has his own struggles with his past and new demons arise but his attraction and love for Linnie keeps him grounded, until it spirals out of control.

Could their love for one another be enough for them to be a "perfect match" or will all the anger, nightmares and "addictions" drive these two apart. In a quest to find this out you will appreciate how much love there is all around in the search for redemption and forgiveness. Sometimes being strong for others while crumbling yourself is not enough.

Tracey Jerald once again delivered a heartfelt read that will be appreciated by all.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,234 reviews96 followers
October 4, 2019
"I am not sure I can sum up how I feel about this book because I loved it so much. This story has so many layers. Linnie finds that all she thought she knew about herself was just an illusion. Those around her were great stage players in hiding their own demons, while she felt the weight on her shoulders to be what everyone needed. When the time comes for her to grab a hold of her own destiny will she be strong enough to walk away if necessary.

Linnie and Monty are destined for a great love but there are many obstacles in their way. With the support for family and close friends, they eventually find their way but is the damage to their hearts reversible. This story has high, highs and low, lows with the right amount of angst to keep you sucked in consuming page after page. An amazing inspiring story of redemption and forgiveness.

""I likely can't see the stars because she's dulled them out."" ""She's the only star I've genuinely wished upon."" ~ Montague"
Profile Image for Dora.
750 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2019
Tracey Jerald definitely takes us on another emotional roller coaster ride with her newest book, Close Match. Like in the previous series with the Freemans, family is a huge part of Linnie and Monty’s story. The loss and fear of loss that these two go through just gutted me to the core.

Soon after a tragic loss, Linnie is further put through the wringer after secrets are revealed. In her quest to find answers she is put in the path of Monty, a man who is battling demons of his own. Adding on, a family crisis is looming, he had to stay strong for his mother and step-father’s sake. So with the appearance of Linnie, she could potentially be a blessing but he is still so very wary, especially when his own heart comes into play.

Linnie and Monty’s story is full of emotional upheaval, especially when Monty’s demons come to the forefront. The anticipation on what could happen, and then what did happen, had me holding my breath. But with the love of each other and family, they pull through to a beautiful happily ever after.

However, I did feel that Linnie fought harder for their HEA than Monty did. His demon’s were bad and caused a lot of pain and he knew it. This resulted in him pretty much giving up, but I felt it was Linnie’s actions (multiple actions) that really pulled him out of that dark place and made him want to fight for them.

Overall, another fantastic story by one my go-to authors. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Jessica.
61 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2019
Five stars for Tracey Jerald and Close Match!! Tracey has proven herself time and again to be an amazing author. I wasn’t sure what to expect from her after finishing the Amaryllis Series but she certainly doesn’t disappoint. Tracey has a knack for touching on difficult issues. In Close Match, she dives into cancer, PTSD and alcoholism. Tracey always manages to touch on important issues like these and still manage to have family, humor and romance thrown in the mix. Close Match follows Evangeline Brogan on her path to finding family and Montague Parrish on his path to healing. As always with Tracey’s books, make sure you have some tissues handy!!
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
728 reviews18 followers
October 6, 2019
I fell in love with Tracey’s stories in the Amaryllis Series and she’s given us another fantastic story. Close Match is a beautiful,heartfelt story, that many people can relate too. You will definitely need tissues as you read Linnie and Monty’s journey. They both have demons to deal with. You will be sucked in and go through a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book is everything I expected of this author and more. A 5++ Star Read.
90 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2019
Close Match is a beautifully written and emotional read. Tracey Jerald is a master of description in all her books but especially in Close Match. The amount of knowledge and research she did for this book deserves a standing ovation. The characters are well rounded while the storyline flows. You may need a few tissues while reading this story but well worth it.
Profile Image for Kimhe Rockchicks.
1,149 reviews58 followers
October 2, 2019
She was the light in his darkness, the soothe to his nightmares, the other half to his soul.

An emotional tearjerker worth anyones time. Have the tissues handy, I was a blubbering mess reading this one.

I am so in love with these characters.

Tracey yet again you have blown me away with your storytelling.
Profile Image for Georgette .
498 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2019
Tracey takes us behind the scenes in Evangaline's journey to find her place in this world. From the stage to the farm, from secrets to hard truths, her strength, and her weaknesses, they all come to light. Finding herself in a world she didn't know she belonged to makes you believe that everything happens for a reason. Finding your true love, well, that's just the bonus!
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,275 reviews23 followers
October 6, 2019
This is how slow burn reads should be done, it keeps you captivated, makes you keep turning the page as well as imagining what it will be like when Montague and Evangeline finally act on things. But this isn't just a simple love story, there is pain, loss and tragedy along with hope, opportunity and emotions that draw you in along with characters both main and secondary who you connect with.
Profile Image for Melanie Helms.
1,074 reviews35 followers
October 4, 2019
Oh my godddd. The feels in this book were so good. If you thought she was going to lighten up on that after her Amaryllis series you were wrong and should be prepared! I loved the character's names. Montague and Evangeline ❤ Montague reminds me of Shakespeare 😂 This was a beautiful book i can't wait to have this book on my shelf!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
608 reviews
October 4, 2019
OMG! This book has all the feels that will tear you up and put you back together again. There are multiple different/hard subjects that are in the book that people deal with daily. As with all of Tracey’s books have tissues ready when reading.
Profile Image for Megan Watson.
43 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2019
Close Match touches on so many true life issues. I love hot Tracey can make fictional stories seem like real life. These characters shine and I love the strength they show. I highly recommend Close Match you won’t be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.