Strike a Match

Starred review from October 16, 2017
Riley (Unlikely Match) balances romance, wit, and story complexity in this contemporary charmer. Strong, independent Boston firefighter Sasha McCray is moonlighting as a catering waitress when she meets accountant Abby Rossmore at a mutual friend’s wedding. Abby is immediately attracted to Sasha but scared off by her playgirl reputation. Sasha’s just friendly, and it irritates her that others think she’s a womanizer. Meanwhile, Abby’s keeping a big secret from blue-collar Sasha: the Rossmore family is extremely wealthy. Money is on Sasha’s mind a lot, given her father’s declining health and the accompanying pile of medical debt, and the surprising way she learns about Abby’s background might spoil their romance permanently. Appealing supporting characters—including Abby’s free-spirited mother, Edie, and her matchmaking friend Samantha—make this an emotional home run, particularly when Sasha gives Abby a thorough lesson in her favorite hobby, glassblowing. Readers of all stripes will enjoy this lyrically phrased, deftly plotted work about opposites attracting.