Her Perfect Match

Mistress Matchmaker #3

by Jess Michaels

She will do anything for him…except surrender.

Vivien Manning, the notorious Mistress Matchmaker, is tired. Tired of the parties, tired of the lovers, tired of being her. So she decides to leave London behind once and for all and start a whole new life.

But before she goes, she must tie up some loose ends, so she makes a list which includes one man she’s never been fully able to let go:

Benedict Graystone.

Benedict was broken when Vivien broke off their affairs years ago. So when she comes back into his life… and his bed, he isn’t certain of anything except the power of their desire.

But as Vivien moves ever closer to disappearing forever, both of them begin to question if the past can be overcome and if love might be the one loose end that cannot be neatly tied up.

Warning: This book contains scenes of a powerful woman, unafraid of her sexuality, trying to find her way in the world. There is a brief scene of a threesome M/F/M and then one woman falling madly in love with one man. Proceed with caution, a fan and tissues.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Erotica, Adult, Regency, Erotic Romance

ebook

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Jess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.

Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.

When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Rating 4 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating 4 Stars

OM MY! Where to start? The story line was good and kept me interested all the way through. This book was a story about two people who LOVED each other desperately but their seem to be no way for them to be together. The heroine Vivian as a mistress and Benedict the hero who is a gentleman from an very respectable family. Vivian saw NO way for them to be together because of the pain and scandal it would cost Benedict. Benedict on the other hand loved Vivian enough to throw everything away for her. This was a very emotional read for me and I cried too many times to count.

The many of love scenes SCORCHED the pages and as each one occurred, I felt the love these two had for each other grow even more.

near the end as the tears where streaking down my face and my nose was running all over, LOL, Benedict FINALLY got through to Vivian and I was now crying again but for joy.

I was really invested in the story and these characters so when I read the epilogue there were no more tears for me just a huge grin and pure happiness for the way this series ended.

Now the wait is on for Jess Michaels next series, The Pleasure Wars, starting with book 1 Taken By the Duke.

[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to this erotic series!!

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Perfect Matchis book 3 in the Mistress Matchmaker series by Jess Michaels . I liked the first two books in this Very Steamy series.

Vivien, the powerful Mistress Matchmaker, turned marriage matchmaker, starts this book with a hot ménage for her birthday gift.

As she prepares to give up her matchmaker position, she generated a list of 10 things to do.
1. Celebrate my friends, 2. Destroy someone evil. 3. Protect someone good, 4. Indulge in pleasure, 5. Give away that which I do not need, 6. Enjoy London, 7. Revisit the past, 8. Settle a debt, 9. Disappear. 10. Benedict Greystone.

I laughed out loud as the story progressed to step 1 which encompassed step 10 as Benedict was invited to the celebration by one of her married matched.

I sometimes find it hard to read sociologic class distinctions, as well as racial and gender, which seems to live in history and is thriving overwhelmingly in this modern era. Both Vivian and Benedict’s family exhibit some of these train wrecks.

Lots of hot romantic scenes as Vivian and Benedict reach a happy ending in this very adult book.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with" could be a mantra for our heroine, Vivien, in this book. The book begins with a hot, steamy mmf menage to celebrate her birthday. During the menage she realizes that while her flesh is being pleased her heart is not in it and something is missing from her life. The author does an excellent job of turning what could have been construed as a harlot into a woman with many dimensions and giving the reader insight to see past her actions to the woman underneath. Vivien is a mistress and has been known as the mistress matchmaker. However, two of her matches involving her closest friends developed into marriage. It makes Vivien wonder if true love really exists and each time her mind conjures up images of her last protector, Benedict.

Benedict is a member of an aristocratic family with noble blood lines. He confessed his love for Vivien 3 years ago only to have her throw it back in his face and break off the relationship. He hasn't been able to forget Vivien or move on to another relationship even with the impassioned pleas of his brother and mother to get married to a suitable woman.

Vivien and Benedict are reunited at an event and Vivien finds herself unable to extend one last invitation to her bedchamber. Benedict accepts and the two are once again in a tempestuous affair. This time Vivien is determined to get Benedict out of her system, leave London, and begin her life afresh in another country unbeknownst to Benedict. But--true love---changes many plans. Despite Benedict's brother asking her to leave his brother so that he won't be disregarded by society and disowned by his family. Vivien realizes that she loves him and being with him would be to his detriment. So she determines to leave town immediately without telling him. However, our noble hero is one step ahead and manages to save the day and the relationship just in time.

This was such a sweet, sweet story of two people that love each other so much but life seems to continue to get in the way. It is a story of love, acceptance, and hope. It's one of those stories that makes your heart absolutely melt. A hero that gives up everything for the one he loves, and a heroine that refuses to be held to the mistakes of her past to experience real love. The characters were multi-layered and the plot contained numerous twists to keep the story moving along at a steady pace. This was a quick read that I had to finish because I became so invested in the lives of these characters. The ultimate gift from the author is an epilogue where we see that true love indeed conquers all.

Jess Michaels is a literary goddess and now one of my very favorite authors!!!! I believe this book is the very first historical romance book where the female lead character doesn't sit at home twiddling her thumbs, celibate, and bemoaning her fate to live without her one true love. Bravo to Ms Michaels for taking a well executed risk that sets readers up for the read of a lifetime.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading an Introduction to Pleasure I was excited to read the sequels. I wasn't feeling the second book, For Desires Alone but Her Perfect Match was really good. I loved Vivien in the first book so I was excited for her story. She is very tired of her life of parties and her status as Mistress Matchmakers after the last two she had match ended up in marriages. She decides the day after her birthday to find a change of pace. She was to complete her list of lose ends and after she has checked off all of the items plans to flee London and start her life over. Benedict was Vivien's last protector before she became independent and no longer in need of a protector. She wants to wrap up their relationship as they broke off because love was becoming a factor in their relationship so she decided to break things off. They once again find themselves in passion but with Vivien leaving she strives to not get attached. So much is revealed about Vivien's horrible past. She has suffered so much and has found strength, will-power, and independence and I really admired her for that. Benedict is so wonderful and swoony as well. He and Vivien fit so perfectly together. I was so excited for her happy ending which she so incredibly deserved. She does move away from her old life and finds a brand new one with love.

[Martina Nix Govoni · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, in realtà non l'ho finito, ma la vita è troppo breve per perdere tempo in questo modo. Così ho manifestato uno dei miei diritti di lettore e l'ho mollato.
Troppo noioso, troppo forzato, con due personaggi poco appetibili e poco comprensibili, non si capisce dove vuole andare a parare e sinceramente non ti invoglia nemmeno a proseguire la letture per arrivarci. Ho letto l'epilogo tanto per sapere come finiva e basta così. Addio.
E' un peccato, perché la Michaels sa scrivere molto di meglio, ma questa serie l'ha toppata di brutto.

[Ar.mi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can you turn a sex crazed individual into a loving partner and have them live happily ever after ? Of course you can. In the "romance land" of 21 century. Because no matter how many penises (or vaginas) they enjoys and can take at the same time from every hole of their body , nothing can substitute the "love" and the "feeling" of screwing... oops making love to their one and true love. And they lived happily ever after STD free.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess Michaels never disappoints :)

I love this book, beautiful story, romantic and with amazing sex scenes :)

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Eliza]

Jess Michaels just doesn't do it for me, and I keep telling myself to STOP buying her books, but clearly I am a glutton for punishment.

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a glorious 10-year career as London's premier mistress and mistress matchmaker, Vivien Manning has finally met her match. In truth, Vivien met him three years before -- in an arrangement that evolved into something that Vivien was unprepared for and so she let him go. Having seen two of her closest friends successfully matched and settled with their husbands, Vivien is beginning to consider settling her own affairs and finally retiring, but, first, she must attend to some "Loose Ends" -- one of which is Benedict Greystone, the man who came close to stealing her heart three years ago.

As a gentleman and the brother of an Earl, Benedict knows it his duty to marry well and elevate his family's position and fortune. He has accepted that, this Season, he will open himself up to introductions and matches made by his mother, brother and sister-in-law, but Benedict knows that any marriage that will result from said matchmaking will never be a love match, because he had surrendered his heart three years ago to Vivien, a woman entirely unsuitable for Benedict according to society's standards but is his perfect match as his heart dictates.

It surprises Benedict that, after three years of separation, Vivien approaches him at a party with an invitation: be with her and not just for one night. Vivien had steeled herself for this second onslaught and meant to distance her heart from the matter -- seeing Benedict as nothing but a loose end -- but, at the first touch, the first kiss, Vivien realizes (too late) that Benedict has always been always been and will always be something more to her.

When your primary occupation is matching mistresses and protectors, the most obvious question would be: is there a match for the mistress matchmaker?

The answer stunned Vivien Manning when she found herself in love with Benedict Greystone when he was her protector three years ago and Benedict felt the same way. But Vivien wasn't ready to have a happily-ever-after at that point: she had too many unresolved personal issues. They parted ways, hoping that time and distance would help them forget each other and the foolishness of their feelings -- but their separation only confirmed that there would never be anyone else for them but each other.

Jess Michaels delves into the tribulations that Benedict and Vivien encounter as they try to discover if a love between them is possible. The story focuses more on Vivien's transformation since Benedict has always known what he felt and I loved that he always defended Vivien to his brother and mother.

"But you do not see that her character is not the same as her reputation," he explained, wishing he could make someone in his life see what a vibrant and wonderful being Vivien was. "She has walked a path very different from your own, yes, and I must tell you that it has not always been by choice. But she has a heart. She has dreams. She has everything inside her that any woman hopes for."
- loc 1616 to 1627

Vivien needed to sort through her past and her current occupation to figure out a future for herself (and whether there is a place for Benedict in that future). It is an emotional journey for her -- and I loved that Benedict was a "fixed point" (term I got from watching Pacific Rim ^_^) as she went through her list of loose ends --

I love how their story moves on two levels: the mental/intellectual and the emotional/physical. Benedict and Vivien have lots of conversations in the novel, where masks are removed, layers are peeled back and souls are bared to each other:

"...You don't exist in these chambers, in the bedroom where you take your lovers."

"Of course I do," she protested, throwing up her hands and walking away. It was a dramatic gesture, but one meant to keep him from seeing her face.

"No, you do not," he insisted, maneuvering so that she had to look at him again. "I know you like books, that you like the kind of art you see in the British Museum. None of those pursuits are found here. These chambers only contain images and hints that are part of the mask you wear."
- loc 1233

But they create a deeper connection and intimacy through their physical encounters. This is the point where I will say that I think Jess Michaels writes excellent love scenes. Her love scenes flow gracefully and have a refined elegance to them (yes, even the first scene of this book, which is a menage).

This is the final installment in Jess Michaels' Mistress Matchmaker series and the series has come full circle: it began with Lysandra's introduction to pleasure (by Vivien) and now ends with Vivien's discovery of her own pleasure. Reading through the series has been a truly enjoyable experience.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Perfect Match (Mistress Matchmaker) (Kindle Edition)
Her Perfect Match is the finale installment of the Mistress Matchmaker series and It did not disappoint. I couldn't put the books down. It has great flow and very well written erotic scenes between Benedict and Vivien. The series concludes with Vivien a renowned Courtesan putting a list together in preparation of leaving the business. Of course her last protector Benedict his on the list as unfinished business. As Vivien experience and completes the items on her list we get to see how and why see became a courtesan. Her life is a bit of a sad story, but Benedict is such a loving strong man and he stick by Vivien even though he doesn't know she is planning to leave London and start a new life with a new name. Benedict knows something is wrong becasue Vivien is acting out of character. As Benedict figures out the truth he helps Vivien accomplish her list of goals. The couple falls further and further in love and more bonded to each other everyday. This was a emotional, romantic and erotic story. "I Highly Recommend" this entire series even though I don't usually like story's about Courtesans and Mistress's this series was well done. The first and the last books were the best out of the 3. I can't wait for the new series Bk.1 'Taken by The Duke' coming this summer. I have read the blurp for this series and it is more to my liking hehehe!!

[Greselley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book with a sigh and I feel genuinely happy for Vivien and Benedict. In this series, the author was able to reveal a side of the society during 18th century that was rarely given attention by many and that is the life of the mistresses. When we read all those historical romances that involved ladies and gentlemen who belong to aristocratic family, we often see mistresses as someone cold and desperate women. We often wonder why these women would resort to those things. The author here give us a clear picture of why and how and most importantly, it was delivered clearly the fact which we always forgot, that these women were also humans, people who only born on the wrong side of society. That is what I mostly appreciated and love with these series and I think that is the significant thing the author wanted to deliver to the readers. Among other things, we couldn't deny that this book has certainly includes many hot, steamy scenes. It blended with the story well in way that it doesn't block the story but it only heighten the intensity of the moment. The other book in this series were also wonderful but man, the book 3 is better. These books were not just empty sexy story, they contain drama concerning the past of the characters.
This book is just full-packaged.

[Lynetta · Rating 1 out of 5]

The beginning of this story opens in a quagmire that likely repulses as much as it attracts. The heroine, Vivian Manning, engages in a manage-a-trois in celebration of her 29th birthday. After all is said and done she has gained little if any pleasure and she acknowledges that she wants to live a different lifestyle than that of an infamous mistress matchmaker but before she embarks on this different path she has some loose ends to tie. Benedict Greystone is chief among those loose ends. This story evokes emotions and sentiments that resonates with deep personal views of love and commitment. The thought comes to mind whether the two ( Manning and Greystone) are equally deserving of each other. I lean toward the view that they are not equally deserving but truth teaches that love covers a multitude of sins.

[Aspoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of Jess Michaels, but I’m not a fan of her Vivian Manning series and this book just closed the deal for me. I won’t read too more of these kind of books from the author. I say that because with this book it was 90% sex and not enough emotional story there. I love a good romance story…something that melts my heart and really root for both the heroine and hero…but this was basically po** on pages instead of tv.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Jess Michaels book to date. Apart from a MMF scene with DP in the first chapter this didn't seem as weighted on the erotica scale as her others I've read. But then I HAVE kind of started skimming her repetitive sex scenes so maybe I just tuned them out. The story was great and I absolutely loved Benedict. He's just precious. Vivian was really likable as well. Great ending to the series.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable but predictable read. This book mirrored the storyline in her book "Taboo". Was disappointed with that aspect completely.

[LOU71 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Perfect Match is the third erotic book in the Mistress Matchmaker series. It’s a deeply feeling historical romance. The characters have many layers, the plot has many twists and turns, and the passion is intense. The Epilogue four years later was highly satisfying and lovely.

An Introduction to Pleasure: 5- stars: Andrew & Lysandra
For Desire Alone: 3+ stars: John & Mariah
Her Perfect Match: 5+ stars: Benedict & Vivien

Vivien Manning is the notorious Mistress Matchmaker, and she is tired. Tired of parties, tired of lovers, tired of being her. So she decides to leave London behind and start a whole new life. Before she goes, Vivien makes a list of all the loose ends she must tie up which includes one man she’s never been fully able to let go.

Benedict Graystone was broken when his mistress broke off their affair three years ago. Being a second son to an aristocrat family with noble blood lines, Benedict’s mother and brother pester him to make a suitable marriage and have heirs, to fulfil his duty as the spare. But Benedict hasn’t been able to move on to another relationship.

Benedict and Vivien’s attraction and chemistry run deep. Being reunited at an event where they rekindle their affair, Vivien is determined to get him out of her system before leaving London, and Benedict accepts the tempestuous affair because he still loves her.

I highly recommend this book. Best of the series.

[ann_zack_cee_am_ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I had been warned of an impending scene of a M/F/M threesome from the blurb, I didn’t expect Benedict to not be one of the participants. I understand that they had parted ways 3 years before and considering her profession of carnal pursuits, it seemed inevitable that she’d start taking lovers in the midst of their separation. Usually in other books, when heroes do that, I’d find them so distasteful that I’d DNF the book as I abhor cheating / on-page steamy scenes with OW but for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to put down this book as it was a testament of how great Jess Michaels’ writing is. Benedict was an utter sweetheart who never stopped loving Vivienne, even when their affair had long ended. She was his Achilles Heels, he could never find it in him to forget about her. Vivienne knew of her status of a fallen woman, she was well aware she’d never belong to the Society Benedict had born into. She’d never be so selfish as to bring upheavals to his family and reputation if she maintains an association with Benedict, hence why she couldn’t be him romantically. But as bed partners.

This book was emotional and angsty at times, but the beautiful epilogue made the their tumultuous journey all the more worth it!

[Brittany Duszczyszyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my favourite of the series and I’m glad it ended here as there’s only so many of these types of stories before they all become the same.

This one was about the original mistress from the series who is also the match maker from the other two books,

She hadn’t taken in another protector since her last 3 years ago, after he told her he loved her and his brother had asked her to let him go.

Now on her 29th birthday she feels empty & makes a list. A list of things to do before she leaves the country to start over again.

But when she accidentally starts a relationship with the one who got away things get complicated.

He helps her complete all her tasks without knowing & just as she’s getting ready to leave him again for good he discovers her list.

He convinced her to take him with her, because he would follow her anywhere!

It’s cute the series ended well, we got her backstory & a look into their future together.

[Elizabeth Lively · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm, the sex was great They made love in lots of places and there were just enough details.🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Benedict was a very good character. He was a straight arrow. I would have liked to learn more about him; especially how he came to know Vivian. Vivian is known to us from the first two books. It was nice to learn more about why she left home. I like it when characters talk truthfully and then work through the consequences of their honesty. If this was such a perfect match why did it take until the very last pages for this romance to resolve.

The story left me with a lot of questions. Why, why, why? If the author would have taken the time to elaborate (answer all of my unasked questions) I think this could have been a 5* book.

[Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly the best and the worst in the series. I really enjoyed the early parts of the book. I even remember smiling at one point. However, I found myself less enchanted as the story progressed.

I know a lot of others have criticized Ms. Michaels historical inaccuracies, and for the most part I gave her a sweeping pass on the entire series, but I did find it unforgivable to introduce a "lady" as Miss First Name (as opposed to the correct Miss Last Name). While this may have been acceptable for a mistress or a low class prostitute, it most definitely would not have been acceptable for a woman of the upper class.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book and happy endings! Vivian has endured much heart ache and she wants to tie up loose ends before she leaves London for good. One of those loose ends is Benedict who was once her protector and has loved her for years! When they come together again, he wants forever but she wants to say goodbye! He will do anything to keep her forever! A wonderful love!

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This ended up being a bit disappointing to me. It seemed inconsistent, and not very buyable. It is steamy, but my frustrations with the plot and disconnect from the characters ultimately outweighed it.

[shamiallea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

This was a wonderful ending to the trilogy I really enjoyed it all three book I would have given it 6 or 7 stars if possible

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent, well written Regency romance from this author.

[Patrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt like a lackluster end for a mysterious character that delighted in other novels. I wish Vivien had just been able to fade away as a great supporting character.

[Auj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the hero. He was true, genuine, and loyal. He knew what he wanted, said how he was feeling not matter what anyone said or thought.

[Joann · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok