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Highland Hills #4
Matchmaking a Roommate
He’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.
Ivy
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to. I’m drawn in by my part-time job at Ziggy brewery, which I took to research for my next book, and by the mystery of Lou, my father’s stuffy lodger, a temporary transplant from New York.
Normally, I wouldn’t look twice at someone like Lou. He’s a rules guy, and I’ve never met a rule I didn’t want to break just for the fun of it. But it’s obvious he needs an intervention to avoid becoming an old man at thirty-four, and I am going to make that happen.
Lou
I came to Highland Hills to hide. It’s not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancée, and his pet fish all in the same week.
The last thing I want is for smoking hot Ivy Anders to get it into her head that I should be her project. But she has, and it’s hard as hell to say no to her. Believe me, I’ve tried.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize that I have another problem on my hands: Ivy’s everything I’m not—young and wild and free—and she’s all I can think about.
Ivy
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to. I’m drawn in by my part-time job at Ziggy brewery, which I took to research for my next book, and by the mystery of Lou, my father’s stuffy lodger, a temporary transplant from New York.
Normally, I wouldn’t look twice at someone like Lou. He’s a rules guy, and I’ve never met a rule I didn’t want to break just for the fun of it. But it’s obvious he needs an intervention to avoid becoming an old man at thirty-four, and I am going to make that happen.
Lou
I came to Highland Hills to hide. It’s not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancée, and his pet fish all in the same week.
The last thing I want is for smoking hot Ivy Anders to get it into her head that I should be her project. But she has, and it’s hard as hell to say no to her. Believe me, I’ve tried.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize that I have another problem on my hands: Ivy’s everything I’m not—young and wild and free—and she’s all I can think about.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2023
About the author
Angela R. Casella
29 books449 followersANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her daughter, Frances, and two cranky old dogs in an extremely small bungalow. She is also developmental editor, and she spends her days editing and writing in between being ordered around by her real boss, Frances. She writes solo romcoms and also co-writes with Denise Grover Swank.
You can subscribe to her newsletter with Denise for exclusive free content and updates on their projects, solo and co-written! https://mailchi.mp/dgswank.com/dgsand...
You can subscribe to her newsletter with Denise for exclusive free content and updates on their projects, solo and co-written! https://mailchi.mp/dgswank.com/dgsand...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 1, 2023
This was sharp, witty and kept me engaged the entire time. You can’t help but fall in love with polar opposites Lou and Ivy while they slowly fall in love with each other. There are a lot of side characters to keep track of, but that’s because this is the fourth in the series. Even with so many characters, they all maintain distinct and lovable personalities. This was a fun read and I will definitely be picking up some of the previous books!
This book includes:
🐟Age gap
🐟Grumpy sunshine
🐟Forced proximity
🐟Opposites Attract
🐟Dual pov
Thank you to the authors and Valentine PR for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book includes:
🐟Age gap
🐟Grumpy sunshine
🐟Forced proximity
🐟Opposites Attract
🐟Dual pov
Thank you to the authors and Valentine PR for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 25, 2023
A perfect Roommate Romance story. Most of the times our perfect match would be right in front of us but we would run behind the Internet to find our perfect soulmate. I completely loved the concept of this book and it was completely fun to read.
IVY - A courageous woman, who would do anything to keep her Dad happy and I honestly feel like she got a better Mom. Being a Popular Romance Novelist in a small town, she was highly mature and knew what she wanted for herself.
LOU - This man taught me how to raise up from your failures. He lost his Financèe, Job and his pet fish. Still he learnt to come up in his life and reached better hights. He is Grumpy but still so sweet to his girl.
💖Don’t you get it, Ivy? You make me happy.💖
I almost cried when he told these words to her. They both are too good for each other and I'm so glad they didn't mind the 24% match assumption made by their matchmaking website.
If you are looking for a Roommate Romance with lots of Funny Moments then this book is HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Thanks so much for the ARC of this amazing book @valentine_pr_ @angelacasellaauthor @denisegroverswank it indeed was a great start to my weekend ☺️
IVY - A courageous woman, who would do anything to keep her Dad happy and I honestly feel like she got a better Mom. Being a Popular Romance Novelist in a small town, she was highly mature and knew what she wanted for herself.
LOU - This man taught me how to raise up from your failures. He lost his Financèe, Job and his pet fish. Still he learnt to come up in his life and reached better hights. He is Grumpy but still so sweet to his girl.
💖Don’t you get it, Ivy? You make me happy.💖
I almost cried when he told these words to her. They both are too good for each other and I'm so glad they didn't mind the 24% match assumption made by their matchmaking website.
If you are looking for a Roommate Romance with lots of Funny Moments then this book is HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Thanks so much for the ARC of this amazing book @valentine_pr_ @angelacasellaauthor @denisegroverswank it indeed was a great start to my weekend ☺️
February 26, 2023
They’ve done it again - Denise and Angela’s books are always filled with so many laughs, awkward situations and so much swoony goodness. This entire series is fantastic…I adored Lou and Ivy in this wonderful and entertaining story.
What’s starts out as a bit of an enemies to lovers story turned into a wonderful roommates, opposites attract, age gap love story.
Both Lou and Ivy are at a crossroads in their lives and trying to move on from heartbreak and emotional damage. They try their best to not give in to their feelings but it’s inevitable….the story to their final realization is full of angsty, swoony and hilarious moments. The banter between these two is something else.
All of the other characters make cameo appearances - I adore these people. They will fight for one another, give each other so much crap but will always be there when needed.
I could not dislike two characters more than the two crazy ladies - IYKYK!
“…because God forbid anyone tell AnnaBeth that her husbands a piece of shit or that her banana bread tastes like Satan’s taint.”
What’s starts out as a bit of an enemies to lovers story turned into a wonderful roommates, opposites attract, age gap love story.
Both Lou and Ivy are at a crossroads in their lives and trying to move on from heartbreak and emotional damage. They try their best to not give in to their feelings but it’s inevitable….the story to their final realization is full of angsty, swoony and hilarious moments. The banter between these two is something else.
All of the other characters make cameo appearances - I adore these people. They will fight for one another, give each other so much crap but will always be there when needed.
I could not dislike two characters more than the two crazy ladies - IYKYK!
“…because God forbid anyone tell AnnaBeth that her husbands a piece of shit or that her banana bread tastes like Satan’s taint.”
February 27, 2023
I received an eArc in exchange for my honest review.
This book is part of series. However, you can read this as a standalone and does not have any continuing type of story from the previous books. The characters do show up from the other books though, so you have a bit of spoilers to that.
This book follows Ivy and Lou. Ivy is a romance novelist who has basically ran away home to get away from her "friends" and a situation that happened. Lou is in Highland Hills laying low after a scandal involving his client and ex-fiancé.
Lou is Mr. Relationship and she is looking for fun. On paper they shouldn't work and that's exactly what the Matchmake Me app says. Ivy tries to set him on a date and realizes that despite what the app says they have more in common than what the app thinks.
This is a cute opposites attract, forced proximity story. It was full of laughs and banter between the two main characters and I really enjoyed reading this one. I have not read the other Highland Hills books, but will go back and read the rest of series now.
Thank you to Valentine PR for an advanced copy.
Overall: 4
Spice: 1.5
This book is part of series. However, you can read this as a standalone and does not have any continuing type of story from the previous books. The characters do show up from the other books though, so you have a bit of spoilers to that.
This book follows Ivy and Lou. Ivy is a romance novelist who has basically ran away home to get away from her "friends" and a situation that happened. Lou is in Highland Hills laying low after a scandal involving his client and ex-fiancé.
Lou is Mr. Relationship and she is looking for fun. On paper they shouldn't work and that's exactly what the Matchmake Me app says. Ivy tries to set him on a date and realizes that despite what the app says they have more in common than what the app thinks.
This is a cute opposites attract, forced proximity story. It was full of laughs and banter between the two main characters and I really enjoyed reading this one. I have not read the other Highland Hills books, but will go back and read the rest of series now.
Thank you to Valentine PR for an advanced copy.
Overall: 4
Spice: 1.5
February 28, 2023
If you’re looking for a fun romance with great characters and laughter this is a fantastic series. I do suggest you start with the first book in the series, though you can read this as a stand-alone.
Ivy and Lou have such great banter which adds to their chemistry. I laughed a lot reading this one! As readers have come to expect from Casella & Swank, the secondary characters add to the storyline and I loved seeing the couples from the previous books.
I recommend reading this entire series!
Ivy and Lou have such great banter which adds to their chemistry. I laughed a lot reading this one! As readers have come to expect from Casella & Swank, the secondary characters add to the storyline and I loved seeing the couples from the previous books.
I recommend reading this entire series!
February 26, 2023
By now, I'm a huge fan of any book by Angela and Denise. These two know how to make you laugh, swoon and shake your head. Ivy and Lou are both trying to figure out life, not to mention how to cope with heartbreak and the emotional damage they have been put through. Both try to fight the feelings they have for one another, but that doesn't go the way they planned. Ivy and Lou are so cute you won't be able to not swoon. And the banter between these two was so good. I loved the storyline, the characters, and everything this book had to offer.
March 4, 2023
Another spectacular book by this dynamic duo. I totally loved it. A lot of unexpected things, scenes characters, etc happened in this book and that's saying a lot. These authors are definitely one-click authors for me
February 26, 2023
A fun, sassy book that touched my funny bone while touching my heart.
He's Mr. Relationship and she's looking for fun.
He'd rather watch a documentary and she'd rather watch a romcom.
He's Mr. Stability and she'd rather try new things.
On paper Ivy and Lou shouldn't work and that's exactly how the Matchmake Me app feels about them too. However, the more time they spend together they begin to doubt what the AI system says about the two of them, especially when it matches them with people they have nothing in common with.
This opposites-attract story is simply adorable, not to mention, fulls of laughs, as Ivy and Lou figure out their grumpy-sunshine coupleness is exactly the best thing each other needs.
I love having Ivy's siblings make an appearance here and there, but honestly my favorite aspect of this book is just how candid Ivy is. She completely owns who she is and her vibrancy shines through. It's no wonder a grump like Lou is drawn to her shiny soul. ✨️
He's Mr. Relationship and she's looking for fun.
He'd rather watch a documentary and she'd rather watch a romcom.
He's Mr. Stability and she'd rather try new things.
On paper Ivy and Lou shouldn't work and that's exactly how the Matchmake Me app feels about them too. However, the more time they spend together they begin to doubt what the AI system says about the two of them, especially when it matches them with people they have nothing in common with.
This opposites-attract story is simply adorable, not to mention, fulls of laughs, as Ivy and Lou figure out their grumpy-sunshine coupleness is exactly the best thing each other needs.
I love having Ivy's siblings make an appearance here and there, but honestly my favorite aspect of this book is just how candid Ivy is. She completely owns who she is and her vibrancy shines through. It's no wonder a grump like Lou is drawn to her shiny soul. ✨️
March 5, 2023
I am really enjoying these siblings and how the all are working to make a good life after a not so great upbringing. Ivy has ran back to Highland Hills after a really bad experience. She moves back in with her dad and he rented a room to Lou who is also trying to avoid his life in New York. These two get off on the wrong foot, but decide that they need to stimulate their dating lives. They pick dates for each other off an app, but it is a huge disaster since they are attracted to each other. They decide to give a relationship a chance, but the past is always there looking to tear them apart. I loved these two and their story was sweet and hot. A true love story.
March 6, 2023
Would you date a guy a dating app only told you you had 24% compatibility with? Determined to bring Lou out of his slump that brought him to highland Hills ivy sets him up a profile on her sisters dating app. (She’s definitely using this as a distraction for her own disasters too) He’ll only do it if she does too. And yes, they both knew her adventurous “don’t tie me down” self was opposite to his older “old man in a young body” stuffed shirt self but 24%?! Anyways Ivy figured there’s no harm in getting to know him with that combined with the fact that he’s going back to NY soon. But the more she gets to know him the more she starts to realize they might be better together than the app seems to believe.
Icy and Lou are a cute opposites attract couple. Forced proximity leads to friendship leads to more and I’m a fan. Ivy is struggling with self perception based on her awful mom and grandma and Lou is figuring out what comes next in his life and on paper they “shouldn’t” work but they totally bring out the best in each other. I haven’t read the other books in the series but now I want to bc we get to meet all the characters and they sound like a blast too. Solid small town romance
Icy and Lou are a cute opposites attract couple. Forced proximity leads to friendship leads to more and I’m a fan. Ivy is struggling with self perception based on her awful mom and grandma and Lou is figuring out what comes next in his life and on paper they “shouldn’t” work but they totally bring out the best in each other. I haven’t read the other books in the series but now I want to bc we get to meet all the characters and they sound like a blast too. Solid small town romance
February 27, 2023
I received this book via ARC on Valentine PR. Matchmaking a Roommate was a very cute read, I read it in 2 days. I could not put it down, I enjoyed the wit and charm of Ivy and Lou. Ivy's family... especially her grandma and mom really depict how some families can be.
Up and coming author Ivy moved home for a while to take care of her dad after his heart attack. Lou rents out the spare bedroom of Ivy's dads house. Ivy and Lou don't quite get along. Ivy decides to put Lou on a dating site that her family runs. Lou only agrees if Ivy does it. They both decide to do a double date to meet their "matches." Will Lou and Ivy meet the loves of their lives?
Up and coming author Ivy moved home for a while to take care of her dad after his heart attack. Lou rents out the spare bedroom of Ivy's dads house. Ivy and Lou don't quite get along. Ivy decides to put Lou on a dating site that her family runs. Lou only agrees if Ivy does it. They both decide to do a double date to meet their "matches." Will Lou and Ivy meet the loves of their lives?
March 1, 2023
This dynamic duo has done it yet again!!! I love this entire series and this book was everything! It has it all. The humor and witty banter was full of laughs. Their chemistry was full on combustible. I utterly adore this cast of family and friends. Highly recommend the entire series.
March 10, 2023
He’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.
Ivy
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to. I’m drawn in by my part-time job at Ziggy brewery, which I took to research for my next book, and by the mystery of Lou, my father’s stuffy lodger, a temporary transplant from New York.
Normally, I wouldn’t look twice at someone like Lou. He’s a rules guy, and I’ve never met a rule I didn’t want to break just for the fun of it. But it’s obvious he needs an intervention to avoid becoming an old man at thirty-four, and I am going to make that happen.
Lou
I came to Highland Hills to hide. It’s not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancée, and his pet fish all in the same week.
The last thing I want is for smoking hot Ivy Anders to get it into her head that I should be her project. But she has, and it’s hard as hell to say no to her. Believe me, I’ve tried.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize that I have another problem on my hands: Ivy’s everything I’m not—young and wild and free—and she’s all I can think about.
Loved Lou and Ivy's story. If you love an age gap, grumpy sunshine then this book is for you. Lots of chemistry and fun banter between these too. Was immediately hooked within the 1st few pages. Highly recommend.
Ivy
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to. I’m drawn in by my part-time job at Ziggy brewery, which I took to research for my next book, and by the mystery of Lou, my father’s stuffy lodger, a temporary transplant from New York.
Normally, I wouldn’t look twice at someone like Lou. He’s a rules guy, and I’ve never met a rule I didn’t want to break just for the fun of it. But it’s obvious he needs an intervention to avoid becoming an old man at thirty-four, and I am going to make that happen.
Lou
I came to Highland Hills to hide. It’s not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancée, and his pet fish all in the same week.
The last thing I want is for smoking hot Ivy Anders to get it into her head that I should be her project. But she has, and it’s hard as hell to say no to her. Believe me, I’ve tried.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize that I have another problem on my hands: Ivy’s everything I’m not—young and wild and free—and she’s all I can think about.
Loved Lou and Ivy's story. If you love an age gap, grumpy sunshine then this book is for you. Lots of chemistry and fun banter between these too. Was immediately hooked within the 1st few pages. Highly recommend.
March 14, 2023
uplifting and amusing
Such a cute story line! I love how the characters are so different but being a couple actually works! I can hardly wait for the next book.
Such a cute story line! I love how the characters are so different but being a couple actually works! I can hardly wait for the next book.
February 26, 2023
This is a fun, sassy rom-com that kept me laughing throughout. Ivy is a romance author and from a family of matchmakers; so, she can’t help herself but to want to matchmake Lou. However, she didn’t plan on falling for him while getting to know him. I love how carefree and wild Ivy is. Lou is the exact opposite... a planner and rule follower. They have fantastic banter and chemistry; while also balancing each other out.
As always, the secondary characters are wonderful. I enjoy getting glimpses of the previous couple's lives and having them involved in the story. This can be read as a standalone; however, I highly suggest reading the entire series. All the books are fantastic and there are storylines that are carried over through all the books. This is the last book of the Highland Hills Mayberry’s. But do not fret, there will be more books set in Highland Hills coming later this year.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always, the secondary characters are wonderful. I enjoy getting glimpses of the previous couple's lives and having them involved in the story. This can be read as a standalone; however, I highly suggest reading the entire series. All the books are fantastic and there are storylines that are carried over through all the books. This is the last book of the Highland Hills Mayberry’s. But do not fret, there will be more books set in Highland Hills coming later this year.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2023
Too many drawn out stories but liked Lou . Patient ! Speaking of editors -this had lots of errors .
March 10, 2023
I absolutely love this series!!!!
🩵Contemporary Romance
❤️Age Gap
🩵Grumpy/Sunshine
❤️Angsty/Comedy
🩵Roommates to Lovers
❤️Small Town
🩵Low/Med Spicy
I can't get enough of this series. I love all these books! But this one might have just moved to the top.
I absolutely love Ivy and Lou
Ivy is moving back home after her father has a heart attack and to get away from some drama. She had no idea her father was also renting out a room to Lou.
Lou was also getting away from drama and was just trying to hide out.... little did he know how Ivy would get under his skin.
🩵Contemporary Romance
❤️Age Gap
🩵Grumpy/Sunshine
❤️Angsty/Comedy
🩵Roommates to Lovers
❤️Small Town
🩵Low/Med Spicy
I can't get enough of this series. I love all these books! But this one might have just moved to the top.
I absolutely love Ivy and Lou
Ivy is moving back home after her father has a heart attack and to get away from some drama. She had no idea her father was also renting out a room to Lou.
Lou was also getting away from drama and was just trying to hide out.... little did he know how Ivy would get under his skin.
May 10, 2023
In this the 4th and final book in the Highland Hills series, a close proximity/opposites attract trope. Ivy Anders the twenty-six year old free spirited youngest Mayberry sibling finds true love with a buttoned up eight years her senior Lou Moralis. Thanks to a mother who was more interested in chasing her next husband than being a mother, who left raising her children to her mean, narcissistic, mother Maeve Mayberry, all of the Mayberry siblings have had their share of emotional baggage. But none more than Ivy Anders despite the fact she had the benefit of actually having her father Jay Anders in her life. Something her older 3 sisters and brother never did. Ivy feels guilty for having a father who rescued her from her mother and grandmother leaving her older siblings to fend for themselves. She also mistakenly believes they resent her for that so she has kept them at arm’s length. In this story Ivy has reluctantly returned to Highland Hills N.C. where she grew up to help care for her father who recently suffered a heart attack and the abandonment of his second wife. But there’s another reason Ivy left her home in Charleston S.C. that she’s not sharing with anyone. Because other than her passionate dislike of both her mother and grandmother Ivy keeps her feelings close to her vest even from her siblings. She hides behind a carefree persona because she’s actually afraid to allow anyone close to her for fear if they know the real her they’ll reject her. While at 26 Ivy is the first to admit has had casual sex with a lot of different men, she’s never been emotionally intimate with any of them. She’s a successful romance writer who has never been in love and runs from commitment. Ivy decides her next book will be something about someone working at a bar falling in love so she volunteers to work for free at Ziggy’s her sister Holly’s boyfriend Cole’s brewery for inspiration.
Lou Moralis was a successful N.Y.C. literary agent. He has come to Highland Hills to lick his wounds after he catches Victoria his fiancée (she originally appeared in the Ashville Brewing series) fucking his important new client who also turns out to be a complete fraud damaging Lou’s hard earned professional reputation. What’s never clear to me is why Lou chose to come to Highland Hills N.C. rather than Ashville two hours away where his BFF Alex is now living with his fiancée Willow Mayberry one of Ivy’s sisters? Lou loved his ordered life doing his dream job. Until his personal and professional life blew up in his face. But even before that with Alex moving to Ashville to be with Willow, Lou began to feel lonely sensing something was missing in his life. Which is how he ended up being engaged to the manipulative Victoria in six short months. When Lou comes home to find his fiancée on all fours being fucked by his prized new client he goes into a funk. Roy his a-hole boss suggests he get out of town for awhile. Lou decides upon the picturesque town of Highland Hills that Alex told him about. Lou needs a place to stay in Highland Hills and Ivy’s father Jay forced into unplanned early retirement by his heart attack needs a roommate to help defray expenses. So Lou moves into a spare bedroom in Jay’s house. Ivy is not happy with hers and her father’s new roommate. Ivy who considers herself a free spirit, considers 34-year-old Lou an old man living in a young man’s body. A stuffed shirt who considers button down shirts and dress slacks casual wear. She also believes he looks down upon the contemporary romance genre she earns her generous living from writing best selling as she calls them “smutty books.” She is constantly throwing digs at him for how stuffy he is. Lou thanks to his strict parents influence is rather uptight. He likes his nice orderly life. He loves his career as a literary agent. Lou is highly intelligent and perceptive. Ivy may avoid looking at herself too deeply for fear of whom she’ll see, but Lou sees right through her “I’m here for the party” false veneer that even her siblings don’t. He quickly surmises that he’s not the only one in Highland Hills laying low, licking their wounds. He can read her like a book quickly understanding how frightened she really is behind her care free façade.
While Ivy first resents Lou the stuffy literary agent, as she gets to know him she gradually comes to see him with affection which becomes desire. Ivy likes to try and fix other people’s problems rather than focus on fixing herself. She takes it upon herself to help Logan (Cole’s younger brother) and badass Brittany (Cole’s head bartender) who obviously having feelings for each other get together. She decides Lou needs to get out there on the dating scene and get his mojo back. She’s determined to help him even though he doesn’t want her help. Part of the reason Lou doesn’t want help getting back out there in the dating world is because he’s already hung up on the snarky and beautiful blonde even if he’s perceptive enough to realize they are all wrong for each other. Lou is ready for a committed relationship leading to marriage and children. Eight years younger Ivy insists she’s not interested in “strings.” Because her natural sense of adventure gives her wanderlust she fears she’s too much like her mother to be relationship material. She deliberately limits her sexual relationships to one-night stands and brief flings. When Ivy realizes she has feelings for Lou she feels safe in pursuing him because eventually he’ll have to return to N.Y.C. so anything they start will have an automatic expiration date. Although Lou knows he wants more and it will tear his heart apart when Ivy finally has had enough of him, he desperately settles for whatever Ivy will give him.
Just as Ivy and Lou are starting whatever it is they are doing, Peony, Ivy’s manipulative mother returns to Highland Hills bringing her own kind of chaos. Ivy is terrified that her father who has always had a soft spot for her mother will be seduced by her again. At a hastily called family dinner Peony reveals some startling news to her children. On the heels of this news Lou’s boss insists he return to N.Y.C. or lose his job. Everything comes to a head. But this is a contemporary romance so of course it all works out in the end. But you’ll just have to read this book to find out how. And don’t skip to the final chapter and epilogue! Good story. The authors manage to include enough of the other Mayberry siblings and their significant others to make it feel like a proper end to a series.
Lou Moralis was a successful N.Y.C. literary agent. He has come to Highland Hills to lick his wounds after he catches Victoria his fiancée (she originally appeared in the Ashville Brewing series) fucking his important new client who also turns out to be a complete fraud damaging Lou’s hard earned professional reputation. What’s never clear to me is why Lou chose to come to Highland Hills N.C. rather than Ashville two hours away where his BFF Alex is now living with his fiancée Willow Mayberry one of Ivy’s sisters? Lou loved his ordered life doing his dream job. Until his personal and professional life blew up in his face. But even before that with Alex moving to Ashville to be with Willow, Lou began to feel lonely sensing something was missing in his life. Which is how he ended up being engaged to the manipulative Victoria in six short months. When Lou comes home to find his fiancée on all fours being fucked by his prized new client he goes into a funk. Roy his a-hole boss suggests he get out of town for awhile. Lou decides upon the picturesque town of Highland Hills that Alex told him about. Lou needs a place to stay in Highland Hills and Ivy’s father Jay forced into unplanned early retirement by his heart attack needs a roommate to help defray expenses. So Lou moves into a spare bedroom in Jay’s house. Ivy is not happy with hers and her father’s new roommate. Ivy who considers herself a free spirit, considers 34-year-old Lou an old man living in a young man’s body. A stuffed shirt who considers button down shirts and dress slacks casual wear. She also believes he looks down upon the contemporary romance genre she earns her generous living from writing best selling as she calls them “smutty books.” She is constantly throwing digs at him for how stuffy he is. Lou thanks to his strict parents influence is rather uptight. He likes his nice orderly life. He loves his career as a literary agent. Lou is highly intelligent and perceptive. Ivy may avoid looking at herself too deeply for fear of whom she’ll see, but Lou sees right through her “I’m here for the party” false veneer that even her siblings don’t. He quickly surmises that he’s not the only one in Highland Hills laying low, licking their wounds. He can read her like a book quickly understanding how frightened she really is behind her care free façade.
While Ivy first resents Lou the stuffy literary agent, as she gets to know him she gradually comes to see him with affection which becomes desire. Ivy likes to try and fix other people’s problems rather than focus on fixing herself. She takes it upon herself to help Logan (Cole’s younger brother) and badass Brittany (Cole’s head bartender) who obviously having feelings for each other get together. She decides Lou needs to get out there on the dating scene and get his mojo back. She’s determined to help him even though he doesn’t want her help. Part of the reason Lou doesn’t want help getting back out there in the dating world is because he’s already hung up on the snarky and beautiful blonde even if he’s perceptive enough to realize they are all wrong for each other. Lou is ready for a committed relationship leading to marriage and children. Eight years younger Ivy insists she’s not interested in “strings.” Because her natural sense of adventure gives her wanderlust she fears she’s too much like her mother to be relationship material. She deliberately limits her sexual relationships to one-night stands and brief flings. When Ivy realizes she has feelings for Lou she feels safe in pursuing him because eventually he’ll have to return to N.Y.C. so anything they start will have an automatic expiration date. Although Lou knows he wants more and it will tear his heart apart when Ivy finally has had enough of him, he desperately settles for whatever Ivy will give him.
Just as Ivy and Lou are starting whatever it is they are doing, Peony, Ivy’s manipulative mother returns to Highland Hills bringing her own kind of chaos. Ivy is terrified that her father who has always had a soft spot for her mother will be seduced by her again. At a hastily called family dinner Peony reveals some startling news to her children. On the heels of this news Lou’s boss insists he return to N.Y.C. or lose his job. Everything comes to a head. But this is a contemporary romance so of course it all works out in the end. But you’ll just have to read this book to find out how. And don’t skip to the final chapter and epilogue! Good story. The authors manage to include enough of the other Mayberry siblings and their significant others to make it feel like a proper end to a series.
February 27, 2023
Matchmaking a Roommate by Angela R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank is the fourth book in the Highland Hills series, here we get to know better Ivy, who is part of the matchmaking family, she is a romance novelist but returns to Highland Hills to help and Accompanying her father while he recovers from a heart attack, it is there that she meets Lou, who is a publisher from New York but is taking time to rest and regroup after a failed engagement, Ivy decides to help Lou and enrolls him in the matchmaking page and they start spending time together, this leads them to get to know each other better and they can't help but feel crazed for each other. Here the story takes us along with the characters to funny moments, somewhat crazy, Ivy's occurrences made me laugh out loud as well as the fights and jokes between them.
I loved this story, all the characters are wonderful and there was never a lack of fresh moments, you can read it individually without a problem but I recommend you read the whole series because each one of the crazy stories is worth it, highly recommended.
*Thanks to Angela R. Casella, Denise Grover Swank, and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Matchmaking a Roommate de Angela R. Casella y Denise Grover Swank es el cuarto libro de la serie Highland Hills, y ahora conocemos mejor a Ivy, quien es parte de la familia de casamenteras, es una novelista de romance pero regresa a Highland Hills para ayudar y acompañar a su padre mientras se recupera de un infarto, es allí donde conoce a Lou, quien es un editor de Nueva York pero esta tomando un tiempo para descansar y reagruparse luego de un compromiso fallido, Ivy decide ayudar a Lou y lo inscribe en la pagina de casamenteras y comienzan a pasar tiempo juntos, esto los lleva a conocerse mejor y no pueden evitar sentirse atraídos el uno por el otro. La historia nos lleva junto a los personajes a momentos graciosos, algo disparatados, las ocurrencias de Ivy me hicieron reír a carcajadas al igual que las peleas y bromas entre ellos.
Me encanto esta historia, todos los personajes son maravillosos y nunca faltaron los momentos frescos, pueden leerla de manera individual sin problema pero les recomiendo lean toda la serie porque vale la pena cada una de las locas historias, súper recomendada.
*Gracias a Angela R. Casella, Denise Grover Swank y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
I loved this story, all the characters are wonderful and there was never a lack of fresh moments, you can read it individually without a problem but I recommend you read the whole series because each one of the crazy stories is worth it, highly recommended.
*Thanks to Angela R. Casella, Denise Grover Swank, and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Matchmaking a Roommate de Angela R. Casella y Denise Grover Swank es el cuarto libro de la serie Highland Hills, y ahora conocemos mejor a Ivy, quien es parte de la familia de casamenteras, es una novelista de romance pero regresa a Highland Hills para ayudar y acompañar a su padre mientras se recupera de un infarto, es allí donde conoce a Lou, quien es un editor de Nueva York pero esta tomando un tiempo para descansar y reagruparse luego de un compromiso fallido, Ivy decide ayudar a Lou y lo inscribe en la pagina de casamenteras y comienzan a pasar tiempo juntos, esto los lleva a conocerse mejor y no pueden evitar sentirse atraídos el uno por el otro. La historia nos lleva junto a los personajes a momentos graciosos, algo disparatados, las ocurrencias de Ivy me hicieron reír a carcajadas al igual que las peleas y bromas entre ellos.
Me encanto esta historia, todos los personajes son maravillosos y nunca faltaron los momentos frescos, pueden leerla de manera individual sin problema pero les recomiendo lean toda la serie porque vale la pena cada una de las locas historias, súper recomendada.
*Gracias a Angela R. Casella, Denise Grover Swank y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
March 3, 2023
🪴 𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸 ℝ𝕠𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖 🪴
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Author : Denise Grover Swank and Angela Casella
Thank you to Valentine PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! And thank you to the authors for writing this book!
Matchmaking a Roommate is a cute, witty book filled with teasing moments and glorious romance. From the characters to the writing, this book is a feel good novel that makes you want to squeal like girls at a sleepover with gossip! It’s one of those books that you just want to talk about!
It’s told in the point of views of main characters Lou and Ivy, both of whom are in a rut in their life. With Lou renting a room in Ivy’s fathers home, they see more of one another than they like to admit and their relationship begins to evolve into something more than just roommates.
This is more character driven than plot driven, which is something I often enjoy (especially when characters are written well). Each and every character is written in a lovely manner and their personalities shine through each page.
There is a lot of family drama going on within this novel, especially in the latter stage of the book. I feel like it pulls away the whole book away from the romance, while I enjoy a bit of drama it did kind of stilt the flow of the relationship. Especially as some of the drama seems far fetched and a little too much for what it is. Although, I did like the caring moments between Lou and Ivy.
Lou is definitely the kind of guy you’d want to look after you!
From the moments between Lou and Ivy, I did enjoy them wholeheartedly. Despite their reluctance to get together, their relationship is something to envy. Their chemistry and their teasing back and forth is written perfectly that I have to applaud the authors for it.
I have to admit, as time went on, I wasn’t a huge fan of Ivy and I felt like her character almost regressed. She clung onto the fact that she was like her mother, when she didn’t want to be, and seemed like she was using that as an excuse not to be in a relationship with Lou. It ruined her character for me in all honesty. It wasn’t a valid excuse and her communication wasn’t exactly on par.
Despite that, I did enjoy the read and I would read this again (maybe after trying the other books in the standalone series) as I loved both Lou and Ivy. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a cheesy romcom filled with flirty banter and family drama!
CW/TW : Mentions of divorce, sexual assault, violence, death of a family member and dysfunctional family
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Author : Denise Grover Swank and Angela Casella
Thank you to Valentine PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! And thank you to the authors for writing this book!
Matchmaking a Roommate is a cute, witty book filled with teasing moments and glorious romance. From the characters to the writing, this book is a feel good novel that makes you want to squeal like girls at a sleepover with gossip! It’s one of those books that you just want to talk about!
It’s told in the point of views of main characters Lou and Ivy, both of whom are in a rut in their life. With Lou renting a room in Ivy’s fathers home, they see more of one another than they like to admit and their relationship begins to evolve into something more than just roommates.
This is more character driven than plot driven, which is something I often enjoy (especially when characters are written well). Each and every character is written in a lovely manner and their personalities shine through each page.
There is a lot of family drama going on within this novel, especially in the latter stage of the book. I feel like it pulls away the whole book away from the romance, while I enjoy a bit of drama it did kind of stilt the flow of the relationship. Especially as some of the drama seems far fetched and a little too much for what it is. Although, I did like the caring moments between Lou and Ivy.
Lou is definitely the kind of guy you’d want to look after you!
From the moments between Lou and Ivy, I did enjoy them wholeheartedly. Despite their reluctance to get together, their relationship is something to envy. Their chemistry and their teasing back and forth is written perfectly that I have to applaud the authors for it.
I have to admit, as time went on, I wasn’t a huge fan of Ivy and I felt like her character almost regressed. She clung onto the fact that she was like her mother, when she didn’t want to be, and seemed like she was using that as an excuse not to be in a relationship with Lou. It ruined her character for me in all honesty. It wasn’t a valid excuse and her communication wasn’t exactly on par.
Despite that, I did enjoy the read and I would read this again (maybe after trying the other books in the standalone series) as I loved both Lou and Ivy. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a cheesy romcom filled with flirty banter and family drama!
CW/TW : Mentions of divorce, sexual assault, violence, death of a family member and dysfunctional family
February 27, 2023
Ivy moves back to her home town of Highland Hills in part to escape a situation with her group of friends but mainly to look after her father after his recent heart attack only to find he has an unexpected lodger in Lou, a New Yorker trying to figure out how to get his life both personal and work back on track. After a hostile beginning, totally Ivy’s fault, It isn’t long before she starts to see Lou as one of her lame ducks and instantly resolves to fix him whether he wants it or not and what better than the love of a good woman. Good job her sisters have created the perfect app to help in her search but bad news in that Lou insists that Ivy completes the questions as well. On paper they should be the perfect match – Ivy a self published author and Lou, a literary agent but for some reason the dating app only gives them a 24% match but then again who said technology is infallible?
Matchmaking a Roommate is a great enemies to lovers romcom. Perhaps not laugh out loud but still amusing in parts. There is a slight age gap between the hero and heroine but its barely enough to mention. Lou is just world weary which makes him seem older than his years. I loved the scenes including her evil grandmother who would make a perfect pantomime “baddie” and have audiences hissing every time she appeared. Ivy’s interactions with her were some of the funniest moments in this book. And running a close second would be those with her mother. There is some angst as well. Ivy is honest to the core but beneath her carefree exterior lurks pain from childhood mistreatment she and her siblings suffered at the hands of their grandmother and the neglect of their mother. She’s grown up fearing that she is exactly like her mother. A plus point with this book was catching up with Ivy’s brother and sisters and seeing how their lives were going.
Matchmaking a Roommate is a great enemies to lovers romcom. Perhaps not laugh out loud but still amusing in parts. There is a slight age gap between the hero and heroine but its barely enough to mention. Lou is just world weary which makes him seem older than his years. I loved the scenes including her evil grandmother who would make a perfect pantomime “baddie” and have audiences hissing every time she appeared. Ivy’s interactions with her were some of the funniest moments in this book. And running a close second would be those with her mother. There is some angst as well. Ivy is honest to the core but beneath her carefree exterior lurks pain from childhood mistreatment she and her siblings suffered at the hands of their grandmother and the neglect of their mother. She’s grown up fearing that she is exactly like her mother. A plus point with this book was catching up with Ivy’s brother and sisters and seeing how their lives were going.
March 1, 2023
MATCHMAKING A ROOMMATE By Denise Grover Swank and Angela Casella.
He’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.
IVY
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
LOU
I came to Highland Hills to hide. It’s not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancée, and his pet fish all in the same week.
😊What i liked -
✔ Roommate To Lovers/Grumpy Sunshine/Opposites Attract/Small Town.
✔ Ivy was super hilarious as a character. She takes on jobs to research her characters and mind you her research is good but her doing the job is hilariously atrocious.
✔ Lou was such an opposite to Ivy but the easiness and the banter and the way Ivy tries to matchmake him to someone else was an interesting read. (loved the names they gave each other).
✔ My favourites other than these two were Bada** Brittany and Mister 91% Lucas. Their own banter and the way they bond with Ivy were some of the best parts of the book.
✔ There is a ton of drama in this with familial bonds, a swoony over the top grand gesture, and a bit of spice.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Oh man, the words that come to mind while reading about Nana and her mom can even put me to shame.
✔ Towards the end I found the story rushing a bit.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
💕💞Roommate To Lovers
🏡Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 4/5
Thank you, Denise Grover Swank, Angela Casella and Valentine PR ,for a copy.
He’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.
IVY
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
LOU
I came to Highland Hills to hide. It’s not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancée, and his pet fish all in the same week.
😊What i liked -
✔ Roommate To Lovers/Grumpy Sunshine/Opposites Attract/Small Town.
✔ Ivy was super hilarious as a character. She takes on jobs to research her characters and mind you her research is good but her doing the job is hilariously atrocious.
✔ Lou was such an opposite to Ivy but the easiness and the banter and the way Ivy tries to matchmake him to someone else was an interesting read. (loved the names they gave each other).
✔ My favourites other than these two were Bada** Brittany and Mister 91% Lucas. Their own banter and the way they bond with Ivy were some of the best parts of the book.
✔ There is a ton of drama in this with familial bonds, a swoony over the top grand gesture, and a bit of spice.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Oh man, the words that come to mind while reading about Nana and her mom can even put me to shame.
✔ Towards the end I found the story rushing a bit.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
💕💞Roommate To Lovers
🏡Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 4/5
Thank you, Denise Grover Swank, Angela Casella and Valentine PR ,for a copy.
March 7, 2023
Both running from something they don’t want to deal with, Ivy and Lou find themselves unexpected roommates. Seemingly opposite in every way except for their love of books, they strike up a friendship that becomes so much more than it was ever intended to. But, with Lou being a rules follower and wanting a relationship and Ivy being a fly by the seat of your pants commitment phobe, can they find a way to make a relationship work?
I really loved this couple and this book! It hit a bunch of fun tropes including opposites attract, age gap (although it’s not that many years, Lou acts older than he is which is part of his charm) and friends to lovers. The Mayberry’s are a quirky crew and Ivy is no exception. She has some major baggage from her childhood she is toting around which has affected the way she views relationships and putting down roots in her small town. Lou also has baggage, showcasing his need to always have a plan and for playing by the rules. He’s been burned professionally and personally and Ivy is a breath of fresh air for him, while Lou grounds Ivy in a way she’s never been grounded before.
Being with a Mayberry, though, is complicated. There is Nana to deal with as well as an unexpected visit from dear old mom, interfering siblings and the ever present need to matchmake. But, Lou and Ivy also share incredible banter, incredible moments of unplanned fun, a stuffed flamingo, some pet fish and a grand gesture that highlights just how much this couple means to one another. Matchmaking a Roommate was a fun and sexy romantic comedy that will leave you wondering how these two ever thought they were not destined to be together. 5 stars!
I really loved this couple and this book! It hit a bunch of fun tropes including opposites attract, age gap (although it’s not that many years, Lou acts older than he is which is part of his charm) and friends to lovers. The Mayberry’s are a quirky crew and Ivy is no exception. She has some major baggage from her childhood she is toting around which has affected the way she views relationships and putting down roots in her small town. Lou also has baggage, showcasing his need to always have a plan and for playing by the rules. He’s been burned professionally and personally and Ivy is a breath of fresh air for him, while Lou grounds Ivy in a way she’s never been grounded before.
Being with a Mayberry, though, is complicated. There is Nana to deal with as well as an unexpected visit from dear old mom, interfering siblings and the ever present need to matchmake. But, Lou and Ivy also share incredible banter, incredible moments of unplanned fun, a stuffed flamingo, some pet fish and a grand gesture that highlights just how much this couple means to one another. Matchmaking a Roommate was a fun and sexy romantic comedy that will leave you wondering how these two ever thought they were not destined to be together. 5 stars!
April 2, 2023
I absolutely LOVE Ivy & Lou! Ivy is a riot!! I like that Ivy was able to get Lou to loosen up, but also that she realized she was into the "old man" parts of him. There were moment where Ivy reminded me of Holly with her fears/ the way she was acting. The family ambush/ heart to heart was so good. I laughed my butt off with some of the moment between Ivy, Lou & her dad Jay. The father daughter relationship is so strange & wonderful & supportive!!
I feel like there wasn't as much of the side characters (all the siblings & Tina) which was a teeny disappointment. That may have just been me missing Harry and also the fact of the newer side characters. I liked getting to see more of Brittany & Logan. Also, the 3 Fates just seemed awesome.
Nana Maeberry was a wench. I'll say it. Part of me was hoping the she had a moment of clarity or niceness or whatever when she wrote the letters that were to be passed out after her passing. Ivy's letter was so much harsher than I expected, but they all knew it would be that way. What a terrible woman. Side note: it serves her right she ended up poisoning herself instead of the man she'd been trying to drug. The woman never learned. Peony was just as terrible as all the books made her out to be. Thank goodness there was no Nana/Peony team up.
All in all I loved this story....Okay I loved the entire series!
I feel like there wasn't as much of the side characters (all the siblings & Tina) which was a teeny disappointment. That may have just been me missing Harry and also the fact of the newer side characters. I liked getting to see more of Brittany & Logan. Also, the 3 Fates just seemed awesome.
Nana Maeberry was a wench. I'll say it. Part of me was hoping the she had a moment of clarity or niceness or whatever when she wrote the letters that were to be passed out after her passing. Ivy's letter was so much harsher than I expected, but they all knew it would be that way. What a terrible woman. Side note: it serves her right she ended up poisoning herself instead of the man she'd been trying to drug. The woman never learned. Peony was just as terrible as all the books made her out to be. Thank goodness there was no Nana/Peony team up.
All in all I loved this story....Okay I loved the entire series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
"I’ve always enjoyed love stories— the way they sweep you away into a world of possibilities, where people are capable of such acts of beauty and depravity-but it’s different now. It’s like I understand it on a deeper level than before, feel it on a deeper level."
Ivy is an indy author that loves to live by the seat of her pants. She's always up for an adventure and she feels a deep desire to be the protector of her family's feelings. Lou is a literary agent from New York, but currently on hiatus in Highland Hills. He's very much a rule follower or "stuffed shirt" as Ivy likes to refer to him.
Ivy and Lou are one quirky couple, but their quirks completely compliment each other. While they think they don't have a whole lot in common, they end up having more than they think. They bring out the best in each other, and maybe sometimes the worst, but isn't that true of every couple?
I enjoyed this book overall, but I wouldn't say it was my favorite in the series. For me, there was a bit of a disconnect that I couldn't place my finger on. Regardless it was great to be back in Highland Hills visiting with some familiar faces. There was laughter, shocking moments, and some great sexy times. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Ivy is an indy author that loves to live by the seat of her pants. She's always up for an adventure and she feels a deep desire to be the protector of her family's feelings. Lou is a literary agent from New York, but currently on hiatus in Highland Hills. He's very much a rule follower or "stuffed shirt" as Ivy likes to refer to him.
Ivy and Lou are one quirky couple, but their quirks completely compliment each other. While they think they don't have a whole lot in common, they end up having more than they think. They bring out the best in each other, and maybe sometimes the worst, but isn't that true of every couple?
I enjoyed this book overall, but I wouldn't say it was my favorite in the series. For me, there was a bit of a disconnect that I couldn't place my finger on. Regardless it was great to be back in Highland Hills visiting with some familiar faces. There was laughter, shocking moments, and some great sexy times. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 27, 2023
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book and Ivy and Lou. This is a standalone story within the series. Both characters are new, though we do see characters from previous books as they are siblings of Ivy.
In this book we meet Lou who is best friends with Alex who is married to Willow and Willow is Ivy's sister. Ivy is living in Highland Hills with her father who is recovering from a heart attack and Lou is also staying with them.
Lou is a book publisher/agent from NYC, and he has a scandal in his past related to his fiancée and his job. Ivy is a romance author who has a horrible mother and some friends who betrayed her. She is working at the town bar, and she befriends Lou.
This was a hysterical funny story. I cracked up in so many different places. I loved how Lou and Ivy first become friends and I loved watching their double date.
This was a slow burn romance between beauty (Ivy) and her beast (Lou) and I loved when they got together and how much they support each other on their way to romance.
I really enjoyed this book and Ivy and Lou. This is a standalone story within the series. Both characters are new, though we do see characters from previous books as they are siblings of Ivy.
In this book we meet Lou who is best friends with Alex who is married to Willow and Willow is Ivy's sister. Ivy is living in Highland Hills with her father who is recovering from a heart attack and Lou is also staying with them.
Lou is a book publisher/agent from NYC, and he has a scandal in his past related to his fiancée and his job. Ivy is a romance author who has a horrible mother and some friends who betrayed her. She is working at the town bar, and she befriends Lou.
This was a hysterical funny story. I cracked up in so many different places. I loved how Lou and Ivy first become friends and I loved watching their double date.
This was a slow burn romance between beauty (Ivy) and her beast (Lou) and I loved when they got together and how much they support each other on their way to romance.
March 3, 2023
4.5*s
I’ll be honest, I expected Ivy to get on my nerves. There’s something about “party girls who have commitment issues” that usually comes off more as flighty and annoying, but Ivy was actually fun. She had a sense of adventure and a penchant for poking her nose in where it doesn’t belong (mostly to have an excuse to not look at her own troubles). She’s a good foil for Lou’s more serious demeanor and tendency to be a little too responsible. As their relationship develops and turns into something more, they blend together well. Ivy’s issues because of her childhood and the way she was treated by her mother were definitely going to prove to be a stumbling block but it’s done in a way that left me very satisfied.
With quirky humor, steamy (and sometimes surprising) sexy time, and a very Ivy & Lou HEA, Matchmaking a Roommate finishes the Highland Hills on a high note … with just enough of a hint to tease us about what comes next.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I’ll be honest, I expected Ivy to get on my nerves. There’s something about “party girls who have commitment issues” that usually comes off more as flighty and annoying, but Ivy was actually fun. She had a sense of adventure and a penchant for poking her nose in where it doesn’t belong (mostly to have an excuse to not look at her own troubles). She’s a good foil for Lou’s more serious demeanor and tendency to be a little too responsible. As their relationship develops and turns into something more, they blend together well. Ivy’s issues because of her childhood and the way she was treated by her mother were definitely going to prove to be a stumbling block but it’s done in a way that left me very satisfied.
With quirky humor, steamy (and sometimes surprising) sexy time, and a very Ivy & Lou HEA, Matchmaking a Roommate finishes the Highland Hills on a high note … with just enough of a hint to tease us about what comes next.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
March 4, 2023
4 and 1/2 Stars
The Highland Hills series has been highly entertaining for me to read, and I've continuously been excited to read the next installment in the series. I've loved the characters, hated the antagonists, I'm looking at you grandma Mayberry and I've loved world that has been created. While reading Ivy's book I continued to adore this series and world that Angela R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank have created in Highland Hills.
I thought Ivy was an interesting female lead because of her growth through out the book. When the book started Ivy was happy enough with her life, her dad is ok and thriving after his heart attack and recent divorce, she enjoys a good time and doesn't want anything serious. But through out the book we see Ivy slowly start to want more from life, in particular Lou, even though being serious with him scares her to death.
One of my favorite parts of the book is how certain plot points that have carried through out the entire series, no spoilers, were wrapped up nice a neatly. Ivy and her siblings were able to confront their pasts, and move forward with their lives how they want to.
The Highland Hills series has been highly entertaining for me to read, and I've continuously been excited to read the next installment in the series. I've loved the characters, hated the antagonists, I'm looking at you grandma Mayberry and I've loved world that has been created. While reading Ivy's book I continued to adore this series and world that Angela R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank have created in Highland Hills.
I thought Ivy was an interesting female lead because of her growth through out the book. When the book started Ivy was happy enough with her life, her dad is ok and thriving after his heart attack and recent divorce, she enjoys a good time and doesn't want anything serious. But through out the book we see Ivy slowly start to want more from life, in particular Lou, even though being serious with him scares her to death.
One of my favorite parts of the book is how certain plot points that have carried through out the entire series, no spoilers, were wrapped up nice a neatly. Ivy and her siblings were able to confront their pasts, and move forward with their lives how they want to.
February 28, 2023
Wow! This writing duo has it down pat. Their incredible stories are full of romance, humor and I especially love the fantastic dialogue. It really feels like you end up knowing these characters as real people and it makes it so easy to accept every awkward situation they find themselves in (enter Ivy's father).
Ivy is a romance author who has returned home to take care of her father. Somehow they end up with a button up shirt type of guy for a roommate. Lou is a good guy who's had a rough time lately. Ivy is determined to help him loosen up a little. Nothing untoward, mind you, because after all he's way to old for her. Lou is determined to keep things with Ivy on the up and up and to quit reacting to her--if only his body would catch on to that news!
I really loved the banter between Lou and Ivy (and the fish). Matchmaking a Roommate was a very fun read. It's kind of a romance with more depth than some others. Loved it!
Thanks to Valentine Promo for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Ivy is a romance author who has returned home to take care of her father. Somehow they end up with a button up shirt type of guy for a roommate. Lou is a good guy who's had a rough time lately. Ivy is determined to help him loosen up a little. Nothing untoward, mind you, because after all he's way to old for her. Lou is determined to keep things with Ivy on the up and up and to quit reacting to her--if only his body would catch on to that news!
I really loved the banter between Lou and Ivy (and the fish). Matchmaking a Roommate was a very fun read. It's kind of a romance with more depth than some others. Loved it!
Thanks to Valentine Promo for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 4, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Highland Hills series and the last of the Mayberry siblings. I loved that Ivy and Lou started out not really liking each other (in another book), but then found some common ground and became besties. They both had come to Highland Hills to get space from some personal issues that neither of them wanted to talk about, but they end of sharing with each other. After Ivy secretly signs Lou up for her sisters' matchmaking app, he makes her do an account as well when he finds out and she decides they should go on a double date. They also check out their scores and find they're a 24% match. Luckily, they don't let that hold them back from getting closer.
As always, I enjoyed this collaboration between Angela and Denise! Their characters are always so full of life and some are just weird. I hope we get to see the Three Fates again. Although all the Mayberrys are matched up, I'm hoping they still make appearances in future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always, I enjoyed this collaboration between Angela and Denise! Their characters are always so full of life and some are just weird. I hope we get to see the Three Fates again. Although all the Mayberrys are matched up, I'm hoping they still make appearances in future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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