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The Matchmaker
Bliss Barnes has bad luck with men. She’s better at finding mates for her friends than for herself. So much so, they call her the Matchmaker. Her last date married one of her best friends. Frustrated, Bliss is ready to give up on romance when a friend sets her up on a blind date with Aric Ericson. But Bliss has seen Aric before. He was on a date with a man. She decides to keep seeing Aric as a friend, but fighting her attraction to him grows more difficult by the day.
Aric is falling hard for Bliss, but she’s treating him as though he were only a friend. When she invites him to her friend’s wedding in Aspen, he decides it’s now or never. If she has no romantic interest in him, he’s ready to cut his losses and walk away.
Aric is falling hard for Bliss, but she’s treating him as though he were only a friend. When she invites him to her friend’s wedding in Aspen, he decides it’s now or never. If she has no romantic interest in him, he’s ready to cut his losses and walk away.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
25 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 14, 2016
So damn bad...what, with its cliches and stereotypes; kitchen sink interracial romance tropes; disregard for realism; plot and characterisations plucked from the fantasies of women who use ovary gifs and actually want a man to say shit like "I want to eat your nectar all night"; lame sex; strict adherence to an outmoded romance-writing formula; its heavy 'sampling' of the movie Something New; and its wondrous departure from the author's work in the past.
A waste of money, a waste of time, and a waste of the writing ability exemplified in Winning Dawn
Reread 2016: heh, not as bad as before. 2 stars.
A waste of money, a waste of time, and a waste of the writing ability exemplified in Winning Dawn
Reread 2016: heh, not as bad as before. 2 stars.
May 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
I love books where the heroine doesn't fall for the ex-girlfriend's shenanigans by running away, instead she stays and confronts the situation head-on. And, the heroine handled her so-called friend in a surprising, but satisfying way.
I love books where the heroine doesn't fall for the ex-girlfriend's shenanigans by running away, instead she stays and confronts the situation head-on. And, the heroine handled her so-called friend in a surprising, but satisfying way.
October 19, 2013
A nice short story to read in between novels. The main characters Bliss and Aric were good together and Ms. King usually delivers a solid story.
And she captured me with the first scene, Bliss single and on her first date with a guy she's been emailing for 3 months gets disrupted by her friend who had just went through her own break up next door to Bliss's date.Bliss's weeping friend, Shantella? She ends up going home with Bliss's date, that same night.
Bliss was timid with her friends which is not my favorite type of heroine but it fit with this story. She wasn't a doormat for the guy she does end up seeing, Aric (who is blonde, tall and yummy). The story then kind has a comedy of errors like style. Bliss is under the assumption that Aric is which adds some humor to the story.
I liked it. I loved the way Aric paid attention to Bliss's needs and was just a good guy. And example, Bliss complained about needing to go on a diet and though he he thinks she's fine she is just the way she is, he asks if she'd like to accompany him on his morning jogs. I found that sweet.
There are minor issues like a few editing like when a character finishes a statement and instead of starting a new paragraph to indicate another character is responding, it runs together which can be a bit confusing as to who is speaking at times. I also felt Bliss's response was long overdue and it wouldn't have been necessary at that point for her to act like that. She's been a doormat for so long that she does...that?
I'd recommend this to interracial romance fans for sure. It's much better than some horrid IR stories I've encountered.
And she captured me with the first scene, Bliss single and on her first date with a guy she's been emailing for 3 months gets disrupted by her friend who had just went through her own break up next door to Bliss's date.Bliss's weeping friend, Shantella? She ends up going home with Bliss's date, that same night.
Bliss was timid with her friends which is not my favorite type of heroine but it fit with this story. She wasn't a doormat for the guy she does end up seeing, Aric (who is blonde, tall and yummy). The story then kind has a comedy of errors like style. Bliss is under the assumption that Aric is which adds some humor to the story.
I liked it. I loved the way Aric paid attention to Bliss's needs and was just a good guy. And example, Bliss complained about needing to go on a diet and though he he thinks she's fine she is just the way she is, he asks if she'd like to accompany him on his morning jogs. I found that sweet.
There are minor issues like a few editing like when a character finishes a statement and instead of starting a new paragraph to indicate another character is responding, it runs together which can be a bit confusing as to who is speaking at times. I also felt Bliss's response was long overdue and it wouldn't have been necessary at that point for her to act like that. She's been a doormat for so long that she does...that?
I'd recommend this to interracial romance fans for sure. It's much better than some horrid IR stories I've encountered.
August 18, 2018
Shallow women need more substance to keep a man
Bliss Barnes was a woman of substance and Aric Ericson was drawn to that quality in her. Even after their blind date Aric persuaded her to go out again. But Bliss' matchmaking curse kept niggling at the back of her mind. To top it off, a misunderstanding had Bliss thinking that Eric was gay. She soon found out her mistake when they were forced to share the same hotel room. Thinking that he would not be attracted to her and she undressed before him. It was on like Donkey Kong. They were inseparable having many interests in common. Bliss soon got over her so called curse when she was ready to slap a beotch when she came on to her man. Be they her good friend Shantella la or Aric's ex Brigit, they would get a beat down for coming on to the man she loved. Brigit had her nerves saying that Aric was in an experimental phase with brownie fever. How condescending. Her matchmaking curse was officially over.
Thayer King wrote a cute quick easy read about a young women dating out of her usual choice of men and coming into her own confidence through this man's love.
Bliss Barnes was a woman of substance and Aric Ericson was drawn to that quality in her. Even after their blind date Aric persuaded her to go out again. But Bliss' matchmaking curse kept niggling at the back of her mind. To top it off, a misunderstanding had Bliss thinking that Eric was gay. She soon found out her mistake when they were forced to share the same hotel room. Thinking that he would not be attracted to her and she undressed before him. It was on like Donkey Kong. They were inseparable having many interests in common. Bliss soon got over her so called curse when she was ready to slap a beotch when she came on to her man. Be they her good friend Shantella la or Aric's ex Brigit, they would get a beat down for coming on to the man she loved. Brigit had her nerves saying that Aric was in an experimental phase with brownie fever. How condescending. Her matchmaking curse was officially over.
Thayer King wrote a cute quick easy read about a young women dating out of her usual choice of men and coming into her own confidence through this man's love.
January 16, 2013
thanks to this book hobby has to lotion my feet and hands at night, that's how you know this is a good read, I implemented some of the books romance in my own life!
April 28, 2016
Cute but uneventful.
November 28, 2020
Matched and Mixed
Bliss had bad luck with boyfriends and it seems girlfriends. Her three closest girlfriends are currently dating or married to men Bliss formerly dated. Granted her attachments were not long termed....but still it had to be awkward. Bliss is set up on a blind date with Aric. She had seen Aric before only out with another
man on what appeared to be a date. Convinced that he is gay she enjoys his friendship but doesn’t realize that he is falling for her. It isn’t until they have to share a room and she undresses in front of him does she see that he is attracted to her. They talk and clear up the question of his sexuality and start on a relationship that is clear on both sides. The only problems now are his hanging on ex girlfriend and Bliss’ disloyal friend. These problems are handled and the couple are off to HEA.
Bliss had bad luck with boyfriends and it seems girlfriends. Her three closest girlfriends are currently dating or married to men Bliss formerly dated. Granted her attachments were not long termed....but still it had to be awkward. Bliss is set up on a blind date with Aric. She had seen Aric before only out with another
man on what appeared to be a date. Convinced that he is gay she enjoys his friendship but doesn’t realize that he is falling for her. It isn’t until they have to share a room and she undresses in front of him does she see that he is attracted to her. They talk and clear up the question of his sexuality and start on a relationship that is clear on both sides. The only problems now are his hanging on ex girlfriend and Bliss’ disloyal friend. These problems are handled and the couple are off to HEA.
May 11, 2020
I enjoyed this book
The MC was basically a push over and her nickname the matchmaker did not come from her trying to be cupid. Basically the only real friend she had was outside her circle of so called best friends. Her real friend Penny set her up on a blind date and she ended up meeting and falling for Aric. Every guy she previously dated left her for her friends and she says she has forgiven. What they did affected her so much because she has a fear her friend will steal Aric away from. I glad she developed growth and stood up for herself, but I was so focused on the drama of her friendship, that her relationship with Aric turned out great.
The MC was basically a push over and her nickname the matchmaker did not come from her trying to be cupid. Basically the only real friend she had was outside her circle of so called best friends. Her real friend Penny set her up on a blind date and she ended up meeting and falling for Aric. Every guy she previously dated left her for her friends and she says she has forgiven. What they did affected her so much because she has a fear her friend will steal Aric away from. I glad she developed growth and stood up for herself, but I was so focused on the drama of her friendship, that her relationship with Aric turned out great.
March 19, 2020
Bliss and Aric
With friends like these who needs enemies. Bliss was always one man out. All the men in her life ended up with her friends until she met Aric. She actually friend zoned him for a while believing he eas gay. In the end they ended up together after she had to slap the mess out of one of her friends that tried to seduce him even though she had blatantly stolen Blisses last man and married him.
With friends like these who needs enemies. Bliss was always one man out. All the men in her life ended up with her friends until she met Aric. She actually friend zoned him for a while believing he eas gay. In the end they ended up together after she had to slap the mess out of one of her friends that tried to seduce him even though she had blatantly stolen Blisses last man and married him.
January 30, 2019
Super sweet and wonderfully funny story
Spoiler Alert: love Bliss and Aric. He had a true case of horniness while waiting for her to figure out “I’m not gay”! She was so worried about losing him to her friend. He was a loyal guy and never looked at other wonton when set eyes on Bliss. Shantalla was a true bitch and I am so glad Bliss slapped the crap out of her. Great read!!!
Spoiler Alert: love Bliss and Aric. He had a true case of horniness while waiting for her to figure out “I’m not gay”! She was so worried about losing him to her friend. He was a loyal guy and never looked at other wonton when set eyes on Bliss. Shantalla was a true bitch and I am so glad Bliss slapped the crap out of her. Great read!!!
February 21, 2020
Nice read
Like the characters and story.Aric and Bliss are a good couple. Their relationship begins based on a miss conception. She believes he is gay and he's wondering how he ended up in the friends zone. Soon they learn the truth and romance ensues. Nice writing entertaining story. Good Read
Like the characters and story.Aric and Bliss are a good couple. Their relationship begins based on a miss conception. She believes he is gay and he's wondering how he ended up in the friends zone. Soon they learn the truth and romance ensues. Nice writing entertaining story. Good Read
November 26, 2019
Brilliant
Ah really enjoyed this book, since purchasing this author's books based on Goodreads recommendation I just can't get enough. Strong characters, good storytelling just all round can't put the book down until I had finished.
Ah really enjoyed this book, since purchasing this author's books based on Goodreads recommendation I just can't get enough. Strong characters, good storytelling just all round can't put the book down until I had finished.
March 11, 2015
The Matchmaker is a sweet and hot romance between a woman who friends seem to fall in love (and marry) her dates and a man whose looks and profession may lead woman to wonder about his sexuality.
Bliss Barnes is the definition of a great friend. Known as the "big girl" in her circle she has been dubbed the matchmaker by her friends, due the fact that they all met their husbands as a result of her. Bliss doesn’t mind at all, she was not in love with any of them and is glad that her friends are happy. While out with a man she has been emailing for months, one of her single friends show up and flirts with her date. They end up driving her friend home after and Bliss thinks nothing of it, later she finds out they not only hooked up that night but, are now engaged! Bliss feels like she will never get over the curse of being the “Matchmaker”, enter Aric Ericson. Aric is an interior decorator with a body that would make a Norse god jealous, but his white blond features and career choice have made it a little difficult with the opposite sex. Bliss and Aric are set up on a bind date by a mutual friend and Bliss find herself attracted to him but she can’t help but think she has seen him somewhere before when she remembers her hearts sinks. Aric is very attracted to the sexy Ms. Bliss as well and wants her in his bed, however a misunderstanding leads Bliss to believe that Aric is gay. After spending some time tighter over the course if a few weeks, Aric accompanies Bliss to her friend’s wedding in Aspen. Sharing a room is no big deal to Bliss who believes he is gay but Aric is far from gay and what happens next proves he is straight and wants her.
I liked this book; the story was well written and had me hooked from page one. Bliss and Aric were so cute and funny; they had me laughing out loud at some of the things that went on, like when she undressed in front of him believing he was gay and he, in stunned man fashion, was talking to himself and he could not believe what was happening, I laughed so hard. It also had some very sweet moments like when Aric took care of her when she was sick and when her “friend” tried to seduce Aric he quickly put her in her place, Awesome! I have read a few books by this author and this one is my favorite so far. Great job!
Bliss Barnes is the definition of a great friend. Known as the "big girl" in her circle she has been dubbed the matchmaker by her friends, due the fact that they all met their husbands as a result of her. Bliss doesn’t mind at all, she was not in love with any of them and is glad that her friends are happy. While out with a man she has been emailing for months, one of her single friends show up and flirts with her date. They end up driving her friend home after and Bliss thinks nothing of it, later she finds out they not only hooked up that night but, are now engaged! Bliss feels like she will never get over the curse of being the “Matchmaker”, enter Aric Ericson. Aric is an interior decorator with a body that would make a Norse god jealous, but his white blond features and career choice have made it a little difficult with the opposite sex. Bliss and Aric are set up on a bind date by a mutual friend and Bliss find herself attracted to him but she can’t help but think she has seen him somewhere before when she remembers her hearts sinks. Aric is very attracted to the sexy Ms. Bliss as well and wants her in his bed, however a misunderstanding leads Bliss to believe that Aric is gay. After spending some time tighter over the course if a few weeks, Aric accompanies Bliss to her friend’s wedding in Aspen. Sharing a room is no big deal to Bliss who believes he is gay but Aric is far from gay and what happens next proves he is straight and wants her.
I liked this book; the story was well written and had me hooked from page one. Bliss and Aric were so cute and funny; they had me laughing out loud at some of the things that went on, like when she undressed in front of him believing he was gay and he, in stunned man fashion, was talking to himself and he could not believe what was happening, I laughed so hard. It also had some very sweet moments like when Aric took care of her when she was sick and when her “friend” tried to seduce Aric he quickly put her in her place, Awesome! I have read a few books by this author and this one is my favorite so far. Great job!
May 6, 2016
Loved it
Bliss reminds me of myself a little bit. I probably wouldn't have waited as long as she did to slap old girl though. I also love that she knew a girl named Nikia. Once again I'm very happy with this book. Keep up the good work.
Bliss reminds me of myself a little bit. I probably wouldn't have waited as long as she did to slap old girl though. I also love that she knew a girl named Nikia. Once again I'm very happy with this book. Keep up the good work.
October 7, 2013
It didn't flow like a short, which is one of the main reasons why I liked this book. I liked that Bliss finally got her bliss, even if she had to go through all that to get to it.
March 18, 2014
This was fun to read. Boy did it jump start memory lane for me with past relationships. I smiled all the way through. I look forward to reading more of Thayer King.
April 12, 2016
More like 3.5 stars
March 1, 2016
Great..
Loved Aric and Bliss. Found it humorous that she thought he was gay. With a friend like Shantella, who needs an enemy. Thanks Ms King for a great read
Loved Aric and Bliss. Found it humorous that she thought he was gay. With a friend like Shantella, who needs an enemy. Thanks Ms King for a great read
April 15, 2016
Instant Love
Wasn't too happy about the instant love. Shantell was clearly not a friend. Bliss was too much of a pushover. I liked the gay friend angle. Not bad.
Wasn't too happy about the instant love. Shantell was clearly not a friend. Bliss was too much of a pushover. I liked the gay friend angle. Not bad.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews