Flirting For Amateurs

Undercover Matchmakers #2

by Maria Geraci

Who needs Tinder when the Undercover Matchmakers are on your side?

Kate Giles-Armitage is on a mission to regain the life she lost when her rich husband left her for a sexy Instagram Influencer. Strapped for cash, she goes to Old Explorers’ Bay, Florida to sell the house she inherited from her grandmother. But the house, as well as the town, has fallen on hard times, and a quick sale looks about as promising as her checkbook.

Ethan Parrish is a cop, a single dad, and a firm believer that love is for chumps. He’s got nothing against harmless flirtation, though. Especially if it involves the feisty and adorably cute Kate. As their relationship starts to steam up, he puts his cards on the table and warns her there’s never going to be another Mrs. Ethan Parrish. And that’s okay with Kate because she’s not conducting interviews for the next Mr. Kate Giles-Armitage either, thank you very much.

But a trio of nosy matchmakers have their own plans to bring a happily-ever-after to all the town’s singles. Will a couple of amateurs like Kate and Ethan succumb to their machinations, or will the Undercover Matchmakers have to chalk one up on the loser board?

Genres: Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2021

About the author

Maria Geraci writes feel-good small-town contemporary romance. She’s a two-time RITA® Finalist and a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards and Romantic Times’ American Title Contest. Her stories feature strong women, dreamy heroes, lots of laughs, and a little bit of heat. Born in Cuba, she was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. She and her husband of thirty-plus years (along with their four dogs) are thrilled to call central Florida home again. She loves hearing from readers. You can write to her at maria@mariageraci.com

Maria also writes cozy mysteries as her alter ego Maggie March.

For book releases, exclusive data, occasional muffin recipes and corny jokes, sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://mariageraci.com/newsletter/

Current Release: Flirting For Amateurs, a small-town romantic comedy

Coming Next: The Dating Deal, January 2022

Reviews

[Maureen Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Maria Geraci. Romance at its best. Great characters and a fun story. Second book in The Undercover Matchmakers series continues with Ethan and Kate meeting over a flat tire and the threat of pepper spray. Maria's Witt and humor don't disappoint in this story. Loved it

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Maria Geraci's humor which bubbles over into her writing. This is the second book in the Undercover Matchmakers series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Old Explorers' Bay is a small Floridian town whose population is dropping and three seniors who have been friends since forever have decided that they need to do something to save their town, like find matches for the singles that haven't left yet, before they do.

Ethan Parrish and Kate Giles-Armitage meet on a dark lonely road, where Kate has a flat and Ethan drives up to help. But after her husband of ten years left her for a young Instagram"influencer", she doesn't trust him. She refused alimony because she did not want the world to know that her father had spent her trust fund and has come to town to sell her other inheritance: her grandmother's old house. Ethan, the town's chief of police, is not going to leave her stranded on the road. He is also divorced with 2 daughters and his wife also left him for a major league athlete- who was once his teammate. Also no trust there. But there is a lot of chemistry between the two. Will the ladies be able to make their magic a second time?

Appealing characters and lots of playful banter make this a fun summer read. I received an ARC as part of the author's review crew. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What another fun story in this Undercover Matchmakers series. I am so enjoying these stories about a small beach town in Florida where young people are leaving in droves. The older women in this small town decide they need ways to keep young people staying, so they become “undercover matchmakers”. This time, they set their sites on Ethan, the chief of police, a divorced father of two girls, and Kate, a divorced woman who inherited her grandmothers house in Old Explorers Bay and moves there to sell the house so that she has money to move back to home. They meet as Kate is moving to this small town and although there is chemistry neither wants a relationship. Thus ensues a wonderful story about “best laid plans”. The story kept me engrossed and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this romance and can’t wait for the next one. Bravo!

[Simone Michals]

A perfect summer read! Flirting For Amateurs by Maria Geraci’s is an exciting read that saddened me when I finished reading. The characters come alive and are reintroduced from her other books. I love a love story that ends happy! The main characters, Kate and Ethan, are adorable and could be your best friends. Their challenging issues between family, children, location and money make for a series of everyday issues that can happen to anyone of us. Enjoy you won’t be sorry!

[Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect medium heat romance

No cliched tropes (well, ok, a cop ), a nice little mystery, fun older ladies, no dopey women, a good amount of heat and a fought for HEA. Very good writing, likeable characters...= A pretty perfect romance!
Sign me up for the whole series. Reggie is next. Then Zoe? Maybe even one of the older moms!

[Rikki Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the story was great, I couldn't put it down... finished it in one sitting. I look forward to the next book.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a not-so-innocent story about two people, both of whom have had the rug pulled out from under their feet. She's from a wealthy background, with a trust fund. She had also been married to a very wealthy man. The ex-husband is marrying a celebrity. She found out that her trust fund was gone, through none of her own wrong doing. And Kate refused alimony. So now she's starting again from scratch at age 33.

Ethan was married with two kids. Now he has the two girls but his wife is with someone else. He was knocked off-kilter and has not recovered. He has sworn not to remarry.

She's come to claim her inheritance of a home in a small town. It's also been in a holding pattern for 20 years and she understood that it was being cared for. Another surprise.

People in the town have decided that they belong together. Although there is a strong sexual attraction, neither is looking for a long term relationship. A trio of matchmakers have decided that they want to change this.

Ethan is kind and trustworthy, but he has trust issues and he's skittish. But he's sooo attracted to Kate...

I enjoyed this book tremendously. Kate and Ethan do have sex, but there are no explicit details. The book can be read by almost anyone.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hadn't been on my radar, but I won a copy on Goodreads. Wow. I have to say it was a really great read (and I'm a critical reviewer). The writing and editing were excellent. The characters were interesting and extremely well drawn. My first impression of Kate in the first chapter wasn't great, but by her 3rd day in town I was rooting for her HEA. This book is never boring, between the romance (including a little heat that I wouldn't label as X-rated), interesting family members, town economics, Ethan's pre-teen daughters, the ex-spouses, a small mystery about a crime, and so much more. Each of the plot lines surrounding Kate and Ethan's romance, managed to feel genuine and un-rushed. I loved this book. I even plan on re-reading it, which is rare. I'm ordering all of the other books in the series, and can't wait to read them too. I recommend this book 100%.

[Jenny T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet small town romance set in Old Explorers Bay, FL. The story pairs Kate Giles-Armitage and Ethan Parrish who are both divorced and enjoying a flirtation without a long term relationship, although other town people have a different idea for this pair. Cute story which juggles many characters and their secrets. The snappy dialogue keeps the reader interested in the events of this town.
(I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.)

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

FLIRTING FOR AMATEURS is the second book in the UNDERCOVER MATCHMAKERS series and it was a quick read that held my interest from the first page to the last. This is Kate's story and how she needs to reinvent herself now that her ten year society marriage has failed and she doesn't have much money in the bank. She arrives in Old Explorers' Bay, Florida from West Palm Beach after a mishap along the way. She's there to sell her grandmother's house which she inherited when she was only thirteen and apparently the upkeep has been just about nonexistent. She makes the most of it though so she can sell it and get a nest egg from it. Little does she know that she will get sucked in by the people and the town and feel like she belongs.

Ethan is a divorced, single dad that she meets on the road when she has her mishap and doesn't expect to ever see him again. When he turns up to help his dad mow her lawn, she finds out that he's also the police chief of the small town. They have chemistry but since he's anti marriage, do they have any hope of getting to know each other better? I liked his relationship with his two daughters and his family. I like how Kate is all in to help where she's needed since the town is trying to grow its tourism and its population. She makes friends, helps with a new street festival and also gives advice to his oldest daughter and her mother which Ethan isn't happy to learn about.

There are twists and turns to the story with multiple storylines. I loved the community spirit but didn't like the repeated vandalism. There are vivid descriptions of the town, the beach and the businesses. There is a nice happily ever after due to the epilogue along with some closure. But since there are other singles in town I'm hoping they'll get their own stories and have the undercover matchmakers help them each find true love.

Ms. Geraci is a go to author for me of both contemporary romances and cozy mysteries. I enjoy her writing style and how well I get to know the small towns and the characters. Give her books a try if you haven't already!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t just like Flirting For Amateurs, I LOVED it. For one thing the second book in the Undercover Matchmakers series by Maria Geraci has some wonderful characters, even the meddling matchmakers. I like how they were not above changing their plan up if needed to make a better match. In fact, I’m thinking our small town could use such a group. Wonder how I could start it!

This romantic comedy/drama has two main characters, Kate and Ethan that has been hurt by those who had promised to “love til death doth part.” Easy to see why there is a wariness to give their whole hearts to someone. However, this is more than just a small town romance. It is a story of a town in need of revitalization, property vandalism, teenage bullying, family issues, and starting over in life after dreams are shattered. That a lot to cover while doing so in a serious but upbeat manner. Written in a way that made it a compelling read (even without Paco, that wonderful dog in her mystery series).

Maria Geraci is a master storyteller right up there with Debbie Macomber and Brenda Novak. Her characters are memorable. In this case Jordan stood out to me with her teenage struggles. For some reason I find her unforgettable, even more than her father, Ethan, or Kate.

This may be the second in the second but stands well on its own. I highly recommend it to all who love a great contemporary story. This is a book that I couldn’t wait to finish but also wanted to slow down and savor it too. The great thing is that there are still several other thirty-something adults for the Undercover Matchmakers to turn their attention to next.

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I do not know this author except as the writer of stories I enjoy reading.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If like me, you haven’t read book one in this new series, rest assured that this one is a stand alone.
Kate Giles-Armitage is recently divorced after 10 years of marriage to a man more interested in appearances. He not only hooked up with a 22 year old, social media celebrity, she chose to take no alimony and because of her deceased father’s actions, is also broke.
But grandma left her a house in the small town of Old Explorers so all she has to do is get there, check out the property, and sell it. One the way over she meets a man that would eventually change her life. The one and only Ethan Parrish.
From the first page to the last, the author captures the reader’s attention. Amongst the laughter, you will also be touched not only by the main characters, but also by Ethan’s girls, the “matchmakers”. and the town in general.
This story was truly a sweet romance that you will absolutely love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorably delightful romp through bookland! This book is perfect for the beach or for just curling up in a comfy chair in the ac.

The characters are warm and welcoming. The scenery is charming and I love that there's kind of a mini mystery with in to.

I tell you, I would take any of these families. They're caring and gentle and enveloping in such a loving way.

Kate is a great character. Very relatable. Anyone can understand what it's like to be misplaced in your life. You get used to one kind of life then things change. Divorces and things like that happen.

Ethan is a fantastic character to. He's kind, protective, thoughtful, and yes, absolutely human. Mistakes and missteps are made but somehow that endears him more to you.

I absolutely love the town. I wish I could move there. Everyone sounds genuine and so helpful.

I absolutely enjoyed every second of this book. Just a wonderful romance. I highly highly recommend.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read! Welcome to Old Explorer's Bay, where the mom's are ready to get their children married off and have them settle down here. Enter Katie Giles-Armitage, who inherited her grandmothers house. Little did she know, that the house was not kept up. It was going to be a money pit, which she didn't have. Ethan Parrish is the Chief of Police. He is also a single dad of two girls. From the moment they meet, he is intrigued. Kate is warry, as she is trying to fix a flat tire. It is a battle of wills and misunderstandings. The kiss they shared, was Earth shattering. Now Kate is in a should I stay or should I go? Ethan is still in his nothing serious mode. Can he change? It seems that the girls and their mom, have something to say.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won the kindle edition in a Goodreads giveaway last week. (Also availability on KU) I did not realize is was book two of the Undercover Matchmakers series by Maria Geraci.
However I thoroughly enjoyed this story anyway. Can definitely stand alone though. That being said I definitely want to see what the Undercover Matchmakers come up with next.

I had never heard of Maria but after reading this I will be picking up her other books. The world she created was so full of life I want to pack up and move to Old Explorers Bay myself! Also, when will we get Oliver’s story because I know that one will be gooood.

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story! I loved Kate. Kate is a person we should all try to emulate. She takes on all the bad things that happen and just keeps on going and looks for the positives. I loved this story and am already looking forward to more stories to come set in this town. The characters are so much fun! The story is fun, sweet and left me feeling happy! I've liked all of the stories by Maria Geraci, but I have loved this new series! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Maria Geraci book. I loved it! The story takes place in a small town where, of course, everyone knows everyone else's business. Kate is a recently divorced woman who returns to the town to sell her grandmother's house. The women in the town instantly try to fix her up with some of the eligible bachelors. How she begins to fit in to the town as well as her new life makes for a great story. This is the second story in the series, and I can't wait to read the first. Loved this town!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Kate and Ethan are just so adorable, from the first time they meet. This story unfolds at a really fun pace, as you learn all about the small town Ethan lives in, and his family, and eventually how the "matchmakers" and Kate's family fit in there. Took me a while to remember and place the returning characters from book 1, but I got there. This is a small town full of great characters, it's a wonderful romance with a very happy ever after. Highly recommend. Book one in the series was great too.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Known for her flashy sense of humor and her heartwarming stories, Geraci continues to tickle the funny bone while flawlessly taking over the heart. Flirting for Amateurs is an ironic twist on a sweet romance. Kate and Ethan have been burned by love's inferno and left trying to survive the scars. Geraci refuses to sugarcoat the heartache even as she lifts up the soul. There are two sides to love and Geraci finds a way to expose them both. Delightful. Entertaining. Fun.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Undercover Matchmaker series. Small town life at its best. Kate is heading into Old Explorers’ Bay to sell property left to her by her grandmother. Love all the snags she runs into before and after she arrives in town. Ethan is a single, divorced father who stops to help a stranded motorists on a back road. The chemistry between Kate and Ethan is evident from the beginning. Great series

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Two divorced people with issues eventually find their way to a happily ever after. What fun it is to join them in their adventure. Family and friends add to the bumps along the way. Some laughs, some tears. I am eager to see whose lives the undercover matchmakers interfere with next. Lots of potential in this small town in Florida. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review.

[Lisa Brouillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story. The “matchmakers” is made up of such a fun group of friends. They love their town, their friends and especially their families! As for the recipients of the matchmaking, Ethan and Kate are awesome together and figure all of it out with help from Ethan’s daughters, his ex-wife and the matchmakers. Maria Geraci knows how to combine love, learning, and living into a very entertaining story!!

[Deb Fernow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series and can be read as a stand alone. Although the wily matchmakers do carry over from the previous story! It’s the perfect summer rom-com with two reluctant adults who swear that love is not for them. Only no one told the towns people! Delightful story with a HEA and so much more! Can’t wait for the next one!

I received an advanced copy from the author. My review is my own.

[Gerda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romance. The meet cute was funny, as were here first encounters in her house. There were several subplots, all of them were solved in the end. After some miscommunication they got their HEA. Nice main characters, interesting family members, pre-teen daughters, small town dynamics, ex-wife and ex-husband, small crimes, all in all a very entertaining book. I am loooking forward to book 3.

[Maria]

[Kathy O'brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romance from Maria Geraci. This is the second in the Undercover Matchmakers series which takes place in Old Explorers' Bay and tells the story of Kate and Ethan., who are both divorced. It's a small town romance, with lots of laughs. The writing is excellent, and I can't wait for the future books in the series.

I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet small town romance!! The matchmakers are at it again only their original plan was not meant to be. Kate and Ethan were the perfect match and getting to know them was loads of fun and Ethan’s girls Jordan & Emma were the icing on the cake. This story was engaging, entertaining, heartwarming and fun. Loved it!!

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 "Undercover Bachelor" was good but I really enjoyed Book 2 "Flirting For Amateurs." The chemistry between Ethan Parrish and Kate Giles-Armitage is pretty much out there. Both of them are straightforward with each other that they are not looking for anything serious. The busy bodies of the town have other plans though.

[Berny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!! This is the second book in The Undercover Matchmakers series. Ethan and Kate have the best meet cute ever!! The story is funny and super entertaining. I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book! I loved it. The characters are great and so is the town. And all of the scheming makes it even more fun. :) This is a wonderful series and I look forward to reading more. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.