Strike a Match by Fiona Riley: Audiobook Review

Strike a Match by Fiona Riley is the third book in her Perfect Match series. Like the other two books, this one can be read on its own but the other books are so cute you’ll probably want to read them anyway.

Sasha McCray hasn’t had much luck with love, even after a year of working with matchmaker extraordinaire, Samantha Monteiro of Perfect Match. It’s also not like she has time to do much looking for a girlfriend on her own, what with working as a firefighter full time, picking up as many shifts as she can waitressing with a catering company, and helping her mom take care of her dad.

As part of the wealthy Davenport family, Abby Rossmore might have millions to her name, but she’s tired of only being wanted for her money. That’s why she ditched the surname and tells every new woman she dates that she’s an accountant at a charity. Sure, it may be true, but they don’t need to know that the charity is her family’s charitable foundation. Abby’s been striking out with Samantha and her services too, and is ready to throw in the towel on her search for the love of her life.

Sasha and Abby have met before, but they finally truly notice each other when Sasha is working at Samantha and Lucinda’s wedding reception. A dance and a kiss stick in both of their minds, and when Abby bids on Sasha at a charity auction that Samantha’s arranged, things really start to heat up. Has Miss Match finally gotten it right for both of them this time or will it all go up in flames?

The Characters

I’ve been a fan of all of Fiona Riley’s leading ladies so far, but Abby and Sasha are my favourite! They’re both smart, funny, and sexy. Abby is kind and the literal opposite of a spoiled rich girl, just wanting to do what’s right and help people as much as possible. Sasha has a giant heart, working two jobs to help her parents with her dad’s medical bills and taking the little time she has left outside of work to actually help with his care when she’s able. Their chemistry crackles from the beginning and is satisfying all the way to the end of the book.

Between Abby and Sasha’s families, as well as Sasha’s coworkers, there are a bunch of side characters who do a great job of rounding out the story and helping us have a better sense of who Abby and Sasha are as people. We also get to see more of Samantha and Lucinda from Miss Match, and a little bit of Shelly and Claire from Unlikely Match.

The Writing Style

Everything about the writing worked for me. The book is just as smart, funny, and sexy as its two leads. The plotting works well, the pacing is perfect, the conflict believable, and the resolution even better. It also has an epilogue that’s entirely satisfying left me with the happiest of sighs.

The Narration

Melissa Sternenberg knocked the narration out of the park. Her voice is a perfect match for Fiona Riley’s words (see what I did there?). I’m not sure she differentiated Abby and Sasha as much as she could have, but that didn’t bother me because I didn’t find it difficult to follow. She’s definitely a narrator I’m going to keep an eye out for in the future.

The Pros

Everything?

The Cons

Not a one!

The Conclusion

Strike a Match is Fiona Riley’s best book yet. Whether you’re a fan of the other books in the series or you’ve never ready anything by her before, I recommend checking this one out. It’s the perfect remedy to a bad day and a great way to relax on a weekend!

Excerpt from Strike a Match by Fiona Riley

“Sasha. Hi. What are you doing here?” Abby found herself standing awkwardly by the table as her mother took her seat.

“Abby. Hey. I’m so glad you’re here.” Sasha was wearing that deep red lipstick again; her eyes were drawn to it. The lights flashed around her a second time in warning.

“Sure. I mean, no. Wait. What are you doing here? Are you working the event?” As soon as she said that she regretted it—Sasha was not wearing a catering uniform. Quite the contrary, actually. She was wearing a firefighting jacket that was open, exposing a black push-up bra with suspenders holding up the uniform trousers that hung loosely over her boots. How had she neglected to notice Sasha didn’t have a shirt on? And why was she dressed like a firefighter?

Sasha must have caught her staring because she dipped her head to make eye contact before replying. “I’m on the auction block.”

An announcement went out for all participants to head backstage and Sasha turned to leave. She paused and looked back at Abby. “Don’t leave tonight before I have a chance to get your number—I think we have some unfinished business to attend to.”

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