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The Matchmaker: A Novel
A society matchmaker realizes she’s in danger when her clients' weddings are sabotaged in increasingly disturbing ways—an utterly original mystery from New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed.
Nura Khan is a third-generation matchmaker in Atlanta and business has never been better. Her exclusive clientele benefits from her impeccable track record. And while a single thirty-one-year-old matchmaker would normally raise some perfectly threaded eyebrows in the community, Nura's childhood best friend Azar is willing to double as her pretend fiancé at her clients’ weddings—as long as Nura is able to hide that her feelings for him might not be so pretend.
But Nura quickly learns that all that glitters isn’t gold. While it’s not uncommon to get the occasional hate mail from rejected prospective clients, after a couple’s carefully constructed wedding implodes, Nura is blindsided by a cascading chain of increasingly terrifying events and realizes someone is taking things too far. With Azar by her side, Nura embarks on a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that threatens not only her safety but everything she's worked so hard to build.
Nura Khan is a third-generation matchmaker in Atlanta and business has never been better. Her exclusive clientele benefits from her impeccable track record. And while a single thirty-one-year-old matchmaker would normally raise some perfectly threaded eyebrows in the community, Nura's childhood best friend Azar is willing to double as her pretend fiancé at her clients’ weddings—as long as Nura is able to hide that her feelings for him might not be so pretend.
But Nura quickly learns that all that glitters isn’t gold. While it’s not uncommon to get the occasional hate mail from rejected prospective clients, after a couple’s carefully constructed wedding implodes, Nura is blindsided by a cascading chain of increasingly terrifying events and realizes someone is taking things too far. With Azar by her side, Nura embarks on a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that threatens not only her safety but everything she's worked so hard to build.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2025
131 people are currently reading
27594 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 687 reviews
August 15, 2024
This is my debut adult novel, and I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! :)
December 31, 2024
3.5🌟
Ready to find your perfect match?
When I first glanced at the cover for this book, I thought I was going to be a fun rom-com.
An ironic situation that finds a matchmaker who finds the perfect person for everyone…but unable to find her own match.
And yes, that was part of the book. But, there was also a completely different side to this storyline. More on that shortly.
Nura has taken over the family business, providing an exclusive matchmaking service. Highly successful, many apply but only a few are selected. When two recent weddings are sabotaged Nura knows it somehow ties back to her.
Now she finds herself being stalked in person and on line. Her home is broken into and threatening messages are being sent.
Wait! Hold up, here! I thought this was going to be a sweet romance? Not a murder mystery!?
This book definitely had an identity crisis. Apparently it's listed as both a mystery and a romance. Something I clearly overlooked when accepting this read.😅
But with both genres competing for dominance each gave up a bit of themselves along the way. I wanted the author to choose a lane and stay in it. But just as I got comfortable in the romance or the mystery, oops…It would flip again!🤦🏼♀️
Overall I did enjoy this ro-mystery.😉.
I think this author has the talent for both genres. But maybe just pick one at a time?🤷🏼♀️
Thank you to Random House Publishing via NetGalley
Ready to find your perfect match?
When I first glanced at the cover for this book, I thought I was going to be a fun rom-com.
An ironic situation that finds a matchmaker who finds the perfect person for everyone…but unable to find her own match.
And yes, that was part of the book. But, there was also a completely different side to this storyline. More on that shortly.
Nura has taken over the family business, providing an exclusive matchmaking service. Highly successful, many apply but only a few are selected. When two recent weddings are sabotaged Nura knows it somehow ties back to her.
Now she finds herself being stalked in person and on line. Her home is broken into and threatening messages are being sent.
Wait! Hold up, here! I thought this was going to be a sweet romance? Not a murder mystery!?
This book definitely had an identity crisis. Apparently it's listed as both a mystery and a romance. Something I clearly overlooked when accepting this read.😅
But with both genres competing for dominance each gave up a bit of themselves along the way. I wanted the author to choose a lane and stay in it. But just as I got comfortable in the romance or the mystery, oops…It would flip again!🤦🏼♀️
Overall I did enjoy this ro-mystery.😉.
I think this author has the talent for both genres. But maybe just pick one at a time?🤷🏼♀️
Thank you to Random House Publishing via NetGalley
November 7, 2025
This was rather interesting! The blend of romance and suspense/mystery didn't quite work for me, though I appreciate the author branching out and writing Desi characters in different situations. I also enjoy friends to lovers but the other woman subplot was NOT it.
And the main character has the same name as my childhood best friend, so I gotta give a high rating for that alone :)
Since I am neither Pakistani nor Muslim I will not comment on the representation.
Content warning: death, gun violence, past parental death, domestic violence, relative with dementia, kidnapping
And the main character has the same name as my childhood best friend, so I gotta give a high rating for that alone :)
Since I am neither Pakistani nor Muslim I will not comment on the representation.
Content warning: death, gun violence, past parental death, domestic violence, relative with dementia, kidnapping
March 30, 2025
3.5 Stars
Fast paced and entertaining, reading The Matchmaker makes me want to go and read Aisha Saeed’s backlist. There’s something for everyone in this book: suspense, relationships, culture, and laughs.
Nura is a renowned matchmaker in Atlanta who runs her company with professionalism and passion. Yet not everyone seems to be thrilled with her work as threatening letters and a podcast appear and her clients nuptials are sabotaged. Nura relies on her employees (who are really more like friends) and her best friend Azar (who she longs to be more than just friends) to help her solve the mystery and keep her sane.
Nura’s close relationship with her aunt is also prevalent as is the rocky one with her cousin, and it was great seeing the family dynamics of a close knit group who make mistakes but still love each other.
It becomes a balancing act as Nura attempts to run her business, find the culprit, accept the changing dynamics between her and Azur, and stay present in meaningful ways for her family. And while it seems like a lot, the story seamlessly moves between each piece, bringing it altogether in the end.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Fast paced and entertaining, reading The Matchmaker makes me want to go and read Aisha Saeed’s backlist. There’s something for everyone in this book: suspense, relationships, culture, and laughs.
Nura is a renowned matchmaker in Atlanta who runs her company with professionalism and passion. Yet not everyone seems to be thrilled with her work as threatening letters and a podcast appear and her clients nuptials are sabotaged. Nura relies on her employees (who are really more like friends) and her best friend Azar (who she longs to be more than just friends) to help her solve the mystery and keep her sane.
Nura’s close relationship with her aunt is also prevalent as is the rocky one with her cousin, and it was great seeing the family dynamics of a close knit group who make mistakes but still love each other.
It becomes a balancing act as Nura attempts to run her business, find the culprit, accept the changing dynamics between her and Azur, and stay present in meaningful ways for her family. And while it seems like a lot, the story seamlessly moves between each piece, bringing it altogether in the end.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
April 21, 2025
Yet another book I struggled with. This book couldn’t really make its mind up what it wanted to be. Is it a thriller? Is it a rom-com? Is it a women’s fiction? When you add to that, the person behind it all was ridiculously easy to figure out……..well it just had me rushing along to the end. The plot had such potential I thought, but it became muddled when everything extra was added in.
Overall I think if you’re looking for a cozy mystery read with a side of itty bitty romance and some desi culture, this may be a good read for you.
For me 2.5 stars in all.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
Overall I think if you’re looking for a cozy mystery read with a side of itty bitty romance and some desi culture, this may be a good read for you.
For me 2.5 stars in all.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
November 20, 2024
I went into this thinking it was pure cozy mystery but it also was very much about family (loved all of them) and friend relationships. It brought more heart than I had expected and that was nice. I had never come across a small business cozy that centred on a woman with a matchmaker business, which made me want to read this. I even rooted for her to find her match and was sure I knew she had already so I was very smiley when that came together in the end also.
The setting of Atlanta was well done at least for this reader who has never visited. The weddings described were extremely lush undertakings and a nice look-in especially since that's not my thing. And even with all the accoutrements, it was clear that true love was the goal of Nur for her clients. I also appreciated the topic of crushing debt being a thread for a character. It's timely and a reminder to truly see people and what they are struggling with, especially when you are not faced with the same things. We all have challenges and could use some grace, especially from friends.
All in all, I would recommend this one. It was my first read by the author and I would happily read another.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.
The setting of Atlanta was well done at least for this reader who has never visited. The weddings described were extremely lush undertakings and a nice look-in especially since that's not my thing. And even with all the accoutrements, it was clear that true love was the goal of Nur for her clients. I also appreciated the topic of crushing debt being a thread for a character. It's timely and a reminder to truly see people and what they are struggling with, especially when you are not faced with the same things. We all have challenges and could use some grace, especially from friends.
All in all, I would recommend this one. It was my first read by the author and I would happily read another.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.
May 7, 2025
There is nothing like binging a tension filled mystery during my work commute, and The Matchmaker was the perfect fast paced and entertaining story to make my drive go by quickly.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
I went into this, but completely blind, not knowing what to expect and got the best surprise! I was very invested in the story from the beginning and enjoyed the mixing of mystery and romance. Plus, the characters were wonderfully developed, and the family was so supportive.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Family secrets
Fake dating
Friends to lovers
Pinch of romance
Strong FMC
Stalker
Mystery
Twists
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Narrator Tiya Sircar turns in another stellar performance! She perfectly re-creates the voices of Nura’s family, coworkers and friends while enlivening the story!
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast!! This is a story I didn’t want to stop listening to.
Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I will absolutely pick up this author’s next book!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
Thank you PRH Audio for this gifted audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
I went into this, but completely blind, not knowing what to expect and got the best surprise! I was very invested in the story from the beginning and enjoyed the mixing of mystery and romance. Plus, the characters were wonderfully developed, and the family was so supportive.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Family secrets
Fake dating
Friends to lovers
Pinch of romance
Strong FMC
Stalker
Mystery
Twists
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Narrator Tiya Sircar turns in another stellar performance! She perfectly re-creates the voices of Nura’s family, coworkers and friends while enlivening the story!
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast!! This is a story I didn’t want to stop listening to.
Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I will absolutely pick up this author’s next book!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
Thank you PRH Audio for this gifted audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.
October 12, 2025
4 🌟
Mood/ Seasonal Reading: mentions heat a handful of times but doesn’t have a standout season. Read whenever you need a nice easy story
This was a very solid palate cleanser. The writing flowed fantastically for me. I was very invested in the story and enjoyed the mixing of genres. It provided enough thrills to keep me invested and enough romance and good times to keep me happy.
My biggest issue with the book was the reveal. I won’t say any spoilers but it felt too shocking for me and a bit of a let down. I found myself skipping over small sections at the end cause I was just kind of over it.
Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I will absolutely pick up another by the author if she goes this direction again.
Mood/ Seasonal Reading: mentions heat a handful of times but doesn’t have a standout season. Read whenever you need a nice easy story
This was a very solid palate cleanser. The writing flowed fantastically for me. I was very invested in the story and enjoyed the mixing of genres. It provided enough thrills to keep me invested and enough romance and good times to keep me happy.
My biggest issue with the book was the reveal. I won’t say any spoilers but it felt too shocking for me and a bit of a let down. I found myself skipping over small sections at the end cause I was just kind of over it.
Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I will absolutely pick up another by the author if she goes this direction again.
January 4, 2025
*+:｡.｡𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓪 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓭𝓸 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓽 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮. 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓯 𝔀𝓮’𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓭𝓻𝓪𝔀𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮, 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝔀𝓮’𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮. 𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓲𝓼𝓷’𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹. 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓪 𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓲𝓽. 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓷𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓮. 𝓢𝓶𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓑𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓷𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓼. 𝓙𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭𝔀𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮— 𝓸𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝓽— 𝓽𝓸 𝓺𝓾𝓲𝓽.｡.｡:+*
Woah, to be totally honest with you guys, I requested this book cuz I thought it was romance, but I was pleasantly surprised when I read it and found out that it was a mystery/thriller. And no I didn't get the culprit right; and that's a first
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
🌸 𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙻𝙳𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂
🌸 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈/𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙴𝚁
🌸 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶
🌸 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙸 𝚁𝙴𝙿
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I received the eARC 💕 Thank you so much Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Woah, to be totally honest with you guys, I requested this book cuz I thought it was romance, but I was pleasantly surprised when I read it and found out that it was a mystery/thriller. And no I didn't get the culprit right; and that's a first
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
🌸 𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙻𝙳𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂
🌸 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈/𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙴𝚁
🌸 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶
🌸 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙸 𝚁𝙴𝙿
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I received the eARC 💕 Thank you so much Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
March 21, 2025
As most of you know, I usually don’t read anything in the romance category, but I’d seen so many good reviews for this book that I went ahead and tried it out. There is some romance in it (it’s about a matchmaker, after all) but this is definitely more of a mystery book. I just wish it had a little more grit…
Nura Khan is our matchmaker, and she runs a successful agency that has been around for three generations. Her auntie Khala was running the business, but after she had a stroke and was diagnosed with early stages of dementia, Nura took over. She has a small but dedicated staff, and her best friend Azar pretends to be her fiancé when they are at her public events. (Nura doesn’t want the world to know that she can’t find a match for herself!) Everything is meticulous, until it isn’t.
Things start to unravel when the night before a wedding, the bride’s family says the relationship is done and the wedding is off. They were given a mug shot of the groom-to-be, and proof that he’d been incarcerated for assault. Nura is perplexed - she has a private investigator who checks out every single person they deal with. None of them should have criminal records or anything untoward in their background. Soon, she realizes the mug shot and police record was a lie, made up to ruin a wedding, and her business.
Then, an unknown podcaster starts talking about the Piyar Matchmaking Company, and not in a flattering light. Rumors begin to swirl online, and soon, people Nura has been working with suddenly want no part of her services. The mystery in the book is who is trying to sabotage her business, and why?
Overall, this book was entertaining, but not exciting. The story was relatively benign and I think there definitely could have been more suspense. It was still an enjoyable read though, and this is the author’s adult fiction debut. Going from writing books for younger readers to writing an adult mystery novel can’t be easy, but this turned out okay. I thought this was a bit too cutesy, but if you like cozy romance/mysteries, this one is for you! 3.5 stars.
(Thank you to Random House - Ballantine, Aisha Saeed and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on April 8, 2025.)
Nura Khan is our matchmaker, and she runs a successful agency that has been around for three generations. Her auntie Khala was running the business, but after she had a stroke and was diagnosed with early stages of dementia, Nura took over. She has a small but dedicated staff, and her best friend Azar pretends to be her fiancé when they are at her public events. (Nura doesn’t want the world to know that she can’t find a match for herself!) Everything is meticulous, until it isn’t.
Things start to unravel when the night before a wedding, the bride’s family says the relationship is done and the wedding is off. They were given a mug shot of the groom-to-be, and proof that he’d been incarcerated for assault. Nura is perplexed - she has a private investigator who checks out every single person they deal with. None of them should have criminal records or anything untoward in their background. Soon, she realizes the mug shot and police record was a lie, made up to ruin a wedding, and her business.
Then, an unknown podcaster starts talking about the Piyar Matchmaking Company, and not in a flattering light. Rumors begin to swirl online, and soon, people Nura has been working with suddenly want no part of her services. The mystery in the book is who is trying to sabotage her business, and why?
Overall, this book was entertaining, but not exciting. The story was relatively benign and I think there definitely could have been more suspense. It was still an enjoyable read though, and this is the author’s adult fiction debut. Going from writing books for younger readers to writing an adult mystery novel can’t be easy, but this turned out okay. I thought this was a bit too cutesy, but if you like cozy romance/mysteries, this one is for you! 3.5 stars.
(Thank you to Random House - Ballantine, Aisha Saeed and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on April 8, 2025.)
August 30, 2025
Nura Khan runs a matchmaking service that she's taken over from her aunt, who has developed health issues. Nura's put some of her own touches on the service, such as adding a dating app for people who can't afford the full personalized matching package. And she's been very successful, with a string of wedding invitations from happy clients. But the business does have a downside. It gets trolled by the occasional rejected client, and even Nura's cousin sneers at "arranged" marriages. When some high-profile weddings are sabotaged, Nura has to figure out who among her detractors could possibly be behind the damage.I really enjoyed this! Nura's narrative voice is both relatable and entertaining. Her life mostly revolves around work -- matchmaking requires a lot of handholding and personal time -- but there was enough else going on to also make her life feel full and believable.
There was just enough background and set-up, then boom! The sabotage begins, and someone really has it in for Nura and her team. I felt genuinely appalled for the couples whose weddings were ruined. I could hardly put this book down, trying to guess who could hate Nura or matchmaking enough to do these things. There's plenty of suspicion to go around. When the culprit was finally revealed, it was a punch in the gut, although .
I did find the fuss about "arranged" marriages a little mystifying. If your goal is to get married and start a family, why not be upfront about it and get matched up off the bat with someone else who shares that goal? It's made clear in the story that all of these couples have spent some time dating and have determined they are compatible before setting those wedding dates.
This was well-paced, engaging, and suspenseful.
December 15, 2024
An intriguing concept that just had too much going on to let me sink into the story.
I had to double check if this was categorized as a mystery or romance, and it was listed as both. I think trying to fit into both genres did the story a disservice. I wasn’t invested in the romance, yet it took up a decent portion of the book. I was invested a bit more intrigued by the mystery, but we got pulled out of it to revisit the romance. The two clashed, because each one was trying to be the focus. Of course I love a romance subplot in a mystery, but it’s like the romance and mystery were battling to be 50/50 and it didn’t work for me.
Overall, the plot was there, just not focused enough for me to really get into it.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
I had to double check if this was categorized as a mystery or romance, and it was listed as both. I think trying to fit into both genres did the story a disservice. I wasn’t invested in the romance, yet it took up a decent portion of the book. I was invested a bit more intrigued by the mystery, but we got pulled out of it to revisit the romance. The two clashed, because each one was trying to be the focus. Of course I love a romance subplot in a mystery, but it’s like the romance and mystery were battling to be 50/50 and it didn’t work for me.
Overall, the plot was there, just not focused enough for me to really get into it.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Read
April 28, 2025This was fun.
May 20, 2025
“When living in strange times, do strange things?”
3.5 stars 🌟
After loving Amal Unbound and Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed, I was very excited to read the adult debut by this author, and I am happy to say it didn't disappoint.
The Matchmaker is an exciting mystery-romance about our main character Nura, who is runing Piyar Matchmaking Agency on her own due to her aunt Khala's sickness. When things start going awry in the weddings she's set up and a podcast is shaming her name, Nura tries to uncover the truth as to why she's being sabotaged.
"This is my life now. I am someone’s prey—weaving and bobbing, trying to survive."
What I Liked-
• I really enjoyed this book. While it wasn't the same as the other books I read by this author, I thought it was a well balanced and interesting story.
• I also liked the writing style. It was easy to get through and I finished the book in a day.
• The characters and their motivations were also good.
“It’s not like I have that many people in my life. I want to hold on to the ones I do have.” “You have me,” he says.
“For now,” I say lightly.
“For always, Nur.” We’ll see, I think.
What I Didn't Like
• I agree with other reviews saying that this should have either been focused heavy on the mystery, or the romance, as the author can write both genres well, but it wasn't as impactful as the switch between them was jarring.
• Around mid-point, it became a bit too hard to suspend my disbelief. This book reminded me a lot of Dial A for Aunties, but while in that one, the romance wasn't to be taken seriously and came with a literal warning for 'insta-love', The Matchmaker reads like its supposed to be a perfect romantic mystery novel, but unfortunately falls flat on both.
• I didn't care much for the romance and any time I was warming up to it, the mystery served as a distraction, and vica versa.
• It was also pretty easy to guess who the culprit was early on.
Overall, while The Matchmaker wasn't flawless, I did like it quite a bit and am looking forward to more reads by the author.
"But I get it now. My reputation is shot. And in my line of work, reputation is everything. I’m done."
READ #1 May Asian Readathon 2025- Rep: Pakistani
#May 2025 READ 1
Reviewed on 13th May, 2025
DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
August 23, 2024
Thank you for Netgalley the advance copy!
First, I loved the authors writing style. It was beautifully written. I went into this blind and wasn’t really sure what it was about but couldn’t put it down once I got into it. Nura is a matchmaker & interesting things start happening surrounding the couples she has matched. I was on the edge of my seat at the end! Amazing first adult novel!
First, I loved the authors writing style. It was beautifully written. I went into this blind and wasn’t really sure what it was about but couldn’t put it down once I got into it. Nura is a matchmaker & interesting things start happening surrounding the couples she has matched. I was on the edge of my seat at the end! Amazing first adult novel!
December 21, 2024
This book was part mystery, part thriller, with a dash of romance. Nura is a matchmaker in Atlanta Georgia but someone is extremely upset with her and is determined to ruin her business and her life. On top of that, she herself has no love life as she is in love with her best friend but he is not interested in her that way. Things go from bad to worse when angry podcasts start airing, weddings disintegrate, her friends, and family are threatened, and then Nura's own life is in danger.
This book was a little slow for me. I enjoyed reading about the Indian culture and some of the wedding ceremonies but at times I felt a little lost. I also had trouble understanding the amount of hatred that someone had for Nura. It felt extreme considering she was just a matchmaking service. I enjoyed the ending of the book and the action however the romance felt off for me. I don't want to spoil it but it just seemed a little implausible. Overall, this was only an ok read for me.
Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for this ARC.
This book was a little slow for me. I enjoyed reading about the Indian culture and some of the wedding ceremonies but at times I felt a little lost. I also had trouble understanding the amount of hatred that someone had for Nura. It felt extreme considering she was just a matchmaking service. I enjoyed the ending of the book and the action however the romance felt off for me. I don't want to spoil it but it just seemed a little implausible. Overall, this was only an ok read for me.
Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 11, 2024
THANKS TO THE NETGALLEY AND PUBLISHER FOR THIS DIGITAL ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR A HONEST REVIEW.
Nura Khan is a third-generation matchmaker. Her grandmother started it in Pakistan and her aunt continued the legacy after moving to the USA, Nura is natural in matching people and joined her aunt after her mother passed away. She put all her efforts into agency, it is not typical matchmaking anymore. She has her team who developed an algorithm, their app, a tech guy, a PI, and a marketing team. She is a big name, but handling things like this is hard. You can't always help anyone. Negative reviews and conspiracy theories regarding the agency are not new things for them but it all got serious when back-to-back two marriages set by Nura went awry. Someone is after her and the agency with an agenda, She can't let anyone destroy her family business.
The story was new, unique, and definitely fresh. It is the first time, I read a Pakistani/desi mystery. It was a mixture of romance and mystery, though romance wasn't that much. I really enjoyed the mystery element and couldn't guess the ending which is a positive thing. In all of the small details, Nura's dynamic with her family and colleagues was well developed. Though Azar and Zaynah's part felt a bit bland and filler to me. The book was definitely a good read and I had fun. As usual, the thing that didn't sit well with me was picking half culture and leaving half behind. In simple words, it wasn't a halal romance. I am so done with this narrative of using culture to attract a certain demographic. Don't make characters Muslim if you can't handle halal romance.
Nura Khan is a third-generation matchmaker. Her grandmother started it in Pakistan and her aunt continued the legacy after moving to the USA, Nura is natural in matching people and joined her aunt after her mother passed away. She put all her efforts into agency, it is not typical matchmaking anymore. She has her team who developed an algorithm, their app, a tech guy, a PI, and a marketing team. She is a big name, but handling things like this is hard. You can't always help anyone. Negative reviews and conspiracy theories regarding the agency are not new things for them but it all got serious when back-to-back two marriages set by Nura went awry. Someone is after her and the agency with an agenda, She can't let anyone destroy her family business.
The story was new, unique, and definitely fresh. It is the first time, I read a Pakistani/desi mystery. It was a mixture of romance and mystery, though romance wasn't that much. I really enjoyed the mystery element and couldn't guess the ending which is a positive thing. In all of the small details, Nura's dynamic with her family and colleagues was well developed. Though Azar and Zaynah's part felt a bit bland and filler to me. The book was definitely a good read and I had fun. As usual, the thing that didn't sit well with me was picking half culture and leaving half behind. In simple words, it wasn't a halal romance. I am so done with this narrative of using culture to attract a certain demographic. Don't make characters Muslim if you can't handle halal romance.
January 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Matchmaker.
I don't read much romance but the premise piqued my interest, a mystery involving a third-generation successful matchmaker?
Count me in!
Sadly, The Matchmaker wasn't a good match for me.
The plot was pretty formulaic; someone is making threats online, Nura, the matchmaker in question, is being tracked/followed and dealing with family drama at the same time.
I wasn't a fan of Nura Khan. I didn't dislike her but I wished I liked her.
She was a typical cliche; matching couples and finding love for others but not interested in dating herself, leaning on a BFF as her 'boyfriend' stand-in when she was invited to client weddings.
Naturally, her BFF is attractive and a great catch, and her love for him is unrequited.
There was no chemistry between them and just because this is a story about a matchmaker it doesn't mean a romance involving the main character is mandatory.
Third, I thought Nura was going to solve the mystery but others did it for her; they figured it out instead of her doing the legwork.
Events happened to her and moved the plot rather than Nura.
She came off as a supporting character rather than the main.
The writing was good, but at the same time wordy.
There was not much suspense and typical misunderstandings with colleagues that led to Nura suspecting the wrong people, making assumptions, and the additional rom-com drama of dealing with her BFF dating and getting a love life that didn't involve her.
This was a bit too cozy for me but I appreciate the opportunity to read it before publication.
I don't read much romance but the premise piqued my interest, a mystery involving a third-generation successful matchmaker?
Count me in!
Sadly, The Matchmaker wasn't a good match for me.
The plot was pretty formulaic; someone is making threats online, Nura, the matchmaker in question, is being tracked/followed and dealing with family drama at the same time.
I wasn't a fan of Nura Khan. I didn't dislike her but I wished I liked her.
She was a typical cliche; matching couples and finding love for others but not interested in dating herself, leaning on a BFF as her 'boyfriend' stand-in when she was invited to client weddings.
Naturally, her BFF is attractive and a great catch, and her love for him is unrequited.
There was no chemistry between them and just because this is a story about a matchmaker it doesn't mean a romance involving the main character is mandatory.
Third, I thought Nura was going to solve the mystery but others did it for her; they figured it out instead of her doing the legwork.
Events happened to her and moved the plot rather than Nura.
She came off as a supporting character rather than the main.
The writing was good, but at the same time wordy.
There was not much suspense and typical misunderstandings with colleagues that led to Nura suspecting the wrong people, making assumptions, and the additional rom-com drama of dealing with her BFF dating and getting a love life that didn't involve her.
This was a bit too cozy for me but I appreciate the opportunity to read it before publication.
July 20, 2025
Tbh prob a 2.5 but I felt bad rating it a 2. It didn't feel realistic at all. In what world does the media care so much about a matchmaker? Or about upper class--but not mega mega rich--people's weddings? So much of the plot revolved around these people's fame but I just did not get why or how they were so famous. I also have never seen matchmaking done this way besides on Netflix's Indian Matchmaker, it's really unlike how matchmaking is done in Muslim communities these days, so I felt like it was in a world on its own rather than in Atlanta as the story tried to convince me. It's like if the Indian Matchmaker were a 30-something year old Muslim who was in the real world and not on some scripted reality TV show. So there was also a lot of drama that was simply unrealistic. From the family drama to the whole mystery and the story behind all the attacks/threats...I was just never convinced of it.
Also the book was never advertised as having halal romance, so I can't really fault it for not having it, but...the romance was so problematic on so many levels, and I'm not just talking about the haramness.
But it does have potential. I think if it leaned more into normal, realistic urban Muslim American communities it would've been so much more engaging, funny, and even have an improved mystery. But it took place in a world I simply don't believe exists
Also the book was never advertised as having halal romance, so I can't really fault it for not having it, but...the romance was so problematic on so many levels, and I'm not just talking about the haramness.
But it does have potential. I think if it leaned more into normal, realistic urban Muslim American communities it would've been so much more engaging, funny, and even have an improved mystery. But it took place in a world I simply don't believe exists
November 12, 2024
This one was such an interesting read. I loved Aisha Saeed's writing style and we really into the story until about half way through where I started to get a bit antsy for the plot to pick up more (& it did tbf), just not in the way I was hoping. You get the start of the story unraveling about half way and I remember thinking "okayyy but what's the rest of the book then?", just for the rest of the book to feel like forced twists and turns.
It is definitely far more heavy on the family drama and mystery than romance. In all honesty the romance aspect felt like more of an after thought and the obvious choice. And the family lore that gets dropped in there but doesn't really provide value outside being a bridge for better communication between the cousins. As far as the mystery aspect, I think the who dun it felt pretty well foreshadowed without being too heavy-handed.
This last bit could be considered spoilery, so stop reading if you don't want anything close to a spoiler... I think when reading the synopsis, I expected the wedding sabotages to start off as smaller things and we'd get more build up. But the second incident is a kidnapping and you find out the kidnapper 10 or so pages later. Very much a 'well that escalated quickly' moment.
Overall, an alright read. I'm looking forward to seeing what the author writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
2025
October 21, 2025ANHPI TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam
June 29, 2025
I really enjoyed the concept and the author’s writing style, but the romance was not something I was interested in. The MMC made me so irritated and I was hoping the FMC would meet and end up with someone else😓😓
Safety:
• no spice
• no OM
• MMC and FMC are best friends since childhood and both have had feelings for each other for years. They almost kiss/ do kiss one night years ago, but the MMC pulls away so the FMC says the situation was a mistake. MMC has dated since this and no info for FMC but I don’t think she was with anyone😒 (stop please✋this type of situation is way to overdone at this point)
• med-heavy OW… MMC is a playboy but finally settles down with a girl in the book who he really likes. He takes OW to his and the FMC’s favorite restaurants/ places, while breaking off the fake dating arrangement he had with the FMC (for FMC’s public appearance). MMC is around OW in front of the FMC a few times too.
Safety:
• no spice
• no OM
• MMC and FMC are best friends since childhood and both have had feelings for each other for years. They almost kiss/ do kiss one night years ago, but the MMC pulls away so the FMC says the situation was a mistake. MMC has dated since this and no info for FMC but I don’t think she was with anyone😒 (stop please✋this type of situation is way to overdone at this point)
• med-heavy OW… MMC is a playboy but finally settles down with a girl in the book who he really likes. He takes OW to his and the FMC’s favorite restaurants/ places, while breaking off the fake dating arrangement he had with the FMC (for FMC’s public appearance). MMC is around OW in front of the FMC a few times too.
April 10, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a quick read that I really enjoyed! The characters were all so interesting - Nura especially - that I couldn’t help but become engrossed in their world.
I do think some parts of this were weak - Nura’s inner monologue got repetitive at times, and I think her relationships with Khala & Nina could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. But overall I really enjoyed it! The stakes were high, for sure, but the pacing was steady throughout and I rooted for Nura the whole way.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aisha Saeed, and Bantam Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I do think some parts of this were weak - Nura’s inner monologue got repetitive at times, and I think her relationships with Khala & Nina could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. But overall I really enjoyed it! The stakes were high, for sure, but the pacing was steady throughout and I rooted for Nura the whole way.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aisha Saeed, and Bantam Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2025
A delightful read! My review:
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June 6, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ it was a cute mix of a mystery and romance
April 1, 2025
[3.5 stars]
Nura Khan is a third-generation matchmaker who is revolutionizing the field in Atlanta. Her high-profile clientele looking for personalized matching go directly through her rather than her app, combining the 21st century with centuries-old practices. Overall, her business is booming, and clients couldn't be happier. That is, until a string of unfortunate events unfolds for two weddings. Nura is now associated with two failed weddings - one is called off due to the groom being outed as a criminal, and the other with the sudden disappearance of both the bride and the groom. As word spreads, Nura's clients begin dropping their contracts. This isn't the only problem in Nura's life, however. Whoever is behind these events is also targeting Nura herself - and eventually her family. Just when Nura thinks the problem is taken care of, the activity ramps up. Nura's business and livelihood may never be the same.
This was a fun and fast-paced read! I kind of figured out the final twist, but some aspects still surprised me. The first few chapters will trick you into thinking this is a full romance novel! It is very romance-heavy, but still has the classic aspects of a typical mystery. I didn't love the underlying romance, but didn't find it overwhelming while reading either. If you're looking for a life-changing mystery or thriller, this isn't it. But it is a fun and quick read that will keep you hooked! I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of cozy mysteries!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bantam Books, and Aisha Saeed for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Nura Khan is a third-generation matchmaker who is revolutionizing the field in Atlanta. Her high-profile clientele looking for personalized matching go directly through her rather than her app, combining the 21st century with centuries-old practices. Overall, her business is booming, and clients couldn't be happier. That is, until a string of unfortunate events unfolds for two weddings. Nura is now associated with two failed weddings - one is called off due to the groom being outed as a criminal, and the other with the sudden disappearance of both the bride and the groom. As word spreads, Nura's clients begin dropping their contracts. This isn't the only problem in Nura's life, however. Whoever is behind these events is also targeting Nura herself - and eventually her family. Just when Nura thinks the problem is taken care of, the activity ramps up. Nura's business and livelihood may never be the same.
This was a fun and fast-paced read! I kind of figured out the final twist, but some aspects still surprised me. The first few chapters will trick you into thinking this is a full romance novel! It is very romance-heavy, but still has the classic aspects of a typical mystery. I didn't love the underlying romance, but didn't find it overwhelming while reading either. If you're looking for a life-changing mystery or thriller, this isn't it. But it is a fun and quick read that will keep you hooked! I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of cozy mysteries!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bantam Books, and Aisha Saeed for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
March 11, 2025
Aisha Saeed’s debut adult fiction novel, The Matchmaker is equal parts family story and mystery.
Nura Khan is a renowned matchmaker and her agency Piyar has made waves in the matchmaking industry but at its inception and core, it is a family business founded by Nura’s aunt, Khala (the Urdu term for aunt).
Nura lives the life of a boss woman, complete with its trials and luxuries. Her work and her Khala’s legacy are her whole life leaving no room for love or even family.
Then enters a creepy podcaster, ominous voice notes, serial killer style notes, kidnappings, and smear campaigns leading Nura and her close knit team to take the threat of violence against Nura and her business seriously.
Who is after Nura? Is it a match gone wrong? Is it someone Nura rejected from taking on as a client? Is it someone from her past, because everyone has a past or someone from her present?
The cast of characters guide the reader through weddings and matches made, family dynamics and hostilities with the thrilling mystery of who is after Nura casting a web over all of it.
This story is binge-able and exciting! It is reminiscent of the “hating aunties” or “matchmaking aunties” stereotype in an engaging and playful way with lots of sprinkles of desi culture which I loved!
This is a great read for when you are looking for a mystery on the lighter spectrum of thrilling, some swooning and a lot of theories.
Thank you to Random House for the ARC!
Nura Khan is a renowned matchmaker and her agency Piyar has made waves in the matchmaking industry but at its inception and core, it is a family business founded by Nura’s aunt, Khala (the Urdu term for aunt).
Nura lives the life of a boss woman, complete with its trials and luxuries. Her work and her Khala’s legacy are her whole life leaving no room for love or even family.
Then enters a creepy podcaster, ominous voice notes, serial killer style notes, kidnappings, and smear campaigns leading Nura and her close knit team to take the threat of violence against Nura and her business seriously.
Who is after Nura? Is it a match gone wrong? Is it someone Nura rejected from taking on as a client? Is it someone from her past, because everyone has a past or someone from her present?
The cast of characters guide the reader through weddings and matches made, family dynamics and hostilities with the thrilling mystery of who is after Nura casting a web over all of it.
This story is binge-able and exciting! It is reminiscent of the “hating aunties” or “matchmaking aunties” stereotype in an engaging and playful way with lots of sprinkles of desi culture which I loved!
This is a great read for when you are looking for a mystery on the lighter spectrum of thrilling, some swooning and a lot of theories.
Thank you to Random House for the ARC!
August 14, 2024
This was such a unique book! I have truly never read anything like it before and it is always so cool when that happens.
If I could sum this up in one sentence it would be "matchmaking gone wrong, very wrong."
This book is part mystery, part romance. A matchmaker is being targeted, her couples and her career are being destroyed. And it's one of those mysteries where, once you're finished, you can look back and see all the little hints and puzzle pieces that were pointing to the ending/culprit. And not in a way where it was super obvious who did it, but in that way that makes you sit back and go "oooooooh, that makes sense in hindsight."
The characters of this book are Desi, and this dives a bit into that culture and those traditions (specifically around marriage). This shows a modern version of arranged marriages and how that has developed overtime - that was very interesting to me, since I didn't know much about that before this book.
If you like White Lotus (tv show) and Crazy Rich Asians (book and movie), then I think you'd really like this. The mystery gave me the vibes of White Lotus and the super rich weddings reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians.
This was a fun time! And you'll speed through it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If I could sum this up in one sentence it would be "matchmaking gone wrong, very wrong."
This book is part mystery, part romance. A matchmaker is being targeted, her couples and her career are being destroyed. And it's one of those mysteries where, once you're finished, you can look back and see all the little hints and puzzle pieces that were pointing to the ending/culprit. And not in a way where it was super obvious who did it, but in that way that makes you sit back and go "oooooooh, that makes sense in hindsight."
The characters of this book are Desi, and this dives a bit into that culture and those traditions (specifically around marriage). This shows a modern version of arranged marriages and how that has developed overtime - that was very interesting to me, since I didn't know much about that before this book.
If you like White Lotus (tv show) and Crazy Rich Asians (book and movie), then I think you'd really like this. The mystery gave me the vibes of White Lotus and the super rich weddings reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians.
This was a fun time! And you'll speed through it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2025
Thanks to Ballantine Books and PRH Audio for the gifted copies of this book!
Representation: AAPI (Pakistani American)
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿… a debut that packages romance and mystery together for a fast-paced read!
𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Nura Khan is a highly sought after matchmaker, and she’s well-established enough to be picky about the high-society clients she chooses to work with. Buuuut this makes her some enemies, and instead of the usual hate mail, events start getting increasingly more dangerous. At the same time, she’s trying to figure out feelings for her childhood best friend, who has a new beau.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: This book was not what I expected at all, and that was in such a good way! I honestly expected a cute romcom featuring a matchmaker who also falls in love… but apparently I missed the giant target on the front cover of the book😂 This is quite the cat-and-mouse game that had a few suspenseful turns that I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed that we had a romance with a very relevant conflict (he’s seeing someone else) when you KNOW they’re just meant to be together. But we also got Nura’s business ventures, personal life, family background, and the mystery / suspense element to really round out the story. And this is an adult debut!!! I can’t wait for more from Aisha!
Representation: AAPI (Pakistani American)
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿… a debut that packages romance and mystery together for a fast-paced read!
𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Nura Khan is a highly sought after matchmaker, and she’s well-established enough to be picky about the high-society clients she chooses to work with. Buuuut this makes her some enemies, and instead of the usual hate mail, events start getting increasingly more dangerous. At the same time, she’s trying to figure out feelings for her childhood best friend, who has a new beau.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: This book was not what I expected at all, and that was in such a good way! I honestly expected a cute romcom featuring a matchmaker who also falls in love… but apparently I missed the giant target on the front cover of the book😂 This is quite the cat-and-mouse game that had a few suspenseful turns that I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed that we had a romance with a very relevant conflict (he’s seeing someone else) when you KNOW they’re just meant to be together. But we also got Nura’s business ventures, personal life, family background, and the mystery / suspense element to really round out the story. And this is an adult debut!!! I can’t wait for more from Aisha!
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