Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker – a Review

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Description:
Travel writer Allie Sparks has one goal: to find the story that will save her career. So here she is, visiting her bestie on picturesque Crescent Island—with sun-warmed beaches, the briny smell of the ocean, and rumors of a secret astrologer-matchmaker who guarantees love. Of course, Allie doesn’t believe in any of that stuff. If anything, she’ll prove it’s a total scam.

Ryan Parker believes in love—just not right now. He’s focused on expanding his family’s barbeque business, finding investors, and keeping his too-big Great Dane puppy from jumping on everyone, including his sister’s pretty, whiskey-eyed best friend. Besides, falling for a tourist is definitely not in his astrological forecast.

Allie is doing everything she can to resist the charm of the town and its beauty, not to mention her attraction to Ryan. But there’s a lot more happening on Crescent Island than anyone knows…and when her story goes to print, this tiny, close-knit town might never be the same.

Review:

Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker is the first book in her Crescent Island series. We meet our heroine, Allie Sparks, a travel writer for a blog; her reputation for negativity, causes her boss to warn her to write a lighthearted fun uplifting story that will save her career.  Allie’s constant negativity in writing her blogs, had a lot to do with her parents, who were always cold and unfeeling.  Allie decides to visit her BFF from college, Sofia, who lives in Crescent Island, with beaches, sun, ocean and possibly love.  Will Allie allow herself to open herself to friendship and love?

Allie is welcomed by Sofia, and the entire Parker family, who run a popular BBQ restaurant.  Ryan Parker and his cute Great Dane puppy, are all over Allie, when the puppy jumped all over her.  Great way to meet.  With Sofia limited due to an ankle injury, she pushes her brother, Ryan to take Allie around the island to show her the wonderful town.   Ryan is focused on expanding the family’s barbeque business, with help from investors to offer all their wonderful bbq sauces.  

In between worrying about a possible investor, he begins to spend a lot of time with Allie, as they slowly begin to have feelings for each other.  However, Ryan has his hands full, as Allie is still determined to go back to Miami to work on her blog. I really liked Allie and Ryan together, as well as so many great secondary characters, such as Sofia, and all the Parker family.  Allie started to enjoy her time on Crescent Island, loving everything about the Island, including the friendships and warmth from all the permanent residents. She also tried to discover who was the real matchmaker on the Island. 

Her Unexpected Match was a charming insightful story, that was well written by Lacey Baker.  It was nice to watch Allie slowly open herself to fun, happiness and love, having spent  most of her life thinking of only bad things.  Allie and Ryan were a perfect match, and I loved her close friendship with Sofia; not to mention the entire Parker family were awesome; including the adorable puppy, Optimus.  I loved everything about Crescent Island, with the wonderful friendly residents, the wonderful restaurants, the ocean, and the whole happy environment on the island. I suggest you read Her Unexpected Match.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher