Chasing Fireflies (Power of the Matchmaker, #7)

by Taylor Dean

[layawaydragon]

I received a free copy for review courtesy of Reader Not a Writer. I haven’t read any of the other Power of the Matchmaker books but that wasn’t a problem. It’s a straight-laced romance that can be read as a standalone.

I read this back in July and wrote a draft review afterwards. I wasn’t quite sure how to finish it off, so it sat…until now.

*dun dun DUUUUN*

Kidding. I was just busy reading as much as possible for two challenges and meeting deadlines.

It’s a simple, sweet romance. Perfect for fluffy moods and those that believe in fate, magic, and soul mates. Perfect for hopeless romantics and skeptics wanting a brief break. (Shocker: I’m part of the latter group.)

Chasing Fireflies was enjoyable. I was hooked wanting to find out what the red bird incident was, what Savannah’s ex did, her secret, and waiting for Savannah to get it together. I won’t lie, without any reason to believe in the matchmaker’s prophecies in the beginning, I was hoping Savannah would give up her obsession and find a partner that wasn’t named Paul.

Once the red bird incident was explained, I understood Savannah’s zeal and dedication to her quest for the matchmaker’s Paul. Savannah’s experience meeting the matchmaker was pretty surreal and I like how it came full circle. I really liked how it used the meet-cute trope in subversion.

China and Chinese Tropes:

However, there’s no way to get around the fact the series is founded on a magical Asian trope with the matchmaker. It’s very upfront about it obviously and I was curious to read the depiction. The sage advice and seemingly random incomprehensible prophecies are there but I think Taylor Dean did a great job with Savannah in China at least.

They did touristy and non-touristy stuff. The cultural differences were apparent and well-done. Savannah, of course, finds it exotic but it’s not all magic and make believe. There is one typically awful American tourist and everyone calls her out for it.

It works and feels like an honest portrayal. While it doesn’t focus on any Chinese characters being relegated to the background, they are there and weren’t awful stereotypes. It’s a tiny bone to throw when we don’t get to know anyone though. I was really hoping for some cute Chinese men to pop up….but it wasn’t meant to be. :(

Dean did her research and mined her daughter who’s been to China for personal experience. The experience in China was okay and had more cultural inclusion and atmosphere than others I’ve read. But there’s no getting around that a novel primarily set in China only has Chinese people as background characters and a magical trope.

Except, well, the spy subplot. That felt wrong the whole time. And discussing it would be a major spoiler. (Hell, just mentioning it might be but it didn’t feel right not mentioning it.)

Savannah:

There was one major sore part for me and it revolves around Phoebe (Why the hell do I keep wanting to call her Phoebe? Savannah. After the convincing story of the red bird was revealed, it made a lot more sense. Then the romance really kicked in and I started questioning her decisions. I didn’t question them before because I wasn’t invested yet and just wanted the story to move so I find out what’s going on.

The switch was not fun. I felt like pulling hair towards the end. WAKE UP WOMAN. I was so sure it wouldn’t turn out how I wanted it to.

No worries though, the promised HEA happens and I’m satisfied. The way they resolved it felt obvious after revealed, but I legit didn’t think it’d work beforehand. Others will probably spot it earlier and if you don’t like the pairing, just bail on the drama path leading to it.

I struggled for another reason though with Phoebe, no goddamnit. This time it’s the ending, not the beginning. I was really curious on WTF happened with her and ex-Paul. What could possibly be so bad and make her worry this much? She thinks she’s defective and unworthy, ffs.

It’s not revealed to the very end and my reaction wasn’t pleasant.

It’s just so wrong how she’s been treated. Ex-Paul is an ass. I had to remind myself, yes this actually happens. There are actually people this stupid to buy into it. It’s a clear example of toxic masculinity and patriarchy. And they don’t even realize it. It’s immediately called out by others thankfully. (though not with the feminist approach.)

I understand the societal pressure, internalizing nonsense, the fear and the insecurities. Savannah isn’t the problem. This time it’s me. If I was the one she told, I’d immediately be calling it out and comforting her but I’d have to be mindful to not come off as dismissive because the assholes are so fucking ridiculous for making this a problem. It makes me want to shake some sense into people. It shouldn’t be a problem but it is. Which really fucking sucks.

To Recap:
-Took a while to get into
-Liked the red bird prophecy
-Liked Savannah experiencing China. Seems honest and real
-Except the honey trap. HIM?
-*frustrated hair pulling*
-ex-Paul is an ass
-Her relationship problem is awful and shouldn’t be a problem, but that doesn’t negate her feelings or experience.
-HEA

My seemingly lack of enthusiasm isn’t because of Chasing Fireflies. I can see why fans are raving about it. But for me, once the desire for this genre has been sated, I’m good for a while. Even over a month later, I remember the story and characters well enough, which is impressive. Usually fluffy romance novels zip right through my head afterwards.

It worked for me and I’m happy with my choice ^_^

Recommendation: Read it for what it is or steer clear.

Sweet contemporary romance fans will love it, especially the soul mate believers. Unless you have a specific desire, it’s skippable.