Surprising the Solemn Guy

The Matchmakers #7

by Lisa Freed

AARON
People act like being blind is the worst thing in the world. It’s not. Being treated like an outsider or less than a person is what really hurts. When my grandfather says he knows just the woman for me, I’m dubious at best. How can I ask someone to be my other half when others see me as a burden not as a man?

CHER
Having spent my life caring for a terminally ill mother, now that she’s gone the freedom from the crushing pressure of responsibility is bittersweet. Suddenly, my life is wide open and achingly empty. My grandmother sets me up on a blind date and I agree in hopes of making a connection. What I don’t expect is a man quite different and unexpectedly amazing that makes my life full again.

Surprising the Solemn Guy is a steamy and sweet, opposites attract age gap romance. Each book in the series features an imperfect hero that finds his happily ever after with the heroine that heals his heart.

Genres: Disability, Novella

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2025

About the author

Lisa's a sucker for anything romance. From middle school on she was sneak reading her mom's romances. Big, beefy man on the cover? She was there!
Alphas, Billionaires, and English Lords- oh my!
But at the end of the day a tender tyrant is what truly made her little heart go pitter patter.
She writes feel-good stories about imperfect people finding their HEA. Because it's not a romance without a most satisfying HEA.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising the Solemn Guy: Imperfect Heroes is Book 7 of The Matchmakers Series. It’s a short and steamy OTT, opposites-attract, age-gap, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Cher is a 25 year old sweet and curvy girl still mourning the recent loss of her mother. Aaron is a 36 year old hunky audio book narrator who is blind. The two of them are set up by their grandparents' matchmaking group. They hit it off, and things progress from friendly to hot and steamy the more time they spend together. These two were so perfect together. I loved their witty banter and hot chemistry. We also got a great HEA after some minor angst. I love this whole series so much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The matchmakers at Honeysuckle Senior Center are at it again. They invited some of the other seniors who want to match up their loved ones to fill out the questionnaire that the group uses to score the potential dates. Their scoring system help put the right matches together.

Fred wants to find someone for his grandson, Aaron who is 36. Kelly wants a match for her granddaughter Hannah. Kelly doesn’t understand the system and declares that Hannah is a match for Aaron before she runs off for a doctor’s appointment. Vanessa wants a match for her 25 year old granddaughter, Cher, who has spent most of her life taking care of her terminally ill mother. Her mother died 5 months ago. Vanessa’s wheelchair was acting up, so she was late for the meeting. The matchmakers look at Cher’s score and conclude that Cher is the real match for Aaron. Fred agrees to set up Aaron with both women, so Kelly is not upset.

Nana Vanessa tells Cher about the matchmaking group and that she set her up on a date for Friday night with Aaron. On Monday night, Aaron is waiting for Hannah. He is legally blind and hasn’t been on a date for five months. He has been told that he is too quiet, too serious, boring or not a good fit. Hannah, Kelly’s granddaughter never shows up. Aaron is ready to tell Grandpa Fred to forget about the other date on Friday night, but his driver Dennis convinces him to take a chance.

I thought it was rude of Hannah to not go on the date when she realized Aaron was blind. I was glad that Cher showed up and gave Aaron a chance. These matchmakers are so funny helping the younger family members get together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word to describe this exciting ebook...outstanding. Absolutely loved this ebook. Cher's grandma is a member of the matchmakers club Her granny sets her up on a blind date. Aaron has two matches all from his granddad who's also a matchmaking club member. Cher goes to the restaurant and is surprised when she realizes about Aaron and trouble he might face. She feels such a pull towards him. Aaron wasn't counting on anything as his first date didn't show. When he meets his second date, he's so surprised at the intense feelings Cher has him feeling. Will Cher and Aaron contine to deal with a life full of surprises or will those surprises cause Aaron and Cher to part? Can Cher get over her loss and can she believe that Aaron has real feelings for her? Does Aaron tell Cher how much he cares for her and does he acknowledge that he has found someone who sees him as he really is? Once again this exceptionally talented author will tug at your heartstrings and speak to your heart with this exciting, steamy, and surprised filled 5⭐️winner. I absolutely loved it and you will too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising the Solemn Guy by Lisa Freed is a heartfelt and touching romance that beautifully explores themes of self-worth, acceptance, and unexpected love. Aaron has learned to navigate life as a blind man, but what truly challenges him is the way others see him—as less capable, less worthy of love. When his grandfather sets him up with Cher, he’s skeptical. Can she see past what others do? Cher, having spent years as a caregiver to her terminally ill mother, suddenly finds herself adrift in a life without responsibility. When her grandmother sets her up on a blind date, she doesn’t expect much—until she meets Aaron, a man who is nothing like she imagined, yet everything she needs.
With a perfect balance of sweetness, steam, and emotional depth, this opposites-attract, age-gap romance proves that sometimes love finds us when we least expect it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Matchmaker does it again something she is so good at doing 😊. Aaron sexy as all get out blind uncomplicated guy yes, he has dated in the past, but he hasn’t found the one that will accept his blindness as a part of him and he does feel the lonely but his grandfather at the retirement community (of course he is part of the ladies group matchmaking) set him up on a blind date. Cher is still trying to learn to live without her mom, she is Vanessa’s granddaughter. She agreed to go her grandmother set her out although she didn’t tell her that he was blind, but it doesn’t matter to her, and it will take her mind off her mom also it is something her mom would want her to move on. The attraction is there instantly despite him being blind taking their time to get to know one another but where their grandparents right in this match will it be a success, have he found the one who doesn’t mind his blindness, and will they find their own HEA?

[Sue Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great installment in ‘The Matchmakers’ series. I really enjoy these stories which revolve around the senior residents of a retirement home and their avid matchmaking efforts with their young relatives! This enjoyable romp involves Cher who is still mourning her mother’s death six months earlier and handsome Aaron, who has been blind since a young child. I loved the chemistry between these two, especially as Aaron nearly doesn’t attend their date after being disappointed when he’s been stood up the week before. Chloe is a gentle and caring individual who quickly adjusts to dating a sight impaired person. I loved the development of their romance; Aaron is pragmatic about his disability and doesn’t let it inhibit him in any way. Their romance makes an enjoyable, gentle read and leads to a satisfying HEA.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron is not a very complicated man. He has had trouble in the past dating and he is starting to feel lonely. But his grandfather is a resident of the honeysuckle retirement community. And he is with the ladies matchmaking. This is where Aaron comes into the picture. His score matches with chair. The way the story evolves is very touching. You're definitely cheering for them to come to a understanding and not fall into the stereotypical behaviors even though it almost seems inevitable. There is lessons to be learned in this story. Funny ones, serious ones and things that actually make this a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Matchmakers do it again!

I really love this whole series, each book is a must read for me, and Surprising the Solemn Guy was another winner.

It is a quick read, steamy, opposites attract, age-gap with great chemistry between Cher and Aaron.

I love these books, I think they are really well written, they have great detail and realism of the struggles faced by the main characters, but the way they deal with life, and the positive (generally) approach and the way they look at things is really heartwarming.

Keep an eye out for the matchmakers new mascot, which is hilarious.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

The matchmakers strike again. Fred's grandson, Aaron, is blind and Fred is desperate to get him someone to love. Vanessa's granddaughter, Cher, is still grieving her mother but would like to find someone so agrees to be set up by the matchmaking gang. She doesn't know Aaron is blind but finds it doesn't matter to her. They take their time learning about each other but the attraction is there. Their HEA is a must-read page-turner with the taxidermy snake finishing it off perfectly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[wellreadcorgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matchmaking Grandad and Grandmas are the best!

I adored this one as much as the other 6 books in the series. I love how Ms. Freed has heros that have different types of disabilities or medical issues. I laugh and cry with each book. I am always rooting for these matches and adore how she makes me fall in love with everyone of these couples. Aaron and Cher were so adorable and hopeful in their relationship and even with some bumps along the way they are able to learn and grow together. It is so lovely. I may have reread it back to back. So good!!

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron and Cher are setup by their matchmaking grandparents. Those matchmakers have been doing love’s work and doing it well. Aaron is blind and has not been successful in love. Cher has been the caregiver for her terminal mother and since losing her life has lost its meaning. Together they make an unexpectedly perfect pair that is adorable to see unfold. I absolutely adore this book and that the characters are real and perfectly imagined with their unique personalities and limitations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Aaron and Cher
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- novella
Heat- open door, explicit
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- ableism, recent parental loss
Tropes- Matchmaker Matchmaker, Instalove, Love Sees Not with the Eyes but with the Mind/and Therefore Is Winged Cupid Painted Blind, Age Gap, Disabled MMC, Chocolate Heaven, Shadows of the Past.
What I liked- they were both adorkable. I wanted to cheer when the Matchmakers booted that ableist woman from the meeting. And any book that involves chocolates and thrifting is likely to be a friend of mine.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next installment of the Matchmakers Series, now that Fred has joined the group they are looking for a match for his grandson, Aaron. His perfect match is Cher, she has mourning the death of her mother after a terminal illness. She has not dated in years and knows it is time to get out there an live again.

Cher has some insecurity issues but the beautiful man with eyesight, sees her inner beauty. This is a sweet story, two lonely people finding each other.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising the Solemn Guy is so incredibly awesome! I just adore Aaron and Cher to pieces. They click on all levels, with wonderful chemistry and a great sense of humor. Each of them is a bit quirky, direct, and so open with the other. Aaron’s positivity is exactly what Cher needed, and her beautiful ability to see him (not his blindness) is stunningly poetic. The matchmakers are absolutely hilarious. I love how the author blended humor and situational awareness while creating a truly sweet love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that when these two first met there was an instant connection, one that enabled them to build a bond where they could be open and honest with each other, support one another, give and receive trust, and be just what the other needed. I liked seeing things from Aaron's side and seeing him and Cher navigate their relationship and grow together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron's grandfather sets him up on a blind date, and Cher's grandmother sets her up on a blind date. When these two meet they are so perfect for each other. This is a wonderful matchmaking romance with well developed characters, a great storyline, and a happily ever after. Surprising the Solemn Guy is book seven and a great addition to The Matchmakers series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being set up on a blind date by her grandmother, Cher meets Aaron. Aaron who is blind and tired of how people treat him, is dubious that the blind date his grandfather has set up for him will work. The chemistry between the two is great and the storyline is interesting! I enjoyed it so much that I'm off to read the rest of this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron and Cher's romance was truly wonderful. Honest, heartfelt, emotional, funny, cute, sweet, and spicy, this book delivers a beautiful love story that has a powerful genuineness that you do not always find in books. I loved this book and highly recommend it and the whole series that features imperfect heroes that are as deserving of love as anyone else.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was sweet and wonderful. Cher is still dwelling on losing her mom. Aaron is blind and well adjusted. Their respective grandparents ask the matchmakers at their nursing home to find them each a match. They go on a blind date and find an instant connection and chemistry. Loved their story and the new mascot for the matchmakers.
Received a free copy.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this is book #7in the matchmaking series and it will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end. Aaron is blind and cher life is in shambles after her mom's death but when they're set up on a date will it work out between them? Cute story and wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely charming book. The beginning almost dissuaded me from continuing because of the confusing switch in characters perspective. I am glad that I continued though because I absolutely fell in love with the Hero. Totally swoon worthy perfection. I will check out the others in the series for sure.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Lisa Freed has a way of making you feel like you are there. I just love Aaron's sense of humor, and Cher is awesome. Can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The matchmakers are at it again. This time, we are pulled into the lives of Aaron and Cher. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, insecurities and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline and great characters. This is a hard to put down romance book about Cher and Aaron with some heart pulling scenes but intertwined with some romance as well. Lisa has a really good book right here.

[Lexi]

It's not that this was bad, but it was the same as every other book in this series lol

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this feel good story

This is the most wonderful fun feel good story that I have read. The author brings Aaron and Cher to life with her words. They are a great couple and you’re rooting for them throughout the whole story. Well written a once started could not put down read. I am loving this matchmaker series and this is one of the best.