ARC Review of We Are The Match by Mary E. Roach
* * * * *
A dark mafia romance just steaming with secrets and lies and revenge, backed upon a legendary greek myth.

Paris wants revenge.
Helen wants to escape.
Neither of what they want is simple to obtain.
Paris's desire for revenge to take down the crime empire could lead her to a horrible and brutal end, ignoring the pleas of those around her to change coarse...but she is confident in her plan. She plans to use Helen - her target and tool, the cold princess engaged to a powerful man and daughter to an even more powerful one.
Only, things go a little haywire for the both of them.
Soon an intense and electrifying connection snaps between them, and they may be what each other needs in this world.

An interesting spin on the greek myth but also the genre. It's not easy to come across a well written dark steamy FF read, as most are short or just plain erotica. Thankfully, we are taken on an actual thrilling journey with these two, where side characters also gained my adoration and attention. We dive into the rabbit hole of crazy family drama, a world filled with controlling men and total psychos we can't wait to have killed off.
Things are explosive in this read.

Greek mythology + toxic sapphics + mafia romance? Immediately sold.
While I quickly realized how little I remembered of Helen of Troy, that did not deter me from enjoying this modern retelling. The world-building wasn't as solid as I'd hoped but the characters and chemistry kept me engrossed. We Are the Match was jam-packed with morally grey, contradictory characters, Helen and Paris most of all. The pair's relationship was frustrating at times but fiery, with a truly explosive ending. Would recommend for dark romance fans.

DNF at 30%.
An interesting premise and a romantic arc full of potential, but the writing didn't do it for me. I was also quite confused with the setting, I feel like I needed more details to understand this world.
However, I've truly enjoyed the main couple's chemistry so far. Great dynamic.
Thank you for this ARC.

This is a great retelling of the Helen of Troy. The dual poverty between Paris and Helen give us just enough to try and piece together what's going on behind the scenes. All the while the feeling brewing between the two MC's has you hoping for the best outcomes. This is an amazing dark sapphic romance that gets messy and intense. Highly recommend.

I found this book gripping from start to finish. Mary E. Roach’s story telling is exquisite and I can’t fault her. I love the main characters and how descriptive the writing for them are. If you like crime lord / mafia type stories you are going to love this book, especially when you find love in the most unexpected of places.

I’d say do you remember Helen of Troy, but to be honest with you I had to google it. Of course I would do that after reading this book. I picked up this ARC because I love Greek mythology. The addition of making and sapphic and mafia based was a bonus. I enjoyed that both FMC’s were strong independent women that didn’t need to rely on others to get things done. The action and not being able to completely guess what move was next had me on the edge of my seat. I wish there was a bit more to the relationship between Helen and Paris. It felt like there could’ve been more than just the trauma bonding. The repetition of some phrases felt unnecessary and would take me out of the story for a bit. Overall, a gripping tale of love and loss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.

This book is absolutely perfect for fans of Greek myth retellings. I loved Mary E. Roach’s unique, modern twist on the story of ‘Helen of Troy’. Despite the contemporary setting and modern technology references, the story's ambiguity regarding its precise time period, coupled with Paris’ perception of the 'Families' as gods, creates a mythological atmosphere. Roach seamlessly blends contemporary and classical elements, adapting a traditionally heterosexual narrative into a sapphic romance within a Greek mafia setting.

I can normally gauge from the first meeting of a pairing whether or not I’ll enjoy their story, and Helen and Paris’ initial meeting had me captivated. The immediate connection between the two, despite Paris’ hostility towards Helen, creates a tension that has you on the edge of your seat. This tension is maintained throughout the book, leading to a scintillating chemistry as the two characters become increasingly fascinated, and infatuated, by one another.

The story is told through the dual perspectives of the pairing. It is impossible to not immediately fall in love with Paris, who is driven by vengeance and a rebellious spirit. Her sharp tongue and unapologetic nature immediately won me over. Helen, on the other hand, is initially shrouded in mystery, although it is difficult not to sympathise with her, given the loneliness that permeates her initial chapters. Despite having all the power she could want, she finds herself wanting to escape her world and run from everything she knows. The complexity and depth of both characters, and their morally grey depiction, is a testament to Roach’s skill. I am a huge lover of messy sapphic characters, and this book certainly delivers on that front!

However, what truly stood out for me was the book’s pacing. As a newcomer to the mafia genre, I was immediately drawn in by the thrilling, unrelenting action of the novel’s first few chapters. I ended up reading this in one sitting! Each time I thought to myself, go on, I’ll take a break now, or, I might be able to (finally!) get some sleep, something wild happened and I found myself utterly unable to put this book down. I won’t say anymore otherwise I’ll leave spoilers but We are the Match is an absolute must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling sapphic romance, with a unique Greek mythological twist!

I loved the plot of the book and the writing style was also very simple while also packing a punch. Everyone should definitely this book out.

This book brings the myth of Helen of Troy into a modern setting, with a unique twist of mafia elements and retail drama. Even though I wasn't completely familiar with all the details of the original myth, the story pulled me in quickly with its intriguing characters and sharp plot.

Helen's character is reimagined in a contemporary world filled with power plays and danger. The blend of business rivalry and mafia intrigue creates a tension-filled narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The way the story incorporates timeless themes of beauty, desire, and betrayal while keeping the modern setting relevant and exciting is impressive.

With suspense, romance, and unexpected twists, this book is a thrilling ride from beginning to end.

I’ll be honest—this isn’t the kind of book I usually go for. The whole Greek mythology reimagining, mixed with criminal underworld vibes, felt a bit outside my comfort zone. And I did struggle a little to get into it at first. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, and I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it.
But I’m glad I did.
Somewhere along the way, the story hooked me. Helen and Paris pulled me in with their layered tension, and the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic actually worked—which is saying something because I can be a tough sell. The atmosphere was rich, the writing had bite, and once I got past the initial setup, I found myself fully immersed.

DNFed. Don’t get me wrong, I did not hate the book, I actually did like the concept behind it but I felt that maybe I was not the target audience of this. It felt a little too “teenage angst” in the writing style for me and too “oh, woe is me” for my taste. Loved the concept thought!

I’ll never recover from this book!!! The characters came alive on the page, and the writing kept me glued to the story. The trauma, the chaotic romance, the loud villains and quiet heroes… all of it, perfection.

My only “complaint” is that it could’ve been two books. I wanted every possible detail and for the story to never end.

A fresh, intense, riveting take on Helen of Troy!

We Are the Match is a heartfelt, emotional journey that explores the impact of chance and choice on relationships. The characters are beautifully drawn, and the plot weaves through themes of fate, identity, and connection with depth and warmth. A touching story that will resonate deeply with readers.

This sapphic reimagining of Helen of Troy is a thrilling mix of romance, revenge, and mob warfare. Paris, a fixer with a vendetta, and Helen, a crime lord’s daughter seeking freedom, find themselves drawn to each other in a dangerous game not only risking their lives but their hearts as well.

I won't lie, I had a rocky start with this book, but by a quarter of the way through, I was completely enthralled. (I read it in a day). The plot was intriguing, though at some points, I felt there was too little explanation—some details seemed missing. The strong, complex female leads and their journey of self-growth kept me invested, as did their relationship. One of my favorite aspects was the side character, whose bond with Helen warmed my heart. Dark, passionate, and intense, this is a must-read for lovers of sapphic dark romance and mob stories.

Thank you Netgalley, Montlake Publishing and Mary E. Roach for this ARC copy.

I had a rocky start with the book but after all it was an interesting story i enjoyed reading. On the beginning, I did struggle because the writing style was a little bit different from the other books i read and i needed some time to really get into the book. After i settling in, it was ok. I think i only struggled because English is not my first language, so maybe native speakers won't even notice. I also noticed some mistakes in grammar (but maybe i'm wrong). Another thing i didn't liked was one of our FL, who i just found a little bit annoying at the beginning but later on she turned out fine.

I really liked the mafia and Greek mythology theme in this book and that both FMC were strong/badass women. Since i don't wanna spoil anything by accident, i will leave it at that. But i want to point out that it was a great story and everyone who loves (sapphic) mafia romance should give it a try.

Overall i would give the book a 3.5/5. The story was interesting but my struggle at the beginning made it a little bit hard to get into.

Actual rating: 3.75 stars

Every retelling ever should be sapphic. Sapphic stories are so much more interesting because the rules feel a little bit more open ended and it’s such a lacking side of the romance stories that are being put out. Mary E. Roach’s second novel We Are The Match follows a retelling of Helen of Troy, a concept I am not familiar with in any way. If this is an accurate retelling I cannot say, but it is an entertaining one. Quick and easy, intriguing and complex, We Are The Match is many things and has many things that will bring you into its world.

There are a few issues I had with the world itself. It’s a modern retelling, so I did expect modern elements in it. I wasn’t expecting it to take so much from the original world of Helen of Troy, and ultimately the blend of these two completely different worlds didn’t work out how Roach would have liked it to. If it had leaned toward one side and stayed there, then maybe my rating would have bumped up to a mid-4 something, but I could not get behind the world at all. It must have been intention because of the amount of time I noticed it happen, but there is a repetition to so many phrases that almost takes you out of the novel. I am guilty of this in my own writing too, but many words or phrases were repeated throughout that it almost felt there wasn’t a point to what was supposed to be highlighted with the repetition. With such a short novel, I would have liked to see those words go toward world building instead.

My enjoyment of We Are The Match comes more from the relationship between Paris and Helen rather than the writing or story itself. It is so refreshing to see a romance novel of this topic that focuses on sapphic women rather than men or a straight couple, lesbians rarely get a dark gay tale like this for them. I’m also a huge lover of toxic yuri, to which Paris and Helen serve greatly on that front. They are destined to hate each other, they have to, but against all odds they don’t, and that is exactly what I love from lesbian relationships in media. Women need to be unhinged and unhealthy but still perfect for each other. For me. If anything should be taken away from We Are The Match, it’s that lesbians rule the world and everything should be sapphic. I rest my case.

Two women in love and in danger. A Helen of Troy retelling with a mafia twist.

Revenge, fury, love, betrayal, sadness- This story had it all. Paris wanted to take back what was stolen from her. Helen wanted to escape the violent world that she was raised in. Two women, one set for revenge, the other for freedom. But it still all came down to love.

This story had me reeled all the way in. The relationship between Paris and Helen started off as pawns in their own game. I truly did enjoy the mafia aspect of this story, along with two badass FMCs. There was one side character that I truly adored and I hope that everyone else feels that way when they read this book. He is just the most caring person in this book, and honestly he left his mark on me.

*Thank you Netgalley, Mary E. Roach, and Montlake Publishing for this ARC of 'We Are The Match'*
*Instagram Review will be posted on 3/14/25*

Mafia romances are a new genre for me, so mixing it with a Trojan War retelling was a perfect introduction. Roach's prose is dreamy and imprecise- perfect for heroines disguising their motives. I was a little disappointed with the ending but the journey was a delight. I would love to see it as a miniseries as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the ARC of “We Are The Match”. I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book I just wanted to read something by this author 😅 but I was pleasantly surprised! It has two badass main female characters, love, revenge, betrayal, and a lot of sadness but it is really well written and a beautiful love story. I highly recommend this book!

I’m really loving the queer mythology retellings, and this one gets bonus points for being a dark romance. Great reinvention of the original story and I loved the characterization of both Helen and Paris.