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Resort to Romance
A Messed-Up Match
Get ready for ten weeks of romance in the Bahamas with a new series brought to you by some of the best authors in the inspirational and sweet romance genres…
Ten delightful - and standalone - novellas linked by one matchmaking week. You’ll want to devour each one!
A Messed-Up Match
A Kindergarten teacher with fears to overcome.
An infamous blogger and magazine writer with a cynical view.
And one romantic week that will bring second chances.
Neeley Valentine has spent nearly all of her savings to participate in a matchmaking week on Joy Island in the Bahamas. But she’s not looking for a love connection so much as someone who will force her out of her comfort zone.
Pax Cannon is known to the online world as the Love Curmudgeon, and he’s ready to prove in one of his biggest articles yet that matchmaking weeks are a joke and men should run as fast they can from them.
When one of the resort’s rules is broken, bringing these two together, neither are prepared for the unexpected twists and turns that will school them on the subject of love.
RESORT TO ROMANCE SERIES
It’s Matchmaking Week at an all-inclusive resort on a private island in the Bahamas. Each guest has been expertly paired and is here to enjoy one full week with their match. While there’s no money-back guarantee on the paid trip, the participants are guaranteed to find love!
A Meddled Match by Jill Kemerer
A Messed-Up Match by Jessica R. Patch
Met Her Match by Susan L. Tuttle
Moonlight Match by Kristina Knight
Unexpected Match by Constance Phillips
Match Me If You Can by Krista Phillips
Mismatched Melody by Jodie Bailey
A Match for Mr. Write by Jennifer Shirk
Rematched by Julie Jarnagin
Match You Like Crazy by Johnnie Alexander
Ten delightful - and standalone - novellas linked by one matchmaking week. You’ll want to devour each one!
A Messed-Up Match
A Kindergarten teacher with fears to overcome.
An infamous blogger and magazine writer with a cynical view.
And one romantic week that will bring second chances.
Neeley Valentine has spent nearly all of her savings to participate in a matchmaking week on Joy Island in the Bahamas. But she’s not looking for a love connection so much as someone who will force her out of her comfort zone.
Pax Cannon is known to the online world as the Love Curmudgeon, and he’s ready to prove in one of his biggest articles yet that matchmaking weeks are a joke and men should run as fast they can from them.
When one of the resort’s rules is broken, bringing these two together, neither are prepared for the unexpected twists and turns that will school them on the subject of love.
RESORT TO ROMANCE SERIES
It’s Matchmaking Week at an all-inclusive resort on a private island in the Bahamas. Each guest has been expertly paired and is here to enjoy one full week with their match. While there’s no money-back guarantee on the paid trip, the participants are guaranteed to find love!
A Meddled Match by Jill Kemerer
A Messed-Up Match by Jessica R. Patch
Met Her Match by Susan L. Tuttle
Moonlight Match by Kristina Knight
Unexpected Match by Constance Phillips
Match Me If You Can by Krista Phillips
Mismatched Melody by Jodie Bailey
A Match for Mr. Write by Jennifer Shirk
Rematched by Julie Jarnagin
Match You Like Crazy by Johnnie Alexander
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2019
19 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
117 books1,107 followersJessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 7, 2019
I simply adore Jessica Patch! When a book starts with this sentence, you know it's going to be good: 'These were the kinds of days Neeley Valentine was thankful for being a granny panty kind of girl.' I fell into laughter right here.
Patch can switch genres so easily from suspense to rom com, it's amazing. And she is so good at it! Neeley Valentine is a kindergarten teacher who is desperate to overcome her fears and mend her broken heart. Pax Cannon authors a wildly popular column for men, ragging on women and how there is no perfect match. But Pax is so cynical because he, too, has suffered a broken heart.
Both Neeley and Pax go on a match up weekend run by folks who swear they can find a person's perfect match. Neeley goes honestly. Pax goes to prove a point: women can't be trusted. Well, boy, do things backfire in their faces.
This little novella is so sweet, so good and I just loved it. I read everything Jessica Patch writes and sometimes more than once! I recommend this.
*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Patch can switch genres so easily from suspense to rom com, it's amazing. And she is so good at it! Neeley Valentine is a kindergarten teacher who is desperate to overcome her fears and mend her broken heart. Pax Cannon authors a wildly popular column for men, ragging on women and how there is no perfect match. But Pax is so cynical because he, too, has suffered a broken heart.
Both Neeley and Pax go on a match up weekend run by folks who swear they can find a person's perfect match. Neeley goes honestly. Pax goes to prove a point: women can't be trusted. Well, boy, do things backfire in their faces.
This little novella is so sweet, so good and I just loved it. I read everything Jessica Patch writes and sometimes more than once! I recommend this.
*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
March 1, 2019
A cute, funny story with an interesting premise. Neeley and Pax were an interesting pair and kept me chuckling with their banter and antics. Especially loved the shark and pig debacles! So funny.
Content: frequent "sanitized" swearing that really got on my nerves as well as some crudities like cr* and some underwear humor that I disliked.
Another cute couple...looking forward to the next in the series on Wednesday!
Content: frequent "sanitized" swearing that really got on my nerves as well as some crudities like cr* and some underwear humor that I disliked.
Another cute couple...looking forward to the next in the series on Wednesday!
March 6, 2019
I loved this sweet romance! Neeley is a wonderful character and stepping out of her comfort zone with her was such fun. And watching Pax grow from a curmudgeon to someone decent was inspiring. At times it was laugh-out-loud funny and other times it really made me think. Jessica Patch has a winner with A Messed-up Match!
This is part of a series and can’t wait to read the rest of the stories.
This is part of a series and can’t wait to read the rest of the stories.
December 27, 2022
A Messed-Up Match was a quick, easy-to-read novella with a fun setting and a good dose of humor. But quite frankly, Pax's intentions and actions towards Neeley, in the beginning, are really messed-up and icky. It's also why I failed to fully connect with this novella. His actions are fueled by his prejudice and past hurts, but as the story progresses he grows and comes to realizations about love and himself. Still, I was indifferent to him throughout the entire book and didn't really connect to the romance and the HEA because of his actions. Neeley was funny, sweet, and easy to like - although she gave me a couple cases of secondhand embarrassment. Her willingness to be brave, try new things, and break out of her comfort zone was inspiring and a great theme for the novella. All in all, this book was an okay read - it just wasn't my favorite.
January 6, 2019
I loved this book!
It was a refreshingly fun story and I read it all in one day.
From the very beginning to the end, I was sweetly captured by all the relational mishaps which happened between Neeley and Pax.
All he wanted was a story to write and all she wanted was to face her fears. What they got, in the end, was so much more!
What fun it would be to go on an adventure like this, to meet new people, eat new foods, see new sights, and try new daring stunts.
Jessica Patch does a wonderful job of painting the warmest and inviting, Bahama getaway. I’d love to go there someday. But it wasn’t just the environment, it was also how she wove in this story the need we all have, to put our trust and security in God.
Oh, my goodness, the bravery Neeley learned, and the love Pax finally found. This truly was a sweet story!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
It was a refreshingly fun story and I read it all in one day.
From the very beginning to the end, I was sweetly captured by all the relational mishaps which happened between Neeley and Pax.
All he wanted was a story to write and all she wanted was to face her fears. What they got, in the end, was so much more!
What fun it would be to go on an adventure like this, to meet new people, eat new foods, see new sights, and try new daring stunts.
Jessica Patch does a wonderful job of painting the warmest and inviting, Bahama getaway. I’d love to go there someday. But it wasn’t just the environment, it was also how she wove in this story the need we all have, to put our trust and security in God.
Oh, my goodness, the bravery Neeley learned, and the love Pax finally found. This truly was a sweet story!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
January 21, 2019
4.5 Stars
From the first pages of A Messed-Up Match, readers will be chuckling, because Neeley is hilarious! And Pax’s initial reactions to this strange woman who overshares only enhances that.
As the story progresses, Neeley becomes more loveable while Pax takes a little while to warm up to (mainly because of what he is doing but there is a good person behind the shield he’s put up).
Jessica R. Patch’s descriptions of the resort amenities and activities made me want a beach vacation (although probably not a match-making one). But, the truth is, the popularity of this type of getaway proves that despite loss or being burned by love, human nature longs for meaningful relationship.
A quick and fun read, A Messed-Up Match also carries the message that doing what scares us opens doors to things we never dreamed of. The other novellas in this series are now on my TBR list as I can’t wait to read what the other authors have in store for their couples.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
From the first pages of A Messed-Up Match, readers will be chuckling, because Neeley is hilarious! And Pax’s initial reactions to this strange woman who overshares only enhances that.
As the story progresses, Neeley becomes more loveable while Pax takes a little while to warm up to (mainly because of what he is doing but there is a good person behind the shield he’s put up).
Jessica R. Patch’s descriptions of the resort amenities and activities made me want a beach vacation (although probably not a match-making one). But, the truth is, the popularity of this type of getaway proves that despite loss or being burned by love, human nature longs for meaningful relationship.
A quick and fun read, A Messed-Up Match also carries the message that doing what scares us opens doors to things we never dreamed of. The other novellas in this series are now on my TBR list as I can’t wait to read what the other authors have in store for their couples.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 10, 2019
Laughing out loud while reading a rom com is like my favorite thing in the world. This novella made me happy. I mean smiling from ear to ear happy. I laughed and fell in love with the hero and made a new best friend with the heroine. She was precious and if she were real we would be besties for life. I stayed up until 1 am in the morning reading this fun story. If you want a fun story that could be read in on sitting (dont start late like I did) then you will be happy you downloaded this baby book. It is precious and it will put you in a happy mood.
*I was given a copy of this story by this author. This is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this story by this author. This is my honest opinion.
March 7, 2019
A Messed-Up Match by Jessica R Patch is such a fun and romantic read. From the story line to the characters, Jessica does an amazing job of bringing the story to life. While this book is part of the Resort to Romance series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone story.
If you enjoy contemporary romances that are lighthearted and fun then A Messed-Up Match is the book for you!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher, but was under no obligation to leave a review.
If you enjoy contemporary romances that are lighthearted and fun then A Messed-Up Match is the book for you!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher, but was under no obligation to leave a review.
March 16, 2019
Loved Neeley and Pax's romance and how they both grew by the end of the book. Pax became a man of integrity willing to let the past go and Neeley became a more confident woman and more reliant on God and His plan for her. Sweet, funny, and heartwarming.
February 23, 2019
Alert: Do not read this novella in a gym or any other place where you want to be discreet! Jessica Patch had me laughing from the very first pages of this fun novella, a perfect addition to the Resort to Romance series.
Who could imagine that any problems could occur when a heroine with the last name of Valentine is paired with a guy who is known online as the Love Curmudgeon? This novella is full of humor and romance. It’s amazing what Jessica Patch was able to do in just 111 pages!!
Who could imagine that any problems could occur when a heroine with the last name of Valentine is paired with a guy who is known online as the Love Curmudgeon? This novella is full of humor and romance. It’s amazing what Jessica Patch was able to do in just 111 pages!!
March 17, 2025
3.75 stars
Completed: Mar. 16/25
Series: Resort to Romance Collection, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "set in an exotic location" -- DURING OPTION -- set in Bahamas
Book #31 of 2025: This is a small novella. It's fun and cute. The opening line is hilarious. (See my Highlights.). I didn't get into the story until they arrived in Bahamas.
I liked Neeley, the female main character. She had been hurt and yet wanted to try something new and do things alone. It was ironic that she met an older woman who she admired for doing that very thing yet she couldn't see it for herself at that point. She had a big growth arc.
I admittedly wanted to bonk Pax over the head with a surfboard for how underhanded he was being. But he also went through a big growth arc so I accepted him in the end.
The setting of Bahamas was really nice and that fulfilled a reading challenge prompt for me to read something with an exotic location.
Sometimes love can catch us unaware and under odd circumstances. The ending was very satisfactory.
Completed: Mar. 16/25
Series: Resort to Romance Collection, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "set in an exotic location" -- DURING OPTION -- set in Bahamas
Book #31 of 2025: This is a small novella. It's fun and cute. The opening line is hilarious. (See my Highlights.). I didn't get into the story until they arrived in Bahamas.
I liked Neeley, the female main character. She had been hurt and yet wanted to try something new and do things alone. It was ironic that she met an older woman who she admired for doing that very thing yet she couldn't see it for herself at that point. She had a big growth arc.
I admittedly wanted to bonk Pax over the head with a surfboard for how underhanded he was being. But he also went through a big growth arc so I accepted him in the end.
The setting of Bahamas was really nice and that fulfilled a reading challenge prompt for me to read something with an exotic location.
Sometimes love can catch us unaware and under odd circumstances. The ending was very satisfactory.
January 12, 2019
A Messed-Up-Match ( Resort To Romance )
By: Jessica R. Patch
A Messed-Up-Match is book two in Resort to Romance in the Bahamas a new series. Ten different authors and ten different novellas comes one per week. These novellas are all linked to one matchmaking week. I was hooked at the start and did not want to put it down. The story is well written and the characters realistic. Neeley a Kindergarten teacher that has a lot of fears to overcome. Pax is know as the Love Curmudgeon. Women and men are matched together for a fun week in the Bahamas. I laughed at Neeley being a granny panty kind of girl. She is so much fun. On top of fears she has a broken heart. Pax has also suffered in love. Are these two a perfect match ? Pax holding out a secret. This was a really fun read and I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Jessica R. Patch
A Messed-Up-Match is book two in Resort to Romance in the Bahamas a new series. Ten different authors and ten different novellas comes one per week. These novellas are all linked to one matchmaking week. I was hooked at the start and did not want to put it down. The story is well written and the characters realistic. Neeley a Kindergarten teacher that has a lot of fears to overcome. Pax is know as the Love Curmudgeon. Women and men are matched together for a fun week in the Bahamas. I laughed at Neeley being a granny panty kind of girl. She is so much fun. On top of fears she has a broken heart. Pax has also suffered in love. Are these two a perfect match ? Pax holding out a secret. This was a really fun read and I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2019
This book was such an amazing and sweet read. This book deals with facing fears, forgiveness and find hope when you feel hope is loss. I loved this fun love story. There characters where fun to read about, From Pax and Neeley, to Neeley's sister Tenley and all the other people on the island you really felt like you were catching up with friends. I has back and forth with weather I liked Pax, some times I really just wanted to bop him on the head and the other times I really could not wait to get to know more about it. The author did an amazing job and keep you drawn into this love story as well as keep you guessing on what was going to happen next. I also really enjoyed that this story is a good clean read and suitable for most ages. If you are looking for a quick fun read this book did not disappoint at all. Can't wait to read more from this series.
February 27, 2019
This is turning out to be a first class series. The premise of people paying to go to an island in the Bahamas and being matched with the potential love of their life is unique.
This story is brilliant and I loved the characters of Pax and Neeley. She’s coming out of her comfort zone and trying a whole lot of new things, including travelling on her own. He’s a cynic who’s there to expose desperate women looking for love. From the first moment they meet - right after Neeley has taken a sedative for flying - to the very satisfying ending the sparks are definitely flying.
Many funny moments, as well as moving confessions from both characters about their past hurts. And several laugh out loud moments, most memorably during the swimming pigs scene.
Loved it all!
This story is brilliant and I loved the characters of Pax and Neeley. She’s coming out of her comfort zone and trying a whole lot of new things, including travelling on her own. He’s a cynic who’s there to expose desperate women looking for love. From the first moment they meet - right after Neeley has taken a sedative for flying - to the very satisfying ending the sparks are definitely flying.
Many funny moments, as well as moving confessions from both characters about their past hurts. And several laugh out loud moments, most memorably during the swimming pigs scene.
Loved it all!
January 6, 2019
LOVED this book!! 😍
Can the "Love Curmudgeon" and the " hot mess " work things out on a matchmaking trip of a lifetime? Hmmm...... I won't tell!
This story is so funny and yet had such a depth to it about facing your fears and living life. Being a true chicken myself I completely related to Valentine (out wonderful heroine) and the chemistry between she and LC is great. I read this great story in one day it was so good!
If you're a fan of beaches, laughter, caring adventures and a wonderful plot, read this book! Heck, even if you're not, read this book! You will love this delightful story!
Can the "Love Curmudgeon" and the " hot mess " work things out on a matchmaking trip of a lifetime? Hmmm...... I won't tell!
This story is so funny and yet had such a depth to it about facing your fears and living life. Being a true chicken myself I completely related to Valentine (out wonderful heroine) and the chemistry between she and LC is great. I read this great story in one day it was so good!
If you're a fan of beaches, laughter, caring adventures and a wonderful plot, read this book! Heck, even if you're not, read this book! You will love this delightful story!
January 8, 2019
What a cute story! From the unexpected series of events to the possibility of true love, I was captured from the first page. The main characters are on different paths in life, only to be thrown together in an unusual way. Taking risks and be open to love can make a big difference in life. Holding on to past hurts can prevent happiness from being found. I found myself laughing out loud at times and holding back tears at other times. I enjoyed this story very much. I received a complimentary copy of the story. This is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
January 11, 2019
A Messed-Up Match is a well-written, clean, and humorous romance. For example, after Neeley had taken a mild sedative before flying: She leaned across the aisle. “You’re why women don’t wear granny panties,” she whispered. “But I happen to like the comfort of the added material.” Yeah, how do you live that down? Neeley and Pax were great together and helped each other tackle their fears. I enjoyed reading the story. I plan to read whatever Jessica Patch writes as I've loved every book she's put out. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
January 21, 2019
I love this story! Watching Pax get deeper and deeper into this matchmaking mess he created with Neeley made me wonder how he would ever get out of it! I love both of these characters and how they play off of each other. This story is entertaining, funny, and heartwarming. Great job, Jessica Patch! A definite MUST READ!!!
February 25, 2019
This is a hilarious look into the adventures of dating and finding true love. A series of misadventures leads to a comical week on an island. I laughed so hard reading about the characters. Their overcoming fears and finding what neither really expected to find. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 22, 2019
So great
I can’t even. This was likely one of the best books I’ve ever read. Hands down. Read it. Anything more that’s said would be a spoiler and fail to do the book justice. It spoke of faith, love, forgiveness, and sharing the truth in love with a perfect dose of humor. Five stars!
I can’t even. This was likely one of the best books I’ve ever read. Hands down. Read it. Anything more that’s said would be a spoiler and fail to do the book justice. It spoke of faith, love, forgiveness, and sharing the truth in love with a perfect dose of humor. Five stars!
September 25, 2020
Be bold
The main character's in this story were pushed to face their fears. Neeley, her fear of flying, water, and sharks, and Pax, his fear of pigs and relationships. He is this famous blogger known for his cynical view of relationships. It was a really good story. I'd be coo if the author did a story about Neeley's sister...
The main character's in this story were pushed to face their fears. Neeley, her fear of flying, water, and sharks, and Pax, his fear of pigs and relationships. He is this famous blogger known for his cynical view of relationships. It was a really good story. I'd be coo if the author did a story about Neeley's sister...
February 5, 2019
This was a quick, but fun-filled read. Neeley reminds me so much of myself that I couldn't help but love her. I admire her strength to over come her fears, and Pax wasn't so bad either! I am looking forward to more of this series.
March 1, 2019
A jilted kindergarten teacher, a cynical blogger...mismatched on Joy Island. Cringeworthy moments and romance abounds in this resort to romance story. I love the scenery, activities and the characters make me want to jump a plane to paradise. A message of hope, faith and love. Loving this series!
March 6, 2019
Neely is full of fear but it takes a lot of strength to face them head-on and overcome them. I am glad she was able to breakthrough the cynical Pax and find love. He has a lot of pain to face and allow God to heal. Jessica writes a fun and yet tender novella. It was unexpected.
August 26, 2024
cute, fluffy rom com with a good message
This is my first rom com from this author. I’ve read and love several of her thrillers and romantic suspense. A Messed-Up Match had her great writing style and kept her interested fr whole way through.
This is my first rom com from this author. I’ve read and love several of her thrillers and romantic suspense. A Messed-Up Match had her great writing style and kept her interested fr whole way through.
October 12, 2024
I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I really related to Neeley and her fears, anxieties and panic attacks. And was inspired by how she deliberately stepped out of her comfort zone over and over again. I will be looking for the rest of the series.
January 16, 2019
How will Jessica get Pax out of the mess he's making? In her ever-unpredictable ways! Take another ride with this author on this romantic and comedic adventure.
February 26, 2019
Sweet and funny novella.
March 1, 2019
So much FUN! I loved it!
March 5, 2019
Loved this book. Love how Neely had to face her fears and how Pax helped her do this. And I love how I laughed while reading this book. Perfect, quick read with a very happily-ever-after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews