ARC Review: You Have a Match

Author: Emma Lord

Genre: YA Contemporary

Release Date: 01.12.21

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Source: E-ARC via Netgalley

My Rating: 5/5 stars

SYNOPSIS: “When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents—especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby’s growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.”

Where do I even start with this book? You might as well grab your snacks now, because you’re in for a long review. I loved this book so so much. After reading Emma Lord’s debut novel, Tweet Cute, I’ve been eagerly waiting for her next novel… and this didn’t disappoint. You Have a Match was everything I wanted and more. It had secret sisters, cinnamon, pb&j cinnamon rolls (not related to the previous cinnamon), friends-to-lovers romance, and summer camp. Lord returns with her sophomore novel in an incredible way; It’s full of heart, feelings, and humor that will keep you reading.

First of all, I adored the plot. The secret sister storyline was written perfectly and I fell in love with Savvy and Abby instantly. Their relationship development, and individual developments, were so fun to watch! I was beyond attached to them, they made my heart warm.

They also weren’t the only characters that made me all warm and fuzzy. Leo. Connie. The side characters. Lord has a talent for writing a world that feels complete in the all the details, characters included. All of the characters felt authentic, developed, and real. Abby’s friendship with Leo and Connie was everything, and that angsty friends-to-lovers was SO GOOD. It’s been a minute since I’ve read this trope and now I need more now.

In classic Lord fashion, the food in this book was drool worthy. I have an intense need for Leo’s cooking, and obviously pb&j cinnamon rolls. I need to spend a day recreating all of these iconic dishes (from both books) so that I can live my YA protagonist dreams while consuming lots of sugar.

P.S. Speaking of my YA protagonist dreams, I would love to go to this summer camp. The setting was atmospheric and genuinely made me wish I had some summer camp life experience!

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Emma Lord has easily cemented herself as a favorite author of mine, and I’m already beyond excited for her future books. So freaking excited!

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!