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The Matchmaker #4
The Courtship Dance: A Regency Romance
A fan favorite from New York Times bestselling author Candace Camp, originally published in 2009.Lady Francesca Haughston has given up on romance for herself, finding passion instead in making desirable matches for others. So it seems only fair, when she learns she’d been deceived into breaking her own long-ago engagement to Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, that she now help him find the perfect wife.Of course, Francesca is certain any spark of passion between them has long since died—her own treatment of him saw to that. The way Sinclair gazes at her…well, that’s merely practice for when a younger, more suitable woman catches his eye. But soon Francesca finds his lessons in love scandalously irresistible—and a temptation that could endanger them both.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
131 people are currently reading
1537 people want to read
About the author
Candace Camp
121 books1,250 followersCandace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
November 13, 2024
I read this for one of my goodreads groups otherwise I would not have finished it. It was dull with a lot of inner monologues by the main character that was depressingly repetitive. I gave the first book a 5* and looked forward to reading this one. Many things can be forgiven but being boring is something that I will hold against this book. A matchmaker who is astute in this area just seemed to flounder in this book. There was no attraction between the main characters. Why oh why did they pine for each other for FIFTEEN years. Others have very much enjoyed this book so it maybe a case of me not you. It took me 3 weeks to finish it.
January 23, 2016
The story reveals the facts around Francesca and Sinclair’s engagement fifteen years previous, but also heavily revolves around the financial situation which her late husband left her in. Sinclair is the strong, silent type of hero who doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve.
Lady Francesca Haughston has had to help the ladies/gentlemen of the ton find their husbands/wives just to make ends meet since her husband has died and left her in debt. One person that she truly wants to help is Sinclair, Duke of Rochford to make up for breaking of their engagement when she was very young.
Her and Sinclair have always remained friends but deep down she is still in love with him. The chemistry between the two is off the charts!
Francesca and Sinclair’s courtship is fraught with the usual problems—misunderstandings, lack of communication, pride, etc—but Sinclair at least isn’t a fool. He’s quick to Francesca’s game and even quicker to ensure the outcome is what he wants, not what she deems proper and dutiful.
THE COURTSHIP DANCE reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma actually, a purposeful intention of the author‘s. Camp had set the series up as a nod to Jane Austen and her classic romances.
I love how it is so obvious to us readers that he is courting her yet she is so oblivious. It was cute and funny.
Her confusion over certain situations or her jealousy (misplaced) made for some entertaining scenes. It was a very straight forward story with no mystery behind it, but it was really well done.
I was so glad to finally read the romance of the very restrained duke and the love of his life. This is a wonderful book, and a much more realistic story than most historical romances because of the length of time these two have taken to finally come together and the personal quirks that have held them apart.
Underneath that burning tension waiting to explode into wonderful bliss, Francesca and Sinclair have a deep-rooted friendship and understanding of each other that never went away despite their broken engagement. Awww so beautifully written!
It hit every note perfectly. It's one of those "can't get enough of it" books...
I truly wanted the love story of Sinclair and Francesca to go on and on and on :D
Recommendations :D
Lady Francesca Haughston has had to help the ladies/gentlemen of the ton find their husbands/wives just to make ends meet since her husband has died and left her in debt. One person that she truly wants to help is Sinclair, Duke of Rochford to make up for breaking of their engagement when she was very young.
Her and Sinclair have always remained friends but deep down she is still in love with him. The chemistry between the two is off the charts!
Francesca and Sinclair’s courtship is fraught with the usual problems—misunderstandings, lack of communication, pride, etc—but Sinclair at least isn’t a fool. He’s quick to Francesca’s game and even quicker to ensure the outcome is what he wants, not what she deems proper and dutiful.
THE COURTSHIP DANCE reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma actually, a purposeful intention of the author‘s. Camp had set the series up as a nod to Jane Austen and her classic romances.
I love how it is so obvious to us readers that he is courting her yet she is so oblivious. It was cute and funny.
Her confusion over certain situations or her jealousy (misplaced) made for some entertaining scenes. It was a very straight forward story with no mystery behind it, but it was really well done.
I was so glad to finally read the romance of the very restrained duke and the love of his life. This is a wonderful book, and a much more realistic story than most historical romances because of the length of time these two have taken to finally come together and the personal quirks that have held them apart.
Underneath that burning tension waiting to explode into wonderful bliss, Francesca and Sinclair have a deep-rooted friendship and understanding of each other that never went away despite their broken engagement. Awww so beautifully written!
It hit every note perfectly. It's one of those "can't get enough of it" books...
I truly wanted the love story of Sinclair and Francesca to go on and on and on :D
Recommendations :D
September 24, 2021
Ok, so I am not even going to comment on this book’s often iffy shenanigans, but that tiara reveal scene at the end, after the ceremony, legit made me tear up. Totally worth it.
Sidenote: Odelia turned 85 in the last book, she even threw herself a party, how she ended up 80 going on 81 in this book that takes place after I will never know.
That's some magical aging there, would love to know her secret...
I am beginning to think Camp has a wee bit of trouble keeping track of character ages. It’s even more noticeable because nobody bleeping asked you how old she was.
You’re the one who keeps bringing it up!
Sidenote: Odelia turned 85 in the last book, she even threw herself a party, how she ended up 80 going on 81 in this book that takes place after I will never know.
That's some magical aging there, would love to know her secret...
I am beginning to think Camp has a wee bit of trouble keeping track of character ages. It’s even more noticeable because nobody bleeping asked you how old she was.
You’re the one who keeps bringing it up!
July 1, 2023
5 big stars.
I was going to deduct half a point because the middle of the book was a tad boring, but it ended soooo good, making myself cry that I had to give this a 5 stars.
The heroine is a big part of all 4 books, and so is the hero but in a less showy way, which make us super curious to know their story.
From chapter one of the first book I knew I would have loved to see their story being told and I am so glad that my high expectations were not in vain. Theirs is a story of regrets and sadness. Theirs is a second chance that I was absolutely drawn to because everything felt so real, what happened, how it happened, the whys, their reactions.
In the previous book we get to know why this romance didn't happen so long ago, and here we begin to understand the heroine in more depth.
I was very touched by her story, by her marriage, by truthfully, everything that was explored. One of my least favorite tropes is second chance romance, I find that it is so hard to believe in them, but here as I said before, everything felt realistic.
It is with a heart full that I write this review, and my only complain when it comes to the story is that it is finished. For every single interaction they had was wonderful.
I have to say though, that this is not a good author. Not bad either but she has trouble remembering simple facts like names and ages and that annoys me to no end. For example, there's a lady that had her 85th birthday party in the beginning of the last book, but turned 81 in the end of this one. If that is not a miracle, I don't know what is hehehe
Anyway, highly recommend this one! Cheers.
I was going to deduct half a point because the middle of the book was a tad boring, but it ended soooo good, making myself cry that I had to give this a 5 stars.
The heroine is a big part of all 4 books, and so is the hero but in a less showy way, which make us super curious to know their story.
From chapter one of the first book I knew I would have loved to see their story being told and I am so glad that my high expectations were not in vain. Theirs is a story of regrets and sadness. Theirs is a second chance that I was absolutely drawn to because everything felt so real, what happened, how it happened, the whys, their reactions.
In the previous book we get to know why this romance didn't happen so long ago, and here we begin to understand the heroine in more depth.
I was very touched by her story, by her marriage, by truthfully, everything that was explored. One of my least favorite tropes is second chance romance, I find that it is so hard to believe in them, but here as I said before, everything felt realistic.
It is with a heart full that I write this review, and my only complain when it comes to the story is that it is finished. For every single interaction they had was wonderful.
I have to say though, that this is not a good author. Not bad either but she has trouble remembering simple facts like names and ages and that annoys me to no end. For example, there's a lady that had her 85th birthday party in the beginning of the last book, but turned 81 in the end of this one. If that is not a miracle, I don't know what is hehehe
Anyway, highly recommend this one! Cheers.
January 6, 2018
Puf, me encantó. Leída en horas.
Francesca es la casamentera que, en este cuarto libro, se reencontrará con Sinclair, el duque de Rochford.
Me encanta las parejas maduras y tanto amor guardado por tantos años.
Amé a Sinclair. Mucha tensión sexual, dos escenas hot.
Quizá por momentos sean unos cabezotas, y en otros, muy cursis, tópicos, básicos y un montón de cosas más.
Pero saben cómo es esto: cuando una novela nos deja una sonrisa en la boca, no importa mucho ni analizarla ni su calidad.
La pareja me generó tanta curiosidad en el primer libro, que salté al cuarto inmediatamente. Se entiende todo aunque supongo que hubiera sido mejor leerlos todos. Pero como el primero me aburrió un poco, salté a este directamente y no me arrepiento.
Ahora a dormir feliz.
Francesca es la casamentera que, en este cuarto libro, se reencontrará con Sinclair, el duque de Rochford.
Me encanta las parejas maduras y tanto amor guardado por tantos años.
Amé a Sinclair. Mucha tensión sexual, dos escenas hot.
Quizá por momentos sean unos cabezotas, y en otros, muy cursis, tópicos, básicos y un montón de cosas más.
Pero saben cómo es esto: cuando una novela nos deja una sonrisa en la boca, no importa mucho ni analizarla ni su calidad.
La pareja me generó tanta curiosidad en el primer libro, que salté al cuarto inmediatamente. Se entiende todo aunque supongo que hubiera sido mejor leerlos todos. Pero como el primero me aburrió un poco, salté a este directamente y no me arrepiento.
Ahora a dormir feliz.
July 14, 2016
I was browsing through historical romances I've read so far and I noticed I've never written anything about this book even though I loved it. No, I haven't read it again and this isn't a bumped review, but I still remember almost all of it.
The main theme of The Courtship Dance is a misunderstanding between the two main characters in the past. Sometime after that moment, the heroine found out the truth and now wants to make amends. Another is past love rekindled.
It is sad and wonderful at the same time. However, if you don't like these particular themes then it's probably not the book for you. I usually read in order so I have no idea why I read only this (fourth) book from this series, but I intend to read them all now.
The main theme of The Courtship Dance is a misunderstanding between the two main characters in the past. Sometime after that moment, the heroine found out the truth and now wants to make amends. Another is past love rekindled.
It is sad and wonderful at the same time. However, if you don't like these particular themes then it's probably not the book for you. I usually read in order so I have no idea why I read only this (fourth) book from this series, but I intend to read them all now.
August 16, 2022
This is one of those books that was better as I got older. The characters are older and missed their chance together 15 years before. There’s angst, old wounds, and a difficulty talking after festering for that long, but at the same time it’s cleansing to read about. I loved their struggle to the end, the raw honesty with each other, and how they felt destined to be together even with all the mistakes passed and present. I only gave it 3 stars on the first read over 10 years ago but I have returned to it countless times since and find the ending so good that I’m keeping it and upping the rating now all these years later. Some books do age like a fine wine and this was one of them for me.
March 7, 2024
This was a mature-acting couple (in most cases).
Regency. Re-read this 2nd chance bk: can be a standalone.
Sinclair, a Duke & Lady Francesca, are friends. Years ago
they were engaged, which ended in sadness of both parties.
Sinclair is cool, elegant, unflappable &.carries a torch for
widowed Francesca. Evident in their every interaction.
Lady F had to economize IE reduced her staff, closed a wing
of her home, hocked jewelry & silver. She altered dresses
and ball gowns with new hems and trims. She continues to
be thrifty. She discretely charges parents to makeover &
match-make young girls in preparation for a 'good match.'
She offers to find our hero an ideal wife. He rejects everyone
on her lists.
Sinclair, so much in love, discovers there's a man bothering
his beloved. He protects her verbally & otherwise. He's so
masculine, intelligent, faithful & good (a bit naughty), the
reader may fall in love with him too.
Regency. Re-read this 2nd chance bk: can be a standalone.
Sinclair, a Duke & Lady Francesca, are friends. Years ago
they were engaged, which ended in sadness of both parties.
Sinclair is cool, elegant, unflappable &.carries a torch for
widowed Francesca. Evident in their every interaction.
Lady F had to economize IE reduced her staff, closed a wing
of her home, hocked jewelry & silver. She altered dresses
and ball gowns with new hems and trims. She continues to
be thrifty. She discretely charges parents to makeover &
match-make young girls in preparation for a 'good match.'
She offers to find our hero an ideal wife. He rejects everyone
on her lists.
Sinclair, so much in love, discovers there's a man bothering
his beloved. He protects her verbally & otherwise. He's so
masculine, intelligent, faithful & good (a bit naughty), the
reader may fall in love with him too.
May 6, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
Oh I do love this series.
The whole set is so full of emotion and romance , it fairly takes your breath away.
Candace is such a gifted writer , she’s one of my favourites for instilling love and passion into her books , there’s nothing like it. To read her words and descriptions is wonderful.
Passion , sensuality, and love just flow from the pages during her love scenes, they can not be beaten .
Finally we’ve reached the point where Francesca and Rochford much bury their differences and discover their love or walk away for good .
What will they chose ?
Who would have guessed that after 15 years they would still both be fighting their attraction, not dealing with reality, who would have guessed the love was still there despite the hurt and her former marriage.
This is the best so far .
Definitely a Five Star rating
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Oh I do love this series.
The whole set is so full of emotion and romance , it fairly takes your breath away.
Candace is such a gifted writer , she’s one of my favourites for instilling love and passion into her books , there’s nothing like it. To read her words and descriptions is wonderful.
Passion , sensuality, and love just flow from the pages during her love scenes, they can not be beaten .
Finally we’ve reached the point where Francesca and Rochford much bury their differences and discover their love or walk away for good .
What will they chose ?
Who would have guessed that after 15 years they would still both be fighting their attraction, not dealing with reality, who would have guessed the love was still there despite the hurt and her former marriage.
This is the best so far .
Definitely a Five Star rating
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
November 12, 2024
3, maybe 3.5 stars at a stretch??? I had been looking forward to this book with its mature protagonists and second-chance trope. Sadly the book began to drag for me. It was too slow-burn. We mostly saw things through the MFC's viewpoint, and her issues related to her first marriage coloured her thoughts so much that it was hard to really feel the chemistry between the MCs. The hints about the MMC's attraction to her were few and far between. I wanted more overt romance sooner. It was all a bit too understated.
There were some nice scenes at various points through the book, and a sweet (if predictable) epilogue. But overall I didn't really engage with the MCs, and in the end I was left feeling a bit lukewarm. Bummer.
This was an October 2024 BOTM for the Historical Romance Book Club, 'Matchmaker' trope.
There were some nice scenes at various points through the book, and a sweet (if predictable) epilogue. But overall I didn't really engage with the MCs, and in the end I was left feeling a bit lukewarm. Bummer.
This was an October 2024 BOTM for the Historical Romance Book Club, 'Matchmaker' trope.
July 18, 2018
A flighty 3/5 stars.
The book's premise is quite interesting. Francesa is quite skilled at bringing couples together, and enjoys playing cupid to a large extent. She's 34, a widow and once upon a time used to be engaged to our hero, Sinclair. She broke their engagement 15 years ago because of a grave misunderstanding (because, hello cliche ).
Now she's come to realize that she was deceived into breaking off their marraige. So she decides to make up for it by finding him a wife, which she believes is her unique talent. This begins our story. I actually liked the hero much more than the heroine in this book, even though we rarely get insights into him. Francesca, on the other hand blushes just too damn much. Someone needs to remind her she's 34 and not 16.
The book is a decent enough read up until 75%. Then it becomes way too cliche and trite to read.
The book's premise is quite interesting. Francesa is quite skilled at bringing couples together, and enjoys playing cupid to a large extent. She's 34, a widow and once upon a time used to be engaged to our hero, Sinclair. She broke their engagement 15 years ago because of a grave misunderstanding (because, hello cliche ).
Now she's come to realize that she was deceived into breaking off their marraige. So she decides to make up for it by finding him a wife, which she believes is her unique talent. This begins our story. I actually liked the hero much more than the heroine in this book, even though we rarely get insights into him. Francesca, on the other hand blushes just too damn much. Someone needs to remind her she's 34 and not 16.
The book is a decent enough read up until 75%. Then it becomes way too cliche and trite to read.
February 16, 2020
2.5 stars
You can basically control/copy my reviews for books like this: fun start that begins to feel like every other Regency romance out there at like the 60% mark. But I actually did enjoy the couple's relationship in this one. Their long-standing friendship made it feel realistic and even as someone who didn't read the 3 companion novels, I felt like I got a good glimpse of how their relationship developed.
Some heavy-handed themes but overall not terrible if you want something a little more racy.
You can basically control/copy my reviews for books like this: fun start that begins to feel like every other Regency romance out there at like the 60% mark. But I actually did enjoy the couple's relationship in this one. Their long-standing friendship made it feel realistic and even as someone who didn't read the 3 companion novels, I felt like I got a good glimpse of how their relationship developed.
Some heavy-handed themes but overall not terrible if you want something a little more racy.
February 5, 2017
Ο Ρόκφορντ ήταν ο μεγάλος μου έρωτας από τις πρώτες σελίδες του πρώτου βιβλίου της τετραλογίας,περίμενα τη δική του ιστορία πώς και πώς και απλά δεν του αξίζουν λιγότερα από 105 αστεράκια! #ερωτευμένη_φουλ #καρδούλες_παντού
August 15, 2017
I'm lukewarm on this one, so I will go with a 2 star rating. The plot had potential, but it never took off. Mostly, because the plot was driven by the heroine's internal musings, which were aggravating and silly. A 10 year old would have seen things more clearly.
The hero was delicious, but definitely wasted on the heroine.
The hero was delicious, but definitely wasted on the heroine.
November 12, 2024
“I am not going to sacrifice my life on the altar of Rochford. I am more than just the Duke of Rochford. I am Sinclair Lilles. And I will marry as I wish—not for my family, not for the name, not for the estate, but for me! You are the woman I want for my wife. You are the one I love.”
Despite the beautiful words above, this book was one of the worse historicals I've read this year. At least the second chance romance wasn't annoying, just rather boring.
Heroine Francesca, Lady Haughston, and hero Sinclair, Duke of Rochester and her childhood friend, were engaged fifteen years ago, but she left him because of another woman's intrigues and married Lord Haughston soon after. Of course, the other man was a bad one, a drunkard and gambler and also a loser in the sheets. At least he had the decency to die quite quickly. Less decently, he left his wife penniless, so she has to work as a matchmaker.
That's convenient, because when she now finally finds out about the intrigues against her and her former fiancé, she comes up with the ingenious idea of finding the man a wife as compensation for her ill behavior. She selects a few allegedly suitable candidates and gets to work. Let me just say: the Duke is not amused, but he pretends to be on board when he actually tries to win her heart again.
The story is very slow burn, but at the end things happen at an unprecedented rate. I don't think I'm going too far out on a limb when I say that the plot is unbalanced.
Most of the book is told from Francesca's POV, and her musings and explanations were repetitive and more than tiresome. It's all about Francesca denying her feelings for Rochester and doubting Rochester's feelings for her, claiming she's not the right woman for him (too old and too frigid), analyzing what happened in the past and how she felt and how he must have felt. These endless inner thoughts are accompanied by excessive descriptions of dresses, suits, accessories, jewelry, hairstyles, furniture and decorations, carriages, and Regency etiquette.
No doubt, the author has a great knowledge of the time period, but her determination to prove it at every opportunity is just too much. At least for me. I felt that the love story was buried under too much trivia.
Despite the beautiful words above, this book was one of the worse historicals I've read this year. At least the second chance romance wasn't annoying, just rather boring.
Heroine Francesca, Lady Haughston, and hero Sinclair, Duke of Rochester and her childhood friend, were engaged fifteen years ago, but she left him because of another woman's intrigues and married Lord Haughston soon after. Of course, the other man was a bad one, a drunkard and gambler and also a loser in the sheets. At least he had the decency to die quite quickly. Less decently, he left his wife penniless, so she has to work as a matchmaker.
That's convenient, because when she now finally finds out about the intrigues against her and her former fiancé, she comes up with the ingenious idea of finding the man a wife as compensation for her ill behavior. She selects a few allegedly suitable candidates and gets to work. Let me just say: the Duke is not amused, but he pretends to be on board when he actually tries to win her heart again.
The story is very slow burn, but at the end things happen at an unprecedented rate. I don't think I'm going too far out on a limb when I say that the plot is unbalanced.
Most of the book is told from Francesca's POV, and her musings and explanations were repetitive and more than tiresome. It's all about Francesca denying her feelings for Rochester and doubting Rochester's feelings for her, claiming she's not the right woman for him (too old and too frigid), analyzing what happened in the past and how she felt and how he must have felt. These endless inner thoughts are accompanied by excessive descriptions of dresses, suits, accessories, jewelry, hairstyles, furniture and decorations, carriages, and Regency etiquette.
No doubt, the author has a great knowledge of the time period, but her determination to prove it at every opportunity is just too much. At least for me. I felt that the love story was buried under too much trivia.
July 14, 2024
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 60%.
Underwhelming.
Very repetitious inner monologue.
Too little off the hero's POV.
Jumbled/disjointed.
The heroine has a rather contradictory/inconsistent personality.
Not enough interaction/dialog between the main characters.
(They spend too little time together and too much time apart.)
Zero chemistry and tension between the main characters.
January 4, 2010
I am the type of person who grows attached to characters who reappear throughout a series. The Matchmakers series focuses on Francesca’s ability to help girls navigate the season and bring couples together, as well as her tense relationship with Sinclair, the Duke of Rochford. So I was glad to finally read their story. I don’t think it was the best in the series, but because I had come to like Francesca’s character so much I think that boosted my enjoyment of the book.
The story reveals the facts around Francesca and Sinclair’s engagement fifteen years previous, but also heavily revolves around the financial situation which her late husband left her in. Despite large amounts of head hopping in the other books, this story is almost completely told from Francesca’s point of view. I think it lost depth because of this. Sinclair is the strong, silent type of hero who doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. While his actions in taking care of Francesca convey his love for her, it would have been good to hear about their relationship from both their point of view. Sinclair made a great hero, but I think not hearing his thoughts knocked that down a bit. If his inner turmoil and devotion had been shown, I think his character could have become one of my favorite heroes. Instead, I was annoyed at hearing only Francesca’s side of the story.
I grew to like Francesca more and less during the story. She was clearly a strong, independent woman doing her best to be resourceful and scrape by and I respected her need for independence after what life with her late husband was like. However, I wanted to shake her for having so little faith in Sinclair, especially after having made the same mistake years before. It would have been better for her to learn from it and not repeat history. She and Sinclair had some of the worst communication problems I’ve seen between a hero and heroine. There were misunderstandings, but no Big Misunderstanding. The problem was for the most part that there was no communication. They both seemed to be moving in different directions and read the same situations differently.
I ended up giving this a four out of five, because even though there were several things that annoyed me, I still really enjoyed the story. It was nice to see Francesca and Sinclair finally together, and there were some really great love scenes. With an over the top care bear ending that involved the couples from all of the books, it made a nice end to the series.
The story reveals the facts around Francesca and Sinclair’s engagement fifteen years previous, but also heavily revolves around the financial situation which her late husband left her in. Despite large amounts of head hopping in the other books, this story is almost completely told from Francesca’s point of view. I think it lost depth because of this. Sinclair is the strong, silent type of hero who doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. While his actions in taking care of Francesca convey his love for her, it would have been good to hear about their relationship from both their point of view. Sinclair made a great hero, but I think not hearing his thoughts knocked that down a bit. If his inner turmoil and devotion had been shown, I think his character could have become one of my favorite heroes. Instead, I was annoyed at hearing only Francesca’s side of the story.
I grew to like Francesca more and less during the story. She was clearly a strong, independent woman doing her best to be resourceful and scrape by and I respected her need for independence after what life with her late husband was like. However, I wanted to shake her for having so little faith in Sinclair, especially after having made the same mistake years before. It would have been better for her to learn from it and not repeat history. She and Sinclair had some of the worst communication problems I’ve seen between a hero and heroine. There were misunderstandings, but no Big Misunderstanding. The problem was for the most part that there was no communication. They both seemed to be moving in different directions and read the same situations differently.
I ended up giving this a four out of five, because even though there were several things that annoyed me, I still really enjoyed the story. It was nice to see Francesca and Sinclair finally together, and there were some really great love scenes. With an over the top care bear ending that involved the couples from all of the books, it made a nice end to the series.
November 26, 2025
Me encantooooo perdón me faltó más de ellos
January 1, 2013
“I thought that I would have to pay a great price for these. I feared you might have sold it somewhere else. The other day, when I saw you wearing it and my earrings…why did you not sell them?”
“I could not sell those,” she told him, her unshed tears shining like jewels in her eyes. “They were all I had of you.”
“Oh, my love.” He pulled her to him, hugging her fiercely. “Now you have all of me. You always shall.”
Lady Francesca Haughston had given up on romance for herself, finding passion instead in making desirable matches for others. So it seemed only fair, when she learned she had been deceived into breaking her own long-ago engagement to Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, that she now help him find the perfect wife.
Of course, Francesca was certain any spark of passion between them had long since died - her own treatment of him had seen to that. The way Sinclair gazed at her or swept her suddenly into his arms, well, that was merely practice for when a younger, more suitable woman caught his eye. But soon Francesca found his lessons in love scandalously irresistible - and a temptation that could endanger them both.
This book had the potential to be great but in the end, it just wasn't. Although the plot sparked my interest I found myself easily bored by the writing. In short, it didn't have enough excitement. I wouldn't say it was horrible, it just failed to excel at anything that would make a book interesting - excitment, humour, emotion, passion and intensity - which is probably why it fell a bit flat. Nevertheless I managed to finish it so I suppose that counts for something.
The only thing that saved this book was the hero and heroine. Francesca and Sinclair were boring but they were nice enough. The 'complications' in their relationship seemed a bit insigificant to me but they worked it out in the end. One thing Candace Camp did manage to do was write a completely satisfying ending to cap off an otherwise unsatisfying book.
Rate: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 stars because of its satisfying ending)
“I could not sell those,” she told him, her unshed tears shining like jewels in her eyes. “They were all I had of you.”
“Oh, my love.” He pulled her to him, hugging her fiercely. “Now you have all of me. You always shall.”
Lady Francesca Haughston had given up on romance for herself, finding passion instead in making desirable matches for others. So it seemed only fair, when she learned she had been deceived into breaking her own long-ago engagement to Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, that she now help him find the perfect wife.
Of course, Francesca was certain any spark of passion between them had long since died - her own treatment of him had seen to that. The way Sinclair gazed at her or swept her suddenly into his arms, well, that was merely practice for when a younger, more suitable woman caught his eye. But soon Francesca found his lessons in love scandalously irresistible - and a temptation that could endanger them both.
This book had the potential to be great but in the end, it just wasn't. Although the plot sparked my interest I found myself easily bored by the writing. In short, it didn't have enough excitement. I wouldn't say it was horrible, it just failed to excel at anything that would make a book interesting - excitment, humour, emotion, passion and intensity - which is probably why it fell a bit flat. Nevertheless I managed to finish it so I suppose that counts for something.
The only thing that saved this book was the hero and heroine. Francesca and Sinclair were boring but they were nice enough. The 'complications' in their relationship seemed a bit insigificant to me but they worked it out in the end. One thing Candace Camp did manage to do was write a completely satisfying ending to cap off an otherwise unsatisfying book.
Rate: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 stars because of its satisfying ending)
February 6, 2017
Loved it!! I wanted to read their story since I read the first book in this series! Time for the matchmaker to find happiness! And I have to say this: this Duke is so worth the waiting!!!
December 17, 2023
hoping i get amnesia so i can experience them again
May 19, 2018
Lindísima historia. La disfruté mucho más por el modo en que está escrita (cosas que no pasó con las novelas anteriores a esta), sin duda fue una culminación perfecta para llegar al final feliz de Francesca y Sinclair.
El epílogo me mató, fue tan tierno.
El epílogo me mató, fue tan tierno.
August 13, 2017
The best thing about this book was it taste different. Hero is not brooding or idiot arrigant and Heroine is not the usual type smart. Their romance was not storm type but felt like sweet breeze.
France broke her engagement and Sin heart 15 years ago due to a misunderstanding, she was young & naive(she still is). And after 15 years, when she finally come to know the truth, she try to remidify her mistake by searching wife for Sin.
The best thing of this book is Sin da Duke only, He is a hero with golden heart. His neat composed character was such a treat to read.
Francesa is still stupid, stupid in matter of heart.
I enjoyed their courtship dance & making out scenes, well written.
Thanks Jultri for the recommendation.
France broke her engagement and Sin heart 15 years ago due to a misunderstanding, she was young & naive(she still is). And after 15 years, when she finally come to know the truth, she try to remidify her mistake by searching wife for Sin.
The best thing of this book is Sin da Duke only, He is a hero with golden heart. His neat composed character was such a treat to read.
Francesa is still stupid, stupid in matter of heart.
I enjoyed their courtship dance & making out scenes, well written.
Thanks Jultri for the recommendation.
Read
December 23, 2014"This was a great closure to this series. Lady Haughston had spent so much time finding husbands for others that it was her turn to find happiness." from an eHarlequin.com community member review, read more HERE!
December 16, 2016
The first half of the book was great, but then their inner thoughts became too repetitive and I started skimming. Also, I really didn't think that Francesca's financial situation was that bad. It certainly didn't make me feel sorry for her. I found her to be pretty shallow and not worthy of Sinclair.
April 26, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Francesca and Sinclair were very likable characters....although sometimes too smart to realize their own love for each other. I love second chance romances but it is generally ruined by dragging the drama of the whole misunderstanding and its revelation and added secrets (like a child) that doesn't come out until the last page of the book. This was refreshing in the sense that Francesca already knew the truth about the big misunderstanding and talked to Sinclair about it pretty early in the book. The rest of the book was the romantic and comical setting of their second chance at love with each other. I liked that both characters had grown up and realized their own mistake in misunderstanding. I also loved that as soon as Francesca knew she desperately needed help she turned to the duke. Here is what I think would've made this book really unforgettable. We spend most of the book seeing things from Francesca's point of view...the few times we see it from the Duke's is really interesting and I would've liked to see more of it. [start spoiler] The pregnancy at the end should've been revealed in the setting of Francesca first finding out she is pregnant and then telling the Duke. Since she was sure she was incapable of conceiving a child it would've been a joy to read her reaction when she realized she was pregnant. This was a missed opportunity. I have not read the other books in the series but I think it would really make this book better because I like a build up to a story. My favorite thus far is Kev and Win from Seduce me at Sunrise but I would like to read another book that lives up to all the hype created by previous installments. Anyways enjoyable book with the villains getting what they deserve and heroes who are more heroic than just another man too busy being self absorbed to care about justice and fairness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2017
leído en Nov 2011
Ohh me encantó totalmente la historia.... ya desde el primer libro de esta serie... me intrigó bastante la protagonista y el porqué entró en ese negocio y aquí conocemos mucho de ella y su pasado. Quería verla obtener por fin su final feliz...
Muy buena trama, buenos personajes tanto principales como secundarios.... muy recomendada!!
Ohh me encantó totalmente la historia.... ya desde el primer libro de esta serie... me intrigó bastante la protagonista y el porqué entró en ese negocio y aquí conocemos mucho de ella y su pasado. Quería verla obtener por fin su final feliz...
Muy buena trama, buenos personajes tanto principales como secundarios.... muy recomendada!!
November 13, 2021
3.5 stars
November 16, 2021
I really liked this one.
This is the story of Lady Francesca, the matchmaker in the previous books and the Duke.
All these years they have had a kind of friendship, they belong to the same social circle. From the first book where the Duke challenges her to a wager, there is a tension between them. In the third book we find out that they had a history together when they were younger.
As it turns out, they were secretly engaged just before Lady Francesca’s coming out. The Duke suggested it be kept secret so she can enjoy her first season. However, as we find out in the previous book, the villainess of that story make mischief which caused their break up and Lady Francesca ended up marrying someone else at the end of the season.
A few if these details are in the previous book, so, although this is a stand alone, it would be better reading the books in sequence. More details come out in this book. From the last book where Lady F finds out that the Duke never betrayed her, she is now very very remorseful. The Duke has never married, she feels it may be because her flighty actions have made his mistrust women.
She is determined to find him a wife. At first the Duke is enraged, but soon he agrees and they commence their search. It gives the Duke a ready excuse to be in Lady Francesca’s presence.
I liked their slow burn romance. I liked how the Hero constantly returned to her whenever they had disagreements. Compared to the couple in the last book, their kisses seemed sweeter, when they came together it was a more natural progression. I did like that they were an older couple 33 and 38.
All in all a lovely second chance story!
This is the story of Lady Francesca, the matchmaker in the previous books and the Duke.
All these years they have had a kind of friendship, they belong to the same social circle. From the first book where the Duke challenges her to a wager, there is a tension between them. In the third book we find out that they had a history together when they were younger.
As it turns out, they were secretly engaged just before Lady Francesca’s coming out. The Duke suggested it be kept secret so she can enjoy her first season. However, as we find out in the previous book, the villainess of that story make mischief which caused their break up and Lady Francesca ended up marrying someone else at the end of the season.
A few if these details are in the previous book, so, although this is a stand alone, it would be better reading the books in sequence. More details come out in this book. From the last book where Lady F finds out that the Duke never betrayed her, she is now very very remorseful. The Duke has never married, she feels it may be because her flighty actions have made his mistrust women.
She is determined to find him a wife. At first the Duke is enraged, but soon he agrees and they commence their search. It gives the Duke a ready excuse to be in Lady Francesca’s presence.
I liked their slow burn romance. I liked how the Hero constantly returned to her whenever they had disagreements. Compared to the couple in the last book, their kisses seemed sweeter, when they came together it was a more natural progression. I did like that they were an older couple 33 and 38.
All in all a lovely second chance story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2017
I must have been riding high on "An Extraordinary Union" because I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. I wanted something light and easy after the emotional toll Union had on me. And this totally delivered! Just a simple, cute romance but then something started to... grate.
There were a few things that bothered me more and more as this book went along. The lesser evils were:
1. Internal monologue. SO. MUCH. INTERNAL. MONOLOGUING. You spend 98% of the book in Frances' POV. Once in a random while you slip into Sinclair's, and I couldn't ever tell why, because it would just be for a paragraph and then swoosh, back into Frances' head. And she talked to herself a lot. About the same shit over and over again. And somehow managed to never figure her own feelings out.
2. Telling and not showing. Listen, I'm not even taking issue with Camp not really giving us a developing relationship between these two. My issue is the talking about their long, long history all the time and NEVER showing us. There ample opportunities for flashbacks that would have been GREAT. Instead, we get told about the misunderstanding, we get told about Sinclair falling head over heels for Frances at a party. BORING.
These were problems, but the main issue that exasperated all these other issues is that I just did not like the heroine. At all. Now, I like a difficult heroine. But Frances wasn't difficult, she was just kind of a self involved brat who didn't know her own damn mind.
She insisted on finding Sinclair a wife and then consistently found fault with any woman he talked to. That was super gross. Also, speaking of her resolution to 'help' him because she found out he wasn't lying? Gee, how nice, maybe you should have listened to him 15 years ago. Although, Camp kind of blamed Sinclair for I guess not trying hard enough to convince her he didn't cheat? I get her overreacting when she was 18... but in the ensuing 15 years she didn't think to reevaluate what happened?
And her bull headedness when it came to her own feelings was just grating and boring... and she was just so proud of herself for how great she was at socializing and holding parties and it didn't make sense because I thought she was dreadfully boring. Sinclair was lovely though. He deserved a better heroine.
There were a few things that bothered me more and more as this book went along. The lesser evils were:
1. Internal monologue. SO. MUCH. INTERNAL. MONOLOGUING. You spend 98% of the book in Frances' POV. Once in a random while you slip into Sinclair's, and I couldn't ever tell why, because it would just be for a paragraph and then swoosh, back into Frances' head. And she talked to herself a lot. About the same shit over and over again. And somehow managed to never figure her own feelings out.
2. Telling and not showing. Listen, I'm not even taking issue with Camp not really giving us a developing relationship between these two. My issue is the talking about their long, long history all the time and NEVER showing us. There ample opportunities for flashbacks that would have been GREAT. Instead, we get told about the misunderstanding, we get told about Sinclair falling head over heels for Frances at a party. BORING.
These were problems, but the main issue that exasperated all these other issues is that I just did not like the heroine. At all. Now, I like a difficult heroine. But Frances wasn't difficult, she was just kind of a self involved brat who didn't know her own damn mind.
She insisted on finding Sinclair a wife and then consistently found fault with any woman he talked to. That was super gross. Also, speaking of her resolution to 'help' him because she found out he wasn't lying? Gee, how nice, maybe you should have listened to him 15 years ago. Although, Camp kind of blamed Sinclair for I guess not trying hard enough to convince her he didn't cheat? I get her overreacting when she was 18... but in the ensuing 15 years she didn't think to reevaluate what happened?
And her bull headedness when it came to her own feelings was just grating and boring... and she was just so proud of herself for how great she was at socializing and holding parties and it didn't make sense because I thought she was dreadfully boring. Sinclair was lovely though. He deserved a better heroine.
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