The prose in this absolutely whips. This is a sapphic Helen of Troy retelling and I love that we're getting more queer books in the Romantasy genre. Was the plot completely airtight? No, but the writing was so good and the characters were so realized that I didn't care--and isn't that what Romantasy is for? The vibes? It's dark, luscious, and brimming with anger.

I love a sapphic greek mythology retelling. This was more modern, and a little bit toxic. It felt like a fast read with a satisfying ending

I wanted to love this book. I loved Mary’s debut but I felt a real disconnect from the characters and I wish we dove deeper into the world as a retelling. I DNF’d about 30%, of this book hopefully would be a better fit for me as a reader

This was quite the interesting little story. A new take on the legends of Helen of Troy with a bit of modernity mixed in. I wish they dove deeper into the legends, but it was a fun idea to run with. There were certain character jumps that had me a bit confused, but it was easy to catch back up. The story was interesting and kept me turning the pages to find out what unfurls next. This author provided just the right amount of love, tragedy, and hope all in one.

Paris and Helen have always been doomed and I loved them anyway. So when I saw this was sapphic Paris and Helen? I was immediately onboard. It was different than I expected, more teeth than I expected it to have, Paris and Helen's bond was all consuming, a little toxic and violent and that's exactly what I wanted. This is a different sort of Troy but I loved it all the same.

Mary E. Roach's upcoming novel, We Are the Match, offers a fresh and thrilling reimagining of the Helen of Troy myth, set against the backdrop of modern-day Greece's criminal underworld. Scheduled for release on July 29, 2025, this sapphic romance intertwines themes of power, revenge, and unexpected love.

The story introduces us to Paris, a determined woman on a mission to dismantle the empire of a formidable crime lord. Her target is Helen, the crime lord's enigmatic daughter. Initially, I found myself immediately drawn to Paris's resolve and grit, while Helen's privileged and seemingly complicit demeanor was off-putting. However, as the narrative unfolded, Roach masterfully peeled back the layers of Helen's character, revealing her vulnerabilities and desires. The chemistry between Paris and Helen evolved organically, transforming from mutual animosity to a profound and electrifying connection.

Roach's portrayal of their relationship is both intense and authentic, capturing the complexities of forbidden love amidst chaos. The high-stakes environment of mobster Greece serves as a compelling backdrop, amplifying the tension and passion between the protagonists.

We Are the Match is a testament to Roach's ability to craft multifaceted characters and immersive narratives. It's a must-read for those seeking a blend of romance, intrigue, and reimagined mythology.

A cute, but badly executed premise.

Genuinely felt interested in the story when I read the blurb, but I quickly realised that it wasn’t going to be great. With books you can usually grasp from the first chapter what the writing style of the author is and in turn, the quality of the book.

When you write a ‘revenge’ story, the worst way to go about it is telling the reader EVERYTHING there is to know in the first chapter, which is what happened here. We immediately know why and writing it like this makes readers not give a shit.. excuse my language!

Second is that we get thrown in the mafia world and then have to believe that these people are so dangerous you can’t even speak out of line… why does the main character get to have an attitude? It makes no sense, also how dumb do you have to be to act like this when you want to take murderous revenge on your family’s killers?

The classic, kill the one he cares most about, would work if we get to see a very intelligent main character who has this grandiose plan, now it just fell super flat.

I wish the author and publisher my best, but this wasn’t for me.

"We Are The Match" is an intense dive into a world filled with lies, heartache, and intricate schemes where every move feels like a high-stakes game of chess. From the very first chapter, this book captured my attention and didn’t let go. The juxtaposition of revenge and redemption weaves a powerful narrative that kept me on my toes.
Paris, the protagonist, is a compelling character shaped by her tumultuous past. The weight of her lineage is heavy—she's determined to reclaim her life and avenge the destruction of everything she held dear. Her journey unfolds as she encounters Helen, the daughter of the very man responsible for her heartbreak. Helen's plea for assistance adds an intriguing twist, as she seeks liberation from being a mere pawn in her father’s game.
The chemistry between Paris and Helen evolves beautifully throughout the story. Their relationship begins as a strategic alliance, but the layers of secrets and hidden emotions create a captivating tension that kept me invested. I love how the author portrays their growing connection amidst the chaos, making me root for them even as their foundation is built on deception.
This book is not without its emotional punches. I found myself laughing out loud and gasping in shock, but also shedding tears during the poignant moments. While I occasionally felt a bit confused by certain plot developments, the overall journey was so engaging that I easily overlooked those minor hiccups.
With strong female leads at the forefront, the narrative does an excellent job of exploring themes of family loyalty, empowerment, and the complexities of love—especially in the context of sapphic relationships. The drama of family dynasties adds another layer of depth, making "We Are The Match" both action-packed and richly layered.
Overall, this novel kept me enthralled from beginning to end. It’s an excellent read for anyone who enjoys gripping stories filled with intrigue, emotion, and the nuances of love and loyalty. I can’t help but want more from this world and these characters. If a song could encapsulate this book, "The Water is Fine" captures its essence perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a thrilling ride with heartfelt connections!

I honestly just could not get into this book. I ended up needing to DNF. I found the writing style to be confusing, and while I generally love sapphic retellings of greek myths, this one just didn't do it for me.

Wow wow… excellent. Action packed, female leads, sapphic love, family dynasties…..
Excellent read. I want more. Thank you to the author. Thank you to,#NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

A explosive sexy tension filled book. A story of lies, heartache, deceit, secrets and chess moves. This book wow. 'I am my father's daughter." Trying to make up for destruction caused where Paris lost everyone she cared about where she saved herself she plans revenge and where to start Helen, the daughter of the man who destroyed where she once called home. Helen asks Paris for help, she wants out of being a pawn in her father's chess game. Only whilst working together, they use secrets and start more then a work relationship but can a relationship built on lies and schemes last? This book put me through my paces, I cried, I squeeled it was all there. I was slightly confused by some parts but I really enjoyed this overall.

4.5/5 stars, rounded up

ARC REVIEW: We Are The Match, Mary E Roach

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

I have to say: I’m a sucker for mafia romance. I’m also a sucker for Minnesotan authors, so this was an immediate “yes” from me. “We Are The Match” is a sapphic Helen of Troy retelling with characters that are imperfect, troubled, and ultimately: human. Both our FMCs get to say “touch her and die” and both are badass, which was so fun to read. I also really enjoyed getting to watch our FMCs grow and realize their potentials.

This book is ultimately a darker romance, so please check trigger warnings.

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for this eARC.

We Are the Match* by Mary E. Roach marks an impressive debut, blending intrigue, revenge, and unexpected romance into a gripping tale set against the lush backdrop of the Grecian islands. The novel follows Paris, a skilled fixer for mob families, who is hired by a powerful crime lord to investigate a bombing. As Paris insinuates herself into the life of Zarek, a ruthless crime boss, her true goal becomes clear—revenge for the death of her family, with Zarek’s daughter, Helen, as her target. However, as the two women’s paths cross, what begins as a plan for vengeance slowly transforms into a complex and passionate connection, making Paris’s mission far more complicated than she ever anticipated.

Roach’s debut excels in its development of both Paris and Helen, creating two strong, layered characters who are driven by pain, survival, and a need for liberation. Their growing emotional and physical bond adds depth to the suspenseful plot, with the shifting dynamics between loyalty, love, and vengeance keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The tension-filled atmosphere, combined with the backdrop of mob violence and betrayal, makes it a compelling read that masterfully explores the themes of power, control, and breaking free from one’s past. Roach’s sharp writing and ability to balance high-stakes action with intimate character moments make this debut a standout, promising even greater things to come.

Thank you for reading We Are the Match! This love story is so special to me, and I'm grateful to the readers who have joined me on this journey.

What a book. Thank you Mary Roach for a beautifuly written book about love and what you will do to be with the one you love. I am adding Mary Roach to my look out for for any upcoming books and already added her back log to my TBR.

WHAT a debut!!! this was dark, angsty, steamy, and a real hoot and a half (sarcastic. there was less hooting per se, and more omg-ing!!!!) i loved the grittyness and i was so confused as to whether or not this was a fantasy or contemporary for a hot minute 😭 that is, as always, on me for preferring to go into books blind!! i are up every second and can’t wait for her next release!!

Review: We Are the Match by Mary E. Roach

Mary E. Roach delivers a bold, intoxicating reimagining of Helen of Troy, set against the backdrop of modern-day Greece’s criminal underworld. In this sapphic twist on the classic tale, Helen is the daughter of a powerful mob boss, expected to marry for strategic gain. But when she crosses paths with Paris—a fierce rival with a vendetta—desire and danger intertwine in ways neither of them can control.

Roach masterfully crafts an opulent world where power plays and forbidden romance collide. The chemistry between Helen and Paris is electric, simmering with tension as they navigate their feelings amid the high-stakes world of crime lords and shifting alliances. The novel thrives on its lush prose, immersive atmosphere, and the constant threat of violence lurking beneath the surface of every interaction.

While the plot leans heavily on slow-burning tension, some moments of the romance feel slightly rushed in contrast to the otherwise careful pacing. However, the novel’s exploration of loyalty, identity, and defiance in the face of destiny makes for a gripping read.

Daring, decadent, and charged with passion, We Are the Match is a riveting, modern retelling that breathes fresh life into an age-old legend!