Jennifer Probst is a hidden gem in the romance genre. I really would like more people to know about her because I think she delivers a satisfying read every time. Searching for Someday kicks off a new series that is kind of a spinoff of Probst’s previous Marriage to a Billionaire books. The two series are connected by a book of love spells that seems to find its way into the hands of single ladies at the exact right time. I loved the previous series, and if Searching for Someday is any indication, I will love this one as well.

This book focuses on Kate Seymour and Slade Montgomery. Kate runs a successful matchmaking business with her two friends called Kinnections . When Slade’s troubled sister signs on as a client, he storms into the business to demand that Kate and her crew stop scamming his sister. His career as a divorce lawyer and his own failed marriage have turned Slade into a true skeptic. Kate offers to take him on as a client in order to convince him that their service is legit.

What Slade doesn’t know is that Kate has a secret weapon when it comes to matchmaking – the touch. If she touches two people at the same time, she will get an electric-type surge that tells her they are meant to be together. Although she has built her business off of sound science and the idea of helping clients to become their best selves, she cannot deny that her gift gives her an edge.

It should be no surprise that Kate’s first touch from Slade sets of major sparks. In spite of what her instincts tell her, Kate refuses to date a client and sets out to match him with someone. Slade, however, is more interested in wooing the sexy matchmaker.

I really enjoyed both main characters. Kate is a strong and independent businesswoman. Slade is a tough-talking lawyer who has a soft spot for his sister. They have great interactions full of tension and witty banter. Their relationship is very up and down which, although it may not work for some readers, worked for me. They are drawn together by undeniable chemistry and attraction, yet they both have solid reasons for avoiding a commitment. This leads to them going through a couple of on-and-off moments. I know some people can get frustrated by leads playing cat-and-mouse, but I liked watching the characters agonize over each other. Kate sets Slade up with women from the agency, per their agreement, even though it kills her to see it and he is more interested in her.

This novel really shines in two different ways: firstly, Kate’s dog, Rob, and secondly, the sexual heat. It’s odd to say that my favorite parts of a book were the steaminess and a handicapped dog, but that’s how it is.

Rob the dog was rescued after being hit by a car. The vet felt he might be a lost cause because his back legs were crushed but Kate didn’t want to give up on him. Now he gets along happily using his little cart in place of his back legs. I was really touched by his story when I thought he was just fictional, and then I read the author’s note and learned that she based the animal off of a real dog and my heart just shattered. It’s fantastic to know that there are people, in fiction and real life, giving animals a second chance at happiness. Plus, seeing Slade jump to help Kate with the dog totally warmed me to him. Who doesn’t love a man who cares about their dog? Rob even gets his own epilogue to the story. Was it schmaltzy? Yes. Did it bring a tear to my eye? Also yes.

No matter what book of Probst’s I have read, they are always crazy sexy. This one is no exception. The sexual tension between Kate and Slade starts the moment he storms into her office and continues through the end of the story. The love scenes are steamy and both characters spend plenty of time on fantasizing about each other, so be prepared for a hot read.

Searching for Someday also has a nice cast of secondary characters in Kate’s business partners and her hippie mother. I particularly liked her pot-smoking, sex therapist mom as a foil to Kate’s more serious nature. It added a nice touch of humor to the story. It is obvious that the next books in this series will come from Kate’s partners, Kennedy and Arilyn, and, while I’m sure I will read them, I cannot say that I was particularly drawn to either character from their appearance in Kate’s story.

While I was pleased with the book as a whole, and enjoyed getting sucked into the zinging electricity between Kate and Slade, it was missing that something extra to take it into DIK status for me. It’s hard to place my finger on exactly what would have brought it up a notch. I think what held me back was my love for Probst’s story, The Marriage Bargain , which made me smile, and squirm, and cry all at once. This book didn’t reach that level for me, but I really did enjoy it and would recommend it to readers.