Some matches are made in hell…
Joanna Porter loves being one of London’s hottest up-and-coming matchmakers. But her heavenly vocation is about to turn into a nuptial nightmare—thanks to the Duke of Crestmont. He’s as handsome as he is insufferable and obsessed with all things proper. Matching him would cement Jo’s status as England’s greatest matchmaker. Except, of course, the impossible-to-please duke refuses all of her most eligible ladies…confirming his status as a complete and utter pain in her petticoats.
The Duke of Crestmont can’t believe he needs a matchmaker—let alone this spitfire of a woman whose kissable mouth and dancing, impertinent gray eyes tease him ruthlessly. But the people of his estate are counting on him to find a duchess. A proper lady with a flawless pedigree and immaculate deportment. So why can’t he stop himself from wanting his pert, lively matchmaker…instead of the perfect duchess?
Release Date: Sep 27, 2022
Series: The Lions and the Lilies
Book: 1
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: Entangled
Imprint: Amara
Price: $5.99
“She couldn’t rip true love away from a young couple who believed in it and wanted it with all their hearts, only to bestow it on a man who neither believed in it nor wanted it. Jo believed in love. She wanted to stand by it, but in this case, she couldn’t. She had no choice. She would have to sacrifice one potential love match for another that was already true and real. ‘I’m sorry, Matthew,’ she whispered under her breath. She couldn’t account for the way tears stung her eyes.”
Joanna Porter, an up-and-coming matchmaker in London, is obsessed with love. She believes in happily ever after and spends her days searching for the perfect partner for her clients. When the dastardly Duke of Crestmore shows up on her doorstep seeking her help to find the “perfect” duchess, but one that he will never fall in love with, Joanna is completely aghast. She knows just the thing. She will match him with a candidate who he won’t be able to help fall in love with. The duke will finally get his happily ever after, and her romantic soul will be satisfied. Only plans sometimes go awry.
Do I love stuffy dukes who don’t believe in love? Yes. Do I love watching them be brought down by it? Also, yes. I could read a story like this all day. I know there are so many stories out there that follow this trope, but I never really get tired of it. This story though brought something different to the table, and that kept it fresh and not feeling overdone.
Joanna and Matthew had a lot of vulnerabilities that were expressed throughout the story so their connection to me felt authentic and real in the best of ways. They had wonderful chemistry and banter that made this book an enjoyable escape from my real life. I was pleasantly surprised by my first Jennifer Haymore book, and I can’t wait to dive into some of her other books.
If you’re a fan of light-hearted and humorous historical romances like those of Anna Bennett and Vivienne Lorret then take a chance on this one. I don’t think you will be disappointed!
~ Michelle
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