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The Matchmaker
Upon the request of Queen Marianna, Joss has traveled home with her to analyze the small group of men who are her closest friends. The men immediately resent the presence of a stranger intent upon asking personal questions, especially as Joss bears the title of Matchmaker and they are all quite available for matching...
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,935 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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meganderr.com
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facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 4, 2015
The most infuriating story I’ve read lately.
The characters are not engaging, I didn’t like to read their portfolios.
The storyline is dull, the writing is repetitive and distant.
The matches are undeveloped, especially the one between the Matchmaker and Sorrell.
I couldn’t feel the attraction, there was no romance. The Queen was reported that Michael adores her, so she went “Oh, well, so I marry him.” It seems so stupid.
The characters are not engaging, I didn’t like to read their portfolios.
The storyline is dull, the writing is repetitive and distant.
The matches are undeveloped, especially the one between the Matchmaker and Sorrell.
I couldn’t feel the attraction, there was no romance. The Queen was reported that Michael adores her, so she went “Oh, well, so I marry him.” It seems so stupid.
August 3, 2011
I loved this! Probably my favorite of Megan Derr's short stories.
I love a story that deals with the political machinations of a large group of people (like here, at a royal court), the characters are always so interesting and layered, which is something that Megan Derr always does well, and excels at in short format. Here however, she has outdone herself with such a tightly contained story. Many authors could have written this story, but taken three times the length to do it, with brooding angst and narration cutting into the naturally tightly woven prose that makes every scene The Matchmaker really punch.
I'll be keeping this one around for a long time!
I love a story that deals with the political machinations of a large group of people (like here, at a royal court), the characters are always so interesting and layered, which is something that Megan Derr always does well, and excels at in short format. Here however, she has outdone herself with such a tightly contained story. Many authors could have written this story, but taken three times the length to do it, with brooding angst and narration cutting into the naturally tightly woven prose that makes every scene The Matchmaker really punch.
I'll be keeping this one around for a long time!
July 21, 2015
Love this author, love her books, love her writing, love her non-explicit sex/nobels/royalty/enemies-to-lovers/opposites attract themes, but I didn't enjoy this story. I'm not a fan of "reformed sluts" so for obvious reasons this wasn't my cup of tea. I guess I just wanted the main character to stick to his principals, do his job, and go back home without seeking the validation of a man, but if need be, at least not a creep like Sorrell. There were literally no redeeming qualities about him and he had unashamedly and indiscriminately slept with EVERYONE in the court, men/women/jesters/idiots/sick & shut in.... I feel like there's a way to write a "bad boy", opposite type without making him deplorable. Ugh. It really made Joss seem pitiful, especially considering all his knowledge of psychology and romance and Matchmaking, I mean it's what he does for a LIVING, discerning creeps and all, so he sure picked a winner. I know, I know: Love is a crazy thing, right?
This would have actually been a wonderful read for me if Joss had perhaps stuck to his guns, maintained some dignity (no kisses or anything) and gone home single (job completed) and found someone decent or if he had not even been looking for a man at all. Maybe he could have found another love interest and Sorrell could have just served as like an antagonist or an annoying but harmless meddler who pops up throughout the story, perhaps making the other person jealous (even though there wouldn't have been any reason) or something else to add some dimension to the story. Then I might have said that, here, Derr was a forward-thinking, daring, ballsy mastermind who looked out for her gay male readers (I was thinking that as I was reading before I got to the ending, which seemed kind of like a cop-out to me)....As it stands, I disliked this story in the end. I was intrigued, however, by the idea of a professional matchmaker. Now I may go in search of a better offering with that plotline.
This would have actually been a wonderful read for me if Joss had perhaps stuck to his guns, maintained some dignity (no kisses or anything) and gone home single (job completed) and found someone decent or if he had not even been looking for a man at all. Maybe he could have found another love interest and Sorrell could have just served as like an antagonist or an annoying but harmless meddler who pops up throughout the story, perhaps making the other person jealous (even though there wouldn't have been any reason) or something else to add some dimension to the story. Then I might have said that, here, Derr was a forward-thinking, daring, ballsy mastermind who looked out for her gay male readers (I was thinking that as I was reading before I got to the ending, which seemed kind of like a cop-out to me)....As it stands, I disliked this story in the end. I was intrigued, however, by the idea of a professional matchmaker. Now I may go in search of a better offering with that plotline.
January 25, 2024
this was a lil birthday treat for me cos i save the megan derr books for ✨special occasions✨ i'm a sucker for matchmaker romances and hey this was cute. joss and sorrel are a pretty pair, with the intelligence to match. i love their sniping and insults honestly.
the side romances do develop quite quickly though, and it feels rushed cos sorrel was cynical about love for 90% of the book and he suddenly decides to be an item with joss in the last 5 pages.
still it's a sweet, short read. read the extra stories the author has on her website as well and i got my happy ending for the witty pair (yay).
the side romances do develop quite quickly though, and it feels rushed cos sorrel was cynical about love for 90% of the book and he suddenly decides to be an item with joss in the last 5 pages.
still it's a sweet, short read. read the extra stories the author has on her website as well and i got my happy ending for the witty pair (yay).
March 27, 2019
Have to agree with this review and this review. I don't feel like all the characters have enough chemistry with their supposed to be partner -- except maybe the Queen and the one she is meant to be with. Especially Joss and his 'enemy-to-lover' counterpart. Too much negative not enough wooing, in my opinion.
November 2, 2022
Unfortunately, this story didn't work at all for me, for several reasons.
1. The queen didn't want to cause strife among her friends, but also knew they would be uninterested in match-making. So why do it to begin with? The basic premise of the whole plot just didn't feel well-motivated enough.
2. Joss and the queen were keeping the full details of Joss's matchmaking a secret from her friends, and his job as matchmaker a secret from everyone else in the castle. These two secrets were written in a really confusing way, and I found it hard to understand what was being kept from who. It didn't help that the secret being kept from the friends felt so obvious that I didn't even realize it was a secret until I'd finished the book.
4. Sorrell was said to despise everyone he'd slept with but the story didn't feel like it gave much indication that this would change. We can assume that he felt that way because of what happened in his past and because he mostly slept with people who were cheating on their partners, but it wasn't explored enough in the text for me to feel satisfied.
5. I just don't like enemies to lovers. This is at least hate/aversion to lovers, which isn't much better. Endless quarreling and feeling infuriated without any good feelings other than maybe lust, but even that was unwilling, is not interesting for me to read about and does not make me root for the relationship. When even the main character, whose literal job is to be a matchmaker, struggles to see how they would work together, how can I?
1. The queen didn't want to cause strife among her friends, but also knew they would be uninterested in match-making. So why do it to begin with? The basic premise of the whole plot just didn't feel well-motivated enough.
2. Joss and the queen were keeping the full details of Joss's matchmaking a secret from her friends, and his job as matchmaker a secret from everyone else in the castle. These two secrets were written in a really confusing way, and I found it hard to understand what was being kept from who. It didn't help that the secret being kept from the friends felt so obvious that I didn't even realize it was a secret until I'd finished the book.
4. Sorrell was said to despise everyone he'd slept with but the story didn't feel like it gave much indication that this would change. We can assume that he felt that way because of what happened in his past and because he mostly slept with people who were cheating on their partners, but it wasn't explored enough in the text for me to feel satisfied.
5. I just don't like enemies to lovers. This is at least hate/aversion to lovers, which isn't much better. Endless quarreling and feeling infuriated without any good feelings other than maybe lust, but even that was unwilling, is not interesting for me to read about and does not make me root for the relationship. When even the main character, whose literal job is to be a matchmaker, struggles to see how they would work together, how can I?
January 16, 2012
Ok, I'll just say I'm sorry in advance, but I've got to be honest...
I really didn't like this story at all.
I know, I know, it's MEGAN DERR. Who normally I love. The writing was good of course (as per usual). But this particular story and its characters were just a total miss for me.
So what was the problem? Well, generally speaking, I really wasn't feeling the romance. At all. In any way. There are 4 different romantic couples that end up getting together in this short story, so you'd think there'd be some romance involved, right? Well, no. The main duo pretty much hate each other until the very end. And by "the very end" I mean that they only (sort of) get together in the very last sentence. Not romantic, not believable, especially with all the animosity between the two before then. I just didn't get it at all.
Now I'm going to run and re-read The Jewels of Bangkok to make myself feel better.
I really didn't like this story at all.
I know, I know, it's MEGAN DERR. Who normally I love. The writing was good of course (as per usual). But this particular story and its characters were just a total miss for me.
So what was the problem? Well, generally speaking, I really wasn't feeling the romance. At all. In any way. There are 4 different romantic couples that end up getting together in this short story, so you'd think there'd be some romance involved, right? Well, no. The main duo pretty much hate each other until the very end. And by "the very end" I mean that they only (sort of) get together in the very last sentence. Not romantic, not believable, especially with all the animosity between the two before then. I just didn't get it at all.
Now I'm going to run and re-read The Jewels of Bangkok to make myself feel better.
June 8, 2012
Joss is a matchmaker whose intuition and ability to read people makes his matchmaking-skills highly valued within his kingdom. When the Queen of a neighboring kingdom requests his services, he travels to help Queen Marianna find a suitable marriage prospect among the men that she loves and trusts the most. When Joss arrives, however, he is disconcerted to find that all of Marianna's male friends are quite reluctant to be the focus of a matchmaker's attentions. Joss must use his powers of observation to find the perfect match for the queen while using his diplomacy to work with stubborn nobles who have secrets to hide.
I really enjoyed this story and was very engaged in it. The only issue that I had was that the ending seemed quite abrupt. I didn't dislike the ending, I just think I would have liked a little more detail and closure.
I really enjoyed this story and was very engaged in it. The only issue that I had was that the ending seemed quite abrupt. I didn't dislike the ending, I just think I would have liked a little more detail and closure.
January 2, 2012
I always enjoy Megan Derr's stories, this was no exception.
Joss, a matchmaker is hired by the Queen to find a perfect match for her, but succeeds in doing much more.
My only complaints would be, a bit more of Joss and Sorrel together, possibly without all the antagonism, and some spelling/word mistakes.
Joss, a matchmaker is hired by the Queen to find a perfect match for her, but succeeds in doing much more.
My only complaints would be, a bit more of Joss and Sorrel together, possibly without all the antagonism, and some spelling/word mistakes.
December 27, 2011
Wow, I really really liked this one. I just love Megan Derr's world buildings in each book I read of hers. Her characters are also one of the aspects that really makes me like her books. They're each unique and really enjoyable to read about. As for this novella, I just wish it was longer, or that there'd be a sequel at least. I'd really like to know how things work out with Joss and Sorrel.
February 13, 2015
Delightful short story by Ms Derr. It seems matchmaking is hard work, but since Joss has the talent for it, he comes up with some very interesting observations. Really enjoyed how this all played out, especially for the matchmaker himself.
January 11, 2016
I love Megan Derr, but this one is pretty disappointing. There is no chemistry between the characters. Not between MC, not between other pairs, who are "romantically" involved. A very frustrating read for me.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
June 29, 2013
Anticipation, anticipation, anticipation. The story has an opposite-attracts theme. Joss is a matchmaker: in his country he matches people, for love, interest, whatever reason upon which someone wants to find someone to share the rest of their life. He's so skilled that the widowed Queen of another country summons him to find a suitable husband for her. Among the possible matches, he meets a man who's his opposite: while Joss believes in love and works toward it, Sorrel believes true love doesn't exist and people will betray their lovers sooner or later.
Joss is a sensitive guy who'd love to find someone, but he's building other people's happiness while neglecting his own. Sorrel is tempting and in his bitterness he seems impossible to redeem, but he hides behind his cynical behavior. The two clash and fight constantly, but also can't deny their attraction and the more they fight it, the more they reveal their true selves to each other, making themselves vulnerable and hurting each other.
It was a very romantic plot, but be warned, it's mainly anticipation. If you read other reviews, you'll find why, but I didn't mind it personally, because it's the part of a love story that I like best.
Joss is a sensitive guy who'd love to find someone, but he's building other people's happiness while neglecting his own. Sorrel is tempting and in his bitterness he seems impossible to redeem, but he hides behind his cynical behavior. The two clash and fight constantly, but also can't deny their attraction and the more they fight it, the more they reveal their true selves to each other, making themselves vulnerable and hurting each other.
It was a very romantic plot, but be warned, it's mainly anticipation. If you read other reviews, you'll find why, but I didn't mind it personally, because it's the part of a love story that I like best.
January 8, 2012
More than 2 but not quite 2.5 stars. This is the 2nd story I've read by this author and have already noticed the formula. One of the MCs "rolls his eyes" constantly and is rather naive and sweet while the other is the strong one who does all the pursuing. So far, they've kind of reminded me of the books that Barbara Cartland put out every 3-4 months! Or watching a Disney movie.
It's not bad but not great. Even for a very short story, the characters seem very flat and the resolution/wrap up rushed and too easy. I will give this author one more chance....
It's not bad but not great. Even for a very short story, the characters seem very flat and the resolution/wrap up rushed and too easy. I will give this author one more chance....
January 7, 2011
I really loved this book. I know I say that a lot but this one has to be on my top ten list.
The fact that Joss and Sorrel hated each other from the beginning appealed to me the most. The idea of a 'matchmaker' for the Queen was also interesting and the fact that it was set in a different world but still had a historical feel to it with no smexing made this something I'll be re-reading more than once. :-)
The fact that Joss and Sorrel hated each other from the beginning appealed to me the most. The idea of a 'matchmaker' for the Queen was also interesting and the fact that it was set in a different world but still had a historical feel to it with no smexing made this something I'll be re-reading more than once. :-)
October 30, 2011
I don't know how many times I've read this one. It's one of my favorite 'opposites attract' stories as well as comfort reads. I loved the concept of matchmaker and enjoyed seeing Joss in action - bringing the couples together. Of course, he had to find his own match in Sorrel. You would have to be cold as ice not to melt when Sorrel said he would pay Joss's price. Awwww! LOL. I also liked the witty dialogue and other characters. The story packs a lot for less than 60 pages. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2024
Very well written, parts of it truly delightful, but...3 of the 4 pairings are wonderful, but the last one just ended a little too abruptly for me -- it makes sense, but it was just a little too quickly completed for me to feel satisfied. And, wow, that was a huge number of times I've used the word 'but' in this review!
February 4, 2019
4.5 stars
June 23, 2018
I enjoyed this but felt that it ended a little bit abruptly to truly enjoy it.
Joss is a matchmaker, a job well respected in his kingdom, but not in the kingdom he has just been employed. There with a job that has him being mistrusted by the men he is working with, Joss finds himself in a hostile environment but still determined to do his job. While he does well with most of the men one gets under his skin, a man who sleeps around and manipulates others, without believing in love. The two find themselves hotly at odds while strongly attracted, complicating the job Joss has to do.
It was easy to see how the matches in the book develop. The love between the characters becomes evident as Joss watches their interactions and it is easy to enjoy watching Joss do his work. At the same time you can see the tension building between Joss and Sorrell. What I didn't see was the build up of true interest or the potential for love. It ends right when tensions have boiled over, but it doesn't really give a chance to see anything else, so I found that I didn't completely buy it. I also would have been interested to see more of the actual interactions between the matches. There was fascinating potential but I felt it had no follow through so I was a bit disappointed.
Joss is a matchmaker, a job well respected in his kingdom, but not in the kingdom he has just been employed. There with a job that has him being mistrusted by the men he is working with, Joss finds himself in a hostile environment but still determined to do his job. While he does well with most of the men one gets under his skin, a man who sleeps around and manipulates others, without believing in love. The two find themselves hotly at odds while strongly attracted, complicating the job Joss has to do.
It was easy to see how the matches in the book develop. The love between the characters becomes evident as Joss watches their interactions and it is easy to enjoy watching Joss do his work. At the same time you can see the tension building between Joss and Sorrell. What I didn't see was the build up of true interest or the potential for love. It ends right when tensions have boiled over, but it doesn't really give a chance to see anything else, so I found that I didn't completely buy it. I also would have been interested to see more of the actual interactions between the matches. There was fascinating potential but I felt it had no follow through so I was a bit disappointed.
December 2, 2018
I love Megan Derr's books , but this short story was not so enjoyable. Its a historical romance. The premise was good and characters well developed and strong. But it felt too short and the bad guy gets reformed pretty fast !
Joss is a professional Matchmaker arriving in a new kingdom at the behest of the reigning Queen there. She wants data on few of her friends and potential spouses. All the guys are pretty interesting. Sorrel , with the bad boy reputation is quite resistant to the process and Joss. But its a romance and Joss gets his forever guy in the end. Maybe if it was a longer story, it would have been better and more believable .
Joss is a professional Matchmaker arriving in a new kingdom at the behest of the reigning Queen there. She wants data on few of her friends and potential spouses. All the guys are pretty interesting. Sorrel , with the bad boy reputation is quite resistant to the process and Joss. But its a romance and Joss gets his forever guy in the end. Maybe if it was a longer story, it would have been better and more believable .
August 18, 2017
A twist where the Matchmaker meets his match...
This one kept me turning the pages, swiping as quickly as my reader allowed. I am so hooked on Derr's intricate turns and windings and twists, with her vivid, beautiful characters, each more lovely and engaging as the next. While I was cheering Joss on, I had been hoping Sorrel would fall for Joss to turn the tables on that fickle jerk, but in typical Derr fashion, he got under MY skin until I found I WANTED them to end up together. Great storytelling as usual for 4.5 stars.
This one kept me turning the pages, swiping as quickly as my reader allowed. I am so hooked on Derr's intricate turns and windings and twists, with her vivid, beautiful characters, each more lovely and engaging as the next. While I was cheering Joss on, I had been hoping Sorrel would fall for Joss to turn the tables on that fickle jerk, but in typical Derr fashion, he got under MY skin until I found I WANTED them to end up together. Great storytelling as usual for 4.5 stars.
May 18, 2017
3.5
I liked the depiction of the intrigue-filled court. The relationship between came at the last minute and was left a bit underdeveloped. In fact also the other relationships that Joss helps to nurture are not very romantic or developed in the story, for ex. .
I liked the depiction of the intrigue-filled court. The relationship between came at the last minute and was left a bit underdeveloped. In fact also the other relationships that Joss helps to nurture are not very romantic or developed in the story, for ex. .
January 27, 2019
Am enjoyable short novel about a royal matchmaker, Joss, who needs to evaluate five aristocratic candidates for a queen. I love the UST in the prickly situation with one of the candidates--classic romance setup, well written.
June 18, 2020
LOVED IT!
I've been on a real historical kick lately, and this was EXACTLY what I wanted and needed.
Yes, I predicted the plot pretty early on, but that didn't take anything away from how good it was. The only thing missing was that ending...just as it was getting to the good stuff ;)
I've been on a real historical kick lately, and this was EXACTLY what I wanted and needed.
Yes, I predicted the plot pretty early on, but that didn't take anything away from how good it was. The only thing missing was that ending...just as it was getting to the good stuff ;)
July 25, 2020
This was short and sweet, and there was quite a bit delicious pining, miscommunication and hurt. I’m picky with «enemies to lovers» plots and their resolves, though, and I feel like this ending was a bit abrupt for my taste. Also, I would like it if the characters were developed more.
December 19, 2018
Another Romance complete. Access achieved, you have seen love.
December 8, 2019
Not one of my preferred stories from Derr... it took a little too long for the ball to get rolling, considering the length.
December 16, 2019
This short read doesn't give much time for character development but is still a charming read well worth your while.
January 2, 2023
3.5 rounds up to 4 stars for me for this.
May 6, 2023
It was cute, but the main relationship kind of just . . . happened?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews