The Mogul Meets Her Match

This book is a fun and heartfelt romance. Claire, a high-powered executive, goes undercover to convince Abby, a café owner, to sell her beloved shop, but things get complicated when sparks fly between them. The chemistry is undeniable, and their growing connection feels genuine, making you root for them despite the secrets in play. The tension builds as Claire wrestles with her loyalty to her career versus her feelings for Abby. It's a charming read with a satisfying mix of romance, drama, and a touch of sweetness.

Silvia Manolache via NetGalley

...Abby has works years as waitress to now owning Sunshine and Sweets Café she enjoys serving her community and protecting her values. Claire worked her way into becoming a CEO who has never let anything distract her from her goals...When she learns that Abby the owner of cafe refuses to sell she goes undercover to get a read on the woman what she didn’t count is an attraction to Abby...This was enjoyable read both characters have chemistry I like the growth Claire goes through.

ER❤️3650 H. via NetGalley

...Abby is living the dream...she is finally doing what she loves best and that's feeding the people that come into her cafe.... that someone wants to buy it really doesn't interest her at all.... she has spent years working hard to get to this point and nothing and nobody is getting in her way... so though she gets offers to buy her out she refuses.

Claire is very successful and nothing and nobody stands in her way...that the owner of a cafe refuses all the offers of selling is a little disturbing but Claire is at the top of her game and doesn't really see any obstacles...but there is a time limit...

A fun read when you realise how much Claire has to fight her own rules to find peace it was an interesting fight and learning curve for her...

Sue Plant via NetGalley

Julia Underwood’s The Mogul Meets Her Match is an enchanting tale that beautifully navigates the realms of ambition, love, and personal discovery, all set against the backdrop of a small-town café and a high-stakes corporate world. The story centers around Abby, a passionate café owner who has dedicated years to cultivating her dream of providing warmth and nourishment to her community, and Claire, a successful CEO on a mission to absorb Abby’s beloved establishment into her corporate empire.

From the outset, Underwood skillfully contrasts Abby's warmth with Claire's corporate rigidity. Abby’s refusal to sell her café, despite numerous lucrative offers, is not just a matter of business; it represents years of hard work, passion, and a deep-rooted sense of identity. Claire, determined to secure a pivotal piece for her IT Consolidation project, initially appears as the embodiment of ambition. However, her character is layered, revealing her own vulnerabilities and the inner conflict that arises when she meets Abby.

The chemistry between the two women is electric, fueling the narrative as Claire goes undercover to understand the woman behind the café. This decision sets off a chain of events that not only challenges Claire’s professional goals but also her rules—rules that have served her well in her career but begin to crumble in the face of genuine connection. Underwood captures this internal battle with finesse, highlighting the emotional stakes that rise as Claire grapples with her feelings for Abby while trying to adhere to her hard-earned business principles.

Underwood's writing shines with sharp dialogue and profound emotional depth. The pacing is well-judged, allowing readers to savor the moments of tension and tenderness between Abby and Claire. The impasse created by Claire’s deception adds layers to the story, keeping readers on edge as they wonder how the two women will reconcile their vastly different worlds. Underwood's talent for crafting relatable characters and realistic situations makes the emotional resolution both fair and satisfying.

As this was my first experience with Julia Underwood's work, I found myself thoroughly impressed by her character development and storytelling ability. The layers of ambition, honesty, and the complicated dance of love versus duty are portrayed with authenticity and heart. It's particularly refreshing to see two strong women navigating their own paths, each with their own dreams and obstacles, encouraging readers to root for their eventual union.

Ultimately, The Mogul Meets Her Match is a delightful and thought-provoking read. It explores the risks of falling in love while being anchored in one's values, making it a compelling narrative of personal growth and transformation. Underwood’s ability to blend humor with deeper themes leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the most challenging rules to break are the ones we impose on ourselves. I look forward to delving into more of Underwood's work, eager to see how she continues to explore the intricate balances of life, love, and ambition.

Aj Sneed via NetGalley

...It was a good story with nice characters, well written and executed...This novel had some wonderful character interactions...I will be looking for more novels by this author, because it was good, so I think that is a solid endorsement.

Highlights:
-The protagonists were cute! Very simply, I liked them, separate and together.
-There was a lot of character growth to be had! Claire goes on quite the journey. It was incredibly obvious and occasionally agonizing, but overall enjoyable and satisfying!
-Good writing. I felt like it flowed well, and I was engaged with the story the entire time. There were some good narrative devices used such as the rules, which I think were quite effective.
-There were a lot of parts that were fun, plain and simple. A lot of little bits I liked. I realize this is extremely vague, but it’s the simple truth!
-There was a secondary mystery in this novel which I liked, outside the main plot. It added a little something extra which was enjoyable, even if it was resolved quickly and off screen which was a disappointment. Regardless, I liked that there were a few extra elements thrown in on top of the main conflict which made the novel more interesting and feeling fuller.
-I loved the older ladies. Side character win.
-Loved the tarantula! ...

Chris Hope via NetGalley