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Lady Marigold's Matchmaking Service #1
The Earl's Lady Thief
Miss Catharina Sagewick knows what she needs in life—a passionate man who desires adventure. When her father arranges a marriage of convenience, Catharina derails his wishes by purposefully getting caught stealing. With her name now ruined, and no worthy suitors calling, she is sent into the care of Lady Marigold’s Matchmaking Service. While in London, Catharina meets a man who defies handsomeness, who confides in her that he lives a secret life of adventure that causes her heart to flutter.
She will do whatever it takes to remain with him…
Gideon, Lord Hainsely, seeks a wife with a spotless reputation. But first he must retrieve a painting that holds a clue leading to a vast ancestral treasure. When he tries to steal the painting, however, he is caught, damaging his reputation. He believes all is lost, until he meets Catharina. She is beautiful, opinionated, and when he learns she is an infamous thief, he knows he must avail himself of her skills.
He knows she’s trouble but can’t resist playing with fire…
As the two set off across London to unravel a trail of clues, new feelings between the happy couple begin to emerge. Finding a lost treasure is one thing, but finding love may prove the hardest challenge of all.
She will do whatever it takes to remain with him…
Gideon, Lord Hainsely, seeks a wife with a spotless reputation. But first he must retrieve a painting that holds a clue leading to a vast ancestral treasure. When he tries to steal the painting, however, he is caught, damaging his reputation. He believes all is lost, until he meets Catharina. She is beautiful, opinionated, and when he learns she is an infamous thief, he knows he must avail himself of her skills.
He knows she’s trouble but can’t resist playing with fire…
As the two set off across London to unravel a trail of clues, new feelings between the happy couple begin to emerge. Finding a lost treasure is one thing, but finding love may prove the hardest challenge of all.
Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2023
214 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Monroe
67 books94 followersJennifer Monroe writes sweet Regency Romance you can’t resist. Her stories are filled with first loves and second chances with dashing dukes and strong heroines. Each turn of the page promises an adventure in love and many late nights of reading.
Not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, A Lady’s Promise, from my website and have it delivered to your inbox today!
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, A Lady’s Promise, from my website and have it delivered to your inbox today!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 7, 2024
A family story passed from one Earl of Hainsley to the next, tells the story of great treasure belonging to the Knights Templar. Such treasure would make the earl a very wealthy man. Only the first clue is hidden in a painting previously owned by Gideon's father, but sold on faith of buying it back. Unfortunately the newest Lord Callingswell claims the painting and treasure is his. It takes a lady thief to steal the painting and solve the first clue. Together Miss Catharina and Gideon steal for more clues often with hilarious results. Spies and many lies will leave you biting your fingernails until the treasure is found. It takes a lot of trust for two thieves to fall in love. Very entertaining. A clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Wolf Publishing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Wolf Publishing.
January 25, 2024
Catharina Sagewick’s father wishes her to marry a marquis so she derails his wishes by purposefully getting caught stealing. With her name now ruined, and no worthy suitors calling, she is sent into the care of Lady Marigold’s Matchmaking Service. Gideon, Lord Hainsely, seeks a wife with a spotless reputation. But first he must retrieve a painting that holds a clue leading to a vast ancestral treasure. When he tries to steal the painting, however, he is caught, damaging his reputation. He believes all is lost, until he meets Catharina. As the two set off across London to unravel a trail of clues, new feelings begin to emerge.
The start of a new series & another well written engaging book. The characters have depth & the pace is good. Gideon & Catharina are interesting characters, their banter is a delight. The hunt for the treasure kept me turning the pages to see where the clues would lead & what trouble the couple would find. Whilst I liked Gideon & Catharina I didn’t love them but I did enjoy the book & look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & another well written engaging book. The characters have depth & the pace is good. Gideon & Catharina are interesting characters, their banter is a delight. The hunt for the treasure kept me turning the pages to see where the clues would lead & what trouble the couple would find. Whilst I liked Gideon & Catharina I didn’t love them but I did enjoy the book & look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 20, 2023
This story was a sweet start to a lovely new series. I enjoyed the matchmaking premise and the unlikely friendship between the lady of the house and her hired companion. It is the female friendships that always add to these stories, creating a place of companionship and loyalty to admire. The road is a bumpy one indeed when a relationship is built upon untruths, Gideon & Catherina have much to overcome. It is only through their shared adventure that learn to trust one another enough to reveal their truths so that they can begin anew in the end. A bit of mystery, a trail of puzzles and a love story to build upon.
December 14, 2023
Thanks to Wolf Publishing for an ARC of this book, the first installment in the “Lady Marigold’s Matchmaking Service” series. I’m tempted to give this only 4 stars, but I enjoyed it so much more than the previous series (Sisterhood of Secrets), that I feel as if I need to acknowledge this is better. On the other hand, I enjoyed the first book I read in that other series; it just grew tedious over time. The other reason I’m tempted to give this only 4 stars is because the writing is not terribly creative or impressive. It’s good enough, it’s easy to read, and it’s enjoyable, but it’s not exceptional. But what can I do when they only allow for 1-5 stars? I only have 4 choices, and since it’s better than a lot of stuff I’ve read and probably rates 4.5, I’m giving it 5 stars.
Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you what I liked about the book. It’s a fun treasure hunt/mystery with clues sprinkled throughout that Catherina Sagewick and Gideon Hainsley need to puzzle through to find the next clues. They’re in search of a treasure that has been part of the Hainsley family, but hidden, for many generations. It has been so hidden that many believe it’s a tall-tale, but not Catherina and Gideon.
The banter between the two of them is really funny, and the contrast between the sexes is on full display—Catherina is clever and persistent while Gideon is boastful and prideful, needing to be reminded that Catherina is just as smart (actually, smarter) than he is. She also has a much softer touch when it comes to gaining information from people. I laughed out loud when they went to a museum and couldn’t gain entrance until she stepped in and explained Gideon was actually a distant cousin of the man who donated the museum and all of its treasures. While Gideon struggles to catch up to what she’s saying, she tells the guard: “Forgive my friend,” she said. “He is feebleminded and cannot speak of his own accord.”
Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you what I liked about the book. It’s a fun treasure hunt/mystery with clues sprinkled throughout that Catherina Sagewick and Gideon Hainsley need to puzzle through to find the next clues. They’re in search of a treasure that has been part of the Hainsley family, but hidden, for many generations. It has been so hidden that many believe it’s a tall-tale, but not Catherina and Gideon.
The banter between the two of them is really funny, and the contrast between the sexes is on full display—Catherina is clever and persistent while Gideon is boastful and prideful, needing to be reminded that Catherina is just as smart (actually, smarter) than he is. She also has a much softer touch when it comes to gaining information from people. I laughed out loud when they went to a museum and couldn’t gain entrance until she stepped in and explained Gideon was actually a distant cousin of the man who donated the museum and all of its treasures. While Gideon struggles to catch up to what she’s saying, she tells the guard: “Forgive my friend,” she said. “He is feebleminded and cannot speak of his own accord.”
February 6, 2024
This is such a fun story with characters and situations that just keep your attention fixed on finishing the story. Catharina Sagewick wants to marry a man that will love adventures, taking her with him wherever he goes. Her father is intent on getting her married and when he sets up a marriage with a man that she knows is just so wrong for her, she does what she must to end the betrothal. Unfortunately stealing the pearls of her new fiance's mother wasn't her greatest idea. Now no one wants to court her and her father is getting desperate. He contacts Lady Marigold’s Matchmaking Service and sends her off to London to find a husband.
Gideon, Lord Hainsely leads a very boring life but when his father dies and tells him about a hidden treasure with clues in a painting formerly owned by his family, he must get it back. When the new owner refuses to sell it to him, he decides to steal it. Getting caught has him now rejected by his peers and he still needs to find a way to get the painting to find clues to the treasure.
When Gideon and Catharina meet there is a connection. She thinks he is just the man she has been searching for and he discovers she is just the thief he needs to help him. Together they set off to solve the puzzle of the missing treasure but there will be others trying to stop them. Will they find more than a hidden treasure as they continue to spend time together?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Gideon, Lord Hainsely leads a very boring life but when his father dies and tells him about a hidden treasure with clues in a painting formerly owned by his family, he must get it back. When the new owner refuses to sell it to him, he decides to steal it. Getting caught has him now rejected by his peers and he still needs to find a way to get the painting to find clues to the treasure.
When Gideon and Catharina meet there is a connection. She thinks he is just the man she has been searching for and he discovers she is just the thief he needs to help him. Together they set off to solve the puzzle of the missing treasure but there will be others trying to stop them. Will they find more than a hidden treasure as they continue to spend time together?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
November 20, 2023
This is one of the most entertaining books I have read!
Catharina Sagewick wants to find a husband who loves adventure, but her father arranges a marriage for her. At a ball at her betrothed's home, she takes his mother's pearls to get out of the marriage. Now ruined, her father arranges for her to go with Lady Marigold, who owns a matchmaking service to find a husband for Catharina.
At a party with Lady Marigold, she meets Gideon, The Earl of Hainsley, who has retrieved a painting his father told him led to great riches.
This is such a fun, highly enjoyable read with laugh out loud antics as they search for the clues.
The chemistry between the two was interesting.
There were also many interesting secondary characters.
I gave it 5-stars!
Catharina Sagewick wants to find a husband who loves adventure, but her father arranges a marriage for her. At a ball at her betrothed's home, she takes his mother's pearls to get out of the marriage. Now ruined, her father arranges for her to go with Lady Marigold, who owns a matchmaking service to find a husband for Catharina.
At a party with Lady Marigold, she meets Gideon, The Earl of Hainsley, who has retrieved a painting his father told him led to great riches.
This is such a fun, highly enjoyable read with laugh out loud antics as they search for the clues.
The chemistry between the two was interesting.
There were also many interesting secondary characters.
I gave it 5-stars!
December 20, 2023
I enjoyed reading the story of Miss Catharina Sagewick and Lord Gideon Hainsley and their adventure of solving the puzzle to the hidden treasure.
Catharina steals a necklace to break a marriage agreement to a man she does not want to marry. Her father hires a matchmaker to find her a husband since all of her suitors no longer show an interest in her because of the scandal.
Gideon promised his dying father that he would get a painting back that holds the clue to a hidden treasure. He gets caught stealing the painting from the person who currently owns it.
Catharina and Gideon meet at a house party and decide to work together to get the painting back and to solve the puzzle to where the hidden treasure is hidden.
Let the fun adventure begin!!
Catharina steals a necklace to break a marriage agreement to a man she does not want to marry. Her father hires a matchmaker to find her a husband since all of her suitors no longer show an interest in her because of the scandal.
Gideon promised his dying father that he would get a painting back that holds the clue to a hidden treasure. He gets caught stealing the painting from the person who currently owns it.
Catharina and Gideon meet at a house party and decide to work together to get the painting back and to solve the puzzle to where the hidden treasure is hidden.
Let the fun adventure begin!!
January 16, 2024
This book reminded me of a movie about searching for the Knights Templar treasure, but it was so different and I loved working through the clues with the characters! The banter between Catharina and Gideon was playful and witty, though there were times I thought both of them were a bit full of themselves, only to discover they were bantering. The villain gets his due and I especially loved the scene where he gets highly embarrassed! Would have loved to have been in the room when the villain’s helpers realize they would be dumped as well. All in all a good book though it did seem to drag in some places. Loved the “thief “ theme as well.
December 16, 2023
Catharina, in a desperate move to not have to marry a suitor her father picks out for her, gets caught stealing a necklace. Gideon is looking for a wife with no flaws. His past is not impeccable either as he was caught trying to take a painting. The painting was sold by his father and the new owner will not sell it back. He enlists Catharina to help "borrow" the picture as it is rumored to hold a hint to a treasure. As Catharina falls in love with him, is he just using her? He is falling for her but having a hard time trusting her. How will this ever work out?
April 1, 2024
Loved it! Catharina has a unacceptable marriage arranged by her father. In order to get out of it, she steals his mothers' pearls at their betrothal ball and ruins her reputation. Her father then sends her to a matchmaking service, where she meets Gideon. He also is touched by scandal after having tried to steal a painting when the owner refused to sell. They have instant chemistry and Gideon also realizes she is just the "thief" he needs to help recoup his painting.
Thank you Jennifer Monroe and Wolf Publishing for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
Thank you Jennifer Monroe and Wolf Publishing for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
December 15, 2023
Little bit of mystery, puzzle of sorts thanks to the painting that was part of the Hainsley household for years.
The characters have smarts, little bit of sass, creative (museum), poor Gideon. Adventure, yep, it's here too. Even the background characters are amazing, yes, I'm talking about you Olivia!
The characters have smarts, little bit of sass, creative (museum), poor Gideon. Adventure, yep, it's here too. Even the background characters are amazing, yes, I'm talking about you Olivia!
April 12, 2025
Two peas in a pod
Great story wonderful story line great characters. This story will make you laugh. A young lady wanting adventures, but supposed to marry, steals a necklace, and boldly shows it, and just like that there is no marriage. Then she meets a Earl, and they embark on a treasure hunt, because he thinks she's a master thief.
Thank you ❤️
Great story wonderful story line great characters. This story will make you laugh. A young lady wanting adventures, but supposed to marry, steals a necklace, and boldly shows it, and just like that there is no marriage. Then she meets a Earl, and they embark on a treasure hunt, because he thinks she's a master thief.
Thank you ❤️
May 23, 2025
Very Clever Story
The main characters had each disgraced themselves in society and found themselves involved in a clever scheme to help the Hero gain the wealth he needed to continue his lifestyle and legacy. Per the period propriety was strictly adhered to and made things awkward for the budding romance.
The main characters had each disgraced themselves in society and found themselves involved in a clever scheme to help the Hero gain the wealth he needed to continue his lifestyle and legacy. Per the period propriety was strictly adhered to and made things awkward for the budding romance.
November 21, 2023
I love this new beginning of a series! Catharina and Gideon's story is delightful. I love the banter between these characters. The suspense is wonderful and kept me wanting to read well into the night. I am excited for Olivia's story in the next book in the series.
April 16, 2025
I found both the main characters rather shallow. The hero wasn't too bright, and she told him what to do. Their relationship was built on lies and the only thing they had in common was physical attraction. Don't think I'll read anymore of the series. The lady's companion had a better story line.
April 23, 2025
Meh
The primary characters are interesting and the two “good” characters build a fun relationship while the “villain” is as expected. Overall not a bad story, but too much like the DaVinci Code in my opinion.
The primary characters are interesting and the two “good” characters build a fun relationship while the “villain” is as expected. Overall not a bad story, but too much like the DaVinci Code in my opinion.
August 10, 2024
Great read!
I enjoyed the story and all the mystery and adventure. I especially enjoyed the fact that the evil Viscount was the loser! I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean, sweet romance with adventure.
I enjoyed the story and all the mystery and adventure. I especially enjoyed the fact that the evil Viscount was the loser! I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean, sweet romance with adventure.
April 24, 2025
Sweet and clean tea
May 1, 2025
Kind of cute, but not a lot of substance. And if you’re looking for a little steam, look somewhere else. Probably great for young teenagers. I would have loved it when I was 14.
August 10, 2024
A delightful story to read and first book in a new series. I enjoyed the romance that developed between Gideon and Catharina.
January 15, 2024
I had a fantastic time reading Gideon and Catharine’s story. Having two people come together over a picture heist is always a story filled with excitement and entertainment. I think that Gideon brings the entertainment while Catharina controls all the excitement. Their mission or the heist was humorous in some parts and other parts I sympathized with Gideons quest. Honoring Gideons father was a great focal point for him and his family. Catharina I think should have taken a different route if she wanted to have adventures and do for herself. A woman can always pick up a trade or help the less fortunate. I enjoyed the book all the more. This is a book for readers who love falling in love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
Believing her to be a master thief, Gideon recruits Catharina to help him retrieve a painting and solve the clues connected with it to find a treasure. Both have been caught stealing at a Ton event. She did it specifically to get caught and escape a betrothal. It was the only time she did it, but in the Ton reputation is everything. Their search for the clues becomes an adventure, and they fall in love with each other. The problem is learning to trust each other. Will they put the clues together to find the treasure? Will they learn to trust each other and grab the real treasure? An entertaining and fun story with a mystery, a bit of danger, and a happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 17, 2024
Beautifully written as always. Lady Catharina figures out a way to get out of her father’s matchmaking. She meets someone that meets her standards, but is he interested. Can’t wait for the next book.
October 19, 2025
The story has some good banter between the main characters. The heroine to get out of an arranged marriage steals a necklace and gets caught. She is then sent to a matchmaker. The hero has been asked to take back a painting and as he tries, he also is caught. When he meets her, he thinks she is a master thief and enlists her help. How these would be 5ieves succeed and find a HEA makes for a good read.
January 29, 2025
This story has well developed characters along with has story that has thievery, misunderstanding, deception, lies, thefts, humor, mysteries, suspense and of course love. There are wonderful interactions between Catharina Sagewick and Gideon, the Earl of Hainsley as this story plays out before your eyes. I think you will enjoy this original story with the characters in distinctly different roles.
February 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this enthralling story of love and mystery. Gideon believes Catharina is the thief running riot around London, but is she. Gideon and Catharina are wonderfully written characters in this delightful story.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews