Monsters Matchmaking

Monster Magic Dating Service #1

by Daphne Moore, L.A. Boruff

Andromeda en a assez d’être utilisée en amour. Elle est intelligente, talentueuse, et fait fuir plus d’hommes qu’une vasectomie sans anesthésie. Elle bosse dans l’une des meilleures agences de relations publiques du pays et voit chaque jour à quel point les gens peuvent être affreux. Elle est blasée. Maintenant qu’elle a passé la quarantaine, elle était presque prête à tirer un trait définitif sur l’amour. En dernier recours, elle accepte de tester une agence de rencontres exclusive, uniquement parce que sa meilleure amie la lui a recommandée. Qu’est-ce qu’elle risque ? Une autre relation foireuse à court terme ne va pas la tuer.

Enfin… probablement pas.

Bran de Clare, Roi des Monstres. Son peuple est piégé depuis longtemps dans une autre dimension, mais Bran est bien décidé à leur trouver une place dans le monde moderne — et à redorer une réputation violente et cruelle qui les poursuit depuis leur bannissement.

Andromeda et Bran découvrent vite que des factions issues de leurs deux mondes cherchent à saboter toute tentative de réunification pacifique entre les monstres et les humains. Les scientifiques humains sont prêts à tout pour garder l’existence de la magie secrète. Les rebelles monstres, quant à eux, complotent nuit et jour pour prendre le pouvoir. Sur les deux mondes.

Bran et Andromeda vont devoir surmonter leurs différences abyssales s’ils veulent sauver leurs mondes. Et s’ils tombent amoureux au passage ? Tant mieux. Mais aucun d’eux ne croit que ça puisse arriver. Du moins, pas tout de suite.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Monsters, Witches, Fiction, Paranormal Romance

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2025

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors had me with the opening line. From that point, I knew I needed to know where the rest of this book was going to go. And I spent most of it howling with laughter, Andromeda and Bran were so much fun. There’s a little bit of political intrigue, some swoon-worthy romance, and so much irreverent snark. I adore the sense of humor that fills this story and after reading the introduction to the next book in the series, I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Emily Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just feel like it is both simultaneously too detailed in some areas and not detailed enough in other areas. I just feel left with so many questions and wanting more information… it’s cute but MORE PLZ!

[TrixieB · Rating 1 out of 5]

CW: unconsented touching while asleep, visible deformity as a sign of evil

Ick ick ick

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much more than romantic comedy!

There is a dating service and romantic comedy, but there is so much more going on than the dating! There are banished paranormals returning home to earth, shadow groups for and against that plan among humans and paranormals. Friends and families become part of the equation, and there's at least one character who changes their allegiance either for personal convenience or to stay on what they hope will be the side that prevails.

There is blood spilt in self-defense, all kinds of creative magic use, and some really interesting characters.

The only off note was one intense, detailed erotic scene dropped right in the beginning of the what is otherwise a well paced romance. It seems to be used to illustrate the use of their magic to expand their relationship but it just does not fit there. Plus, that kind of magic use would have a lot more room to play in a different type of scene. One star off for that discordant scene.

Otherwise this is a great read with unique world building and magic use. Happy reading!

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Midlife Magic Dating Service and the main characters are Andromeda, who works for a PR company taking care of their clients and their social media gaffs, and Bran de Clare, Monster King, and a goblin who has come to Earth (that they call Gaia) to pave the way for his people to come back from Dream, a realm they and others deemed monsters, were exiled to many years before by the human mages, now known as scientists. She works at the PR company, mainly because her sister married Franklin, who runs the company and she wanted Andromeda to help out. She has been stuck there for ten years and every time she talks about leaving her sister or Franklin persuade her to stay! She thinks Franklin is a bit creepy, but her sister won’t hear anything bad about him. Put it this way, she certainly doesn’t like being left too close to him! She has given up on love, but her neighbour and good friend persuades her to give an exclusive dating service a go. The man she ends up on a dinner date with, is also the attractive silver fox of a man, she was in the lift with twice, earlier that day. When her heel broke, he caught her arm and she had an electric charge shoot through her. She was called in to see her boss and his sidekick, Eldora, which left her feeling ill and having to go home with a migraine.
Bran was to be a new client of her boss’ firm, but she has no idea of what has been done to her for years! It is Bran and his unlikely pair of guards, Christian and Harry, as well as Reynard, who realise what she truly is and reveal their true selves to her. She isn’t as shocked as expected, having already fallen for Bran and feeling a strange connection to him in either form. Bran wants to pave the way for his people to come back to Earth, but there are factions within who want to come and have their revenge against humans, for what was done to them all those years ago. Some of the monsters have become sick during their exile and this makes them more dangerous to humans and others. Alchemists or scientists have tried to keep magic secret on Earth, but there are people who have magic, many without even knowing it, like Andromeda! Some within the guild of alchemists say they want to help the goblins and other magical beings to come back to Earth, but there is a large group who would love to see them all dead. Bran has to get used to how things operate in the modern world and prepare for bringing his people over as soon as he can, but some of his kind want him dead and will do all they can to overrun his small group. The rebels want to take over both worlds and Bran was just one of many that could have become king and never thought he would be chosen, probably because of this attitude, is why he was. A lovely romance between Bran and Andromeda and the discovery of what had been happening to her from her sister’s husband and her boss, Franklin, the slime ball. An unusual matchmaking introduction, with magic added to the mix in a unexpected manner. So much more to come and I can’t wait to read the next story in the series, with Andromeda’s friend Cathy finally finding some romance. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is billed as a paranormal romantic comedy but I didn’t really pick up on the comedic elements; it seemed like a pretty typical PNR to me. Is FMC spilling coffee on her white dress and breaking a heel in the elevator supposed to be funny, in a Liz Lemon type of way? But the comedy of 30 Rock doesn’t come from the fact that Liz Lemon is a hot mess; it’s that she’s a hot mess AND she plays the straight man to a cast of characters that are way more ridiculous than her.

A lot of big questions were left unanswered by the end of this book. For example, how a long-term relationship is going to work between a two-thousand-year-old goblin who will live forever and a forty-year-old witch, why the FMC has such strong powers while being completely unaware of her magic, how the MMC even happened upon the dating service after only being earthside for 7 days, and why the goblin dissenters at the end were interested in human-goblin matchmaking services given they seemed to want to just take over the world. Also where Franklin went and how he managed to invent a portal to a world and know what is in it (he claims it’s uninhabited) without being able to also get back.

The love story itself plays kind of a side role compared to the rest of the plot which feels like it’s setting up a bunch of stuff for a longer series without really worrying about wrapping up the plot in the current book.

[Emilie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but...

Oh I wanted to fall head over heels for this book. The setup had all the ingredients for something I’d adore: fantasy, romance, goblins (yes, goblins). But somewhere along the way, it just… unraveled.

The plot? Let’s just say it popped up like a surprise guest at a dinner party—unexpected and vaguely unwelcome. I kept waiting for things to click, for the tension to build, but instead I found myself flipping pages and muttering, “Wait, what?” more often than I’d like.

The world-building had holes I couldn’t patch, and the character descriptions were so light I felt like I was reading silhouettes. And don’t get me started on the goblins. The FMC keeps calling them “seductive,” but the physical descriptions did not match the hype. Are they supposed to be hot? Monstrous? Both? I’m confused. And sadly, not in the good, morally gray way.

Then we get to the romance. One steamy scene—one!—that escalates from zero to spicy in 0.5 seconds, without any actual emotional build-up. The FMC just goes along for the ride like someone who accidentally clicked “I agree to all terms and conditions” without reading them.

All in all, it was... mildly entertaining, sure. But not memorable. Not immersive. And definitely not swoon-worthy.

Alas, this one just wasn’t for me. Goblin girlies, I tried. I really did.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midlife Romance with the Goblin King

This book is a fun combination of romantic genres: paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and romantic comedy. Often, paranormal romances don't have much humor, but this one certainly did, and it was so enjoyable. The fun started right from the first scene with a disastrous blind date that was the catalyst for the heroine to try something a little different… OK, a lot different… an exclusive magical dating service. The actual hero was fantastic, a true leader trying to do the best for his vanquished people…and if a little romance happens along the way…? The authors put a true spin on the concept of what a monster is and what humanity and humaneness are; they get you thinking! This could have been on the heavy side with those themes, but the humor kept it light and fun, making this book a real page-turner. Like most books by Ms. Boruff and her co-author friends, highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rushed pacing, odd typos, and a frustrating amount of dangling modifiers made this a bit of a slog to get through after a point, but I could forgive those if not for the heavyhanded Strong Independent Woman attempt that felt more cringe than genuine. The MC is constantly telling us how strong she is, but never showing it. She’s stubborn and outspoken, sure, but not once does she live up to her opening line about men finding her intimidating; the author’s idea of a strong woman seems to be someone who hates having her chair pulled out for her. Okay…?

I also rolled my eyes pretty hard at the “I didn’t need protection” line when she was offered an escort, because she had no reason to think she could handle the enemies they were facing alone at that point—neither did she acknowledge her mistake when she ended up in trouble two pages later. But I guess there’s nothing Strong and Independent about acknowledging one’s deficiencies.

Overall, it just felt like a parody of a strong female character and I ended up disliking her heavily for it.

[Georgen Charnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This monster romance had great potential to be cute rom-com. It had a very interesting setting. "Monsters," which includes at least goblins and shifters, want to come to Earth, having been relegated to a magical realm called "Dream" by bad magical practitioners who still live on Earth. The FMC is a PR person working for her horrible brother-in-law, who turns out to be one of the Earth's bad magical practitioners, and is going to help overcome their bad stereotypes as they return. Interesting situation, I love culture change books.

However, there is some significant confusion and contradiction in the set-up. The bad magical practitioners start out as witches who want to stop giving the goblins et al good PR, then change into alchemists who say they monsters can come into Earth, but only if the alchemists have approval. And there is another plot line about how a virus makes some monsters crazy, and that just disappeared. It was strange. It felt like the author took a break while writing the book and forgot what the first half said.

It was almost very good, but it just didn't click or grab my imagination.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new dating service might just be what our heroine needs. Nothing else has worked. But when her match embroils them both in an interdimensional conflict, being single might look better than she thought.

This is book one of the series, so a lovely place to start.

This is a romantic comedy with lots of different paranormal elements thrown in. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. It took me a little bit to get into story and grasp all the parts, but once over that the story was hard to put down. Things move at a good pace and includes plenty of action, intrigue and humor to keep things interesting. Oh, and perhaps a bit of romance as well. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing where it goes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah ...

First, this isn't a whole book, it is half of one. I don't mind duets or series but taking a whole book and splitting it is asinine.

Second, the writing isn't good. It's a bunch of tell with little show. Much like a child telling a story.

Lastly, I actually downloaded it because the title says it's a comedy. But it's not. There isn't anything funny about it. In fact. Even the so-called "trickster" isn't comedic in any way. Perhaps in the author's head this is a slapstick, but since they're telling you and not showing you, it doesn't come off that way.

Why did I still give it three "Eh" stars? Because the plot was unique and the story not one I've read before. I'm definitely going to check out the rest of the story (aka book 2) but this isn't an author I'll come back for more from.

[Shyla Ames · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish there had been more about the dating service. It was barely a chapter. I’m not sure why this series was deemed to be about a dating service for monsters. Perhaps if they had determined that’s how the goblins could come back to Earth, through meeting a match with the service… fine. The story, aside from lack of said dating service, was fine, although timeline and events unfolded in an odd way, characters introduced and made to seem important were never brought up again after their one chapter. This book was trying to be two things at once a, magical rom com and a heroic tale about saving a paranormal race. It was rushed and left on a ridiculous cliffhanger that made me not want to read any more of the series. Only leaving a review to warn others that you might not get what you were expecting after reading the synopsis. I was disappointed for sure.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - quit at 75%
I’m disappointed, I had hoped this would be an interesting series. This plot moved so slow, & by the time I quit there was too much to wrap up the story to be done in 25% without it being rushed or not completely settled. I felt the characters were flat, I never felt any true connection to the 2, other than a supposed hot sex scene on the second date so to speak. I got totally bored & put the book down to play games instead, & couldn’t bring myself to pick it back up cause I just wasn’t invested in what happens to the characters at that point.

At my age (62), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure I've ever given a 1 start review. First of all - the book is described as a "rom com" with a HEA. I went in with expectations that it would be a fun, and sort of cozy, read.

However, it definitely wasn't a rom-com, not only was the comedy lacking, but there was a great deal of drama in the world building.

In addition, the book didn’t have an ending? It ended on a literal cliffhanger and the next book is about a different couple? This is so bizarre to me. It feels like I'm missing half of the book. It's not just that it ended in a way I didn't like, but again, there is no resolution to the storyline, specifically the couple. It's just baffling, and i've checked multiple times to ensure that I didn't miss chapters.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not bad, but the ending took one star away. It was very abrupt, and it didn't feel like a HEA. Not even a HFN. The book stops with him telling her she's gonna be his queen. That was the first time they even talked to each other about the possibility of a relationship. And we don't get an answer from her. No I-love-U, not even an agreement that they're together. We just get a plain epilogue FROM SOMEONE ELSE'S POV that they're touring Dream. It wasn't that good to begin with, and the abrupt ending took the romance away. Oh, and the main conflict is solved in less than a paragraph, but leaving another problem to solve in future books. Not gonna continue.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was FANTASTIC!!!

This was a really cool unique twist on paranormal beings who used to be on our planet but pushed away by the evil mages.

Andromeda who doesn't know she is a witch hates her job and her boss who is her brother in law. She joins a Matchmaking service after her friend refers her, and she is matched with Bran. She didn't know that Bran is really not human but she likes him anyways. They bond quickly when everything starts falling apart and some monsters decide they won't wait ... amazing job. I really liked this!

I received an ARC for my honest review!

[Maaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in expecting something completely different but that's totally okay, since I really, really liked this book! The plot is full but doesn't feel overcrowded, I liked the snark and banter between Andromeda and Bran and the political intrigue was very well done. My only downside was that the ending felt a bit abrupt since it got wrapped up so quickly. Maybe a chapter or two more could've worked better? Overall though I had fun and the pacing worked well and the introduction to Dream and the magical abilities of the world was good.

[Tea After Midnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book was a bit dull for me. It has some good ideas & plots but I felt like they were mostly glossed over. I felt like either focusing mainly on the romance development or the world building dilemma would have made the story more fulfilling. Everything felt a bit rushed.
I did like reading a romance about a middle aged woman for once and I think the romance between her and the MMC was fine, but I definitely wanted more. Also wish there was more monster & goblin aspects explored in the romance, the one spicy scene was a bit plain.

[Larisa Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!

I absolutely loved this book. The story is so unique, I haven't read any book with this concept. The authors have a wonderful imagination. Andromeda is the heroin and she is fantastic. She is thrown into a whole new world and deals with it with feisty grace. I don't want to give to much away, but you will see monsters, good and bad, magic, good and bad, friendship, and some romance. Looking forward to the next book in this series!!!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book sets up a new universe very nicely. Trust your instincts is proven in this story. Tired of bad dates, Andromeda tries a new dating agency and is matched with Bran. They hit it off and he helps her deal with her troubles at work. She in turn will help him and his people. I look forward to the next installment in the series.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this story was a riot. Mix one Goblin with a killer PR gal and you get a good story that made me laugh. Does a fun job of setting up the series and introduces the main characters well. Have good guys and bad guys and a bit of a mystery/intrigue feel too. Just a light airy fun read. And Bran and Andromeda were a riot. Ad the twist of adding a matchmaking service to the deal was funny and ensured these two would meet.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Monsters Matchmaking! From the unique storyline to the quirky characters this page turning read had me reading nonstop. The writing is well done, the characters are interesting, and the world the author's created is captivating. Monsters Matchmaking is book one and a great start to the Midlife Magic Dating Service series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of something awesome😋

I loved it. The first couple of lines hooked me. Terrific ,dry sense of humor. Andromeda is a new surprise to herself. After discovering her true heritage, and what's really been going on all around her. Now she's way deep into politics of the Fae people, or Monsters, and Humans, with a very hot Troll as her new love interest. I can't wait for book 2

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Monsters Matchmaking held the promise of a fun read but, it exceeded, by far, my expectations! The characters are well developed and the storyline is not only well written it’s packed full of surprises and enjoyment. I laughed out loud several times which drives my family nuts. And, of course, that adds to my enjoyment 🤣. I highly recommend it and now I’m off to get book 2 !

Kindle Unlimited

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it from the very first page.

The characters are wonderful and hilarious, Andromeda and Bran, suit each other. Their snappy comments made me laugh out loud. Complex characters and a different type of storyline. Excellent job with the first book in the series...I feel like we have a complete picture on the characters so far and what their agenda is.

The story hooked me from the first page and I didn't want to put the book down. One thing that I didn't do was read the introduction to the next book because I didn't want any insight. I want to wait and read it when it comes out. I really enjoyed Monsters Matchmaking and like I said I can't wait for the next book.

Highly recommend if you like paranormal books that make you laugh...

Thank you to Booksprout and L.A. Boruff with allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of Monsters Matchmaking for an honest review. These are my words and my words alone.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uniquely interesting Fantasy Romantic Comedy

An incredibly entertaining twist to a romantic comedy. The characters were funny and engaging. The interplay of magic and monsters with romance and worldly conquest was refreshingly interesting. Reading this book is a good way to spend time on a lazy afternoon.

[W.C. Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute pleasure to read

I guess this is paranormal romance, with a blend of urban fantasy. Mildly erotic passage in one chapter. It is a character driven story from two perspectives. Compact and well written with a female protagonist and antagonist. There are surprises throughout and interesting details of how the fantastic creatures we have called monsters, live and travel between worlds.

[Clarissa White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting backstory of how magical creatures disappeared from the world. I liked Andromeda; I don’t feel like I really got to know anyone else very well. It felt like things jumped about a bit. Some events in the story took a lot of pages while others just went by quickly. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t really enjoy it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a delightful romp

Andromeda (don’t call her Andi) is smart and successful, and doesn’t know she is a witch.
Fortunately, her friend recommends a dating agency and she meets her perfect match. However, she gets tossed into the supernatural world hard, but adapts quite quickly to it and her magic.
True love follows quickly.