The Matchmaker's Surrender

Matchmaker #2

by Tammy L. Bailey

Surrendering her heart could be the scariest thing of all...

Miss Jane Dalton, one of London’s most successful matchmakers, believes it's much safer bringing couples together than falling in love herself. In fact, she could not think of anything more frightening than to have loved and lost.

Fate, however, disrupts her plans to remain a single matchmaker when Mr. Nicholas Waverley, her brother’s best friend, is forced to kidnap her after she becomes entangled in an assassin’s web.

Forced together under dangerous circumstances, Jane realizes her true feelings for Nicholas. In the end, however, is her love for him worth the fall?

The Matchmaker's Surrender is a Regency romance novella and the second book in The Matchmaker Series.

Genres: Historical Romance

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2019

About the author

Tammy L. Bailey writes both historical and contemporary fiction with clever, romantic, and unexpected escapes combining delicious tension and laugh out loud humor.

Before she began writing romance, Tammy served in both the active Army and the Air National Guard. She was once asked if she wanted to become a navigator on a C-130. However, after getting lost to the recruiter's office, she was persuaded to choose another job.

Today, she lives with her husband and two sons where she balances her time between family, hockey, her full-time job as a nursing secretary, and being a writer. Whether it's historical or contemporary romance, for her, there must always be a happy ending.

If you want to connect with Tammy or want to know when she'll be releasing her next book, please visit her website at https://www.tammylbailey.com and sign up for her newsletter. She can't wait to hear from you.

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Twitter: @tammylbailey
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Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane thinks it’s always easy to make the perfect match for others, but what happens when the Matchmaker finds her heart surrendering to what she fears the most…LOVE? Is it love she fears, or possibly losing the man who steals her heart?

Fate has its own plans for the matchmaker who has sworn to remain forever single in Tammy L. Bailey’s THE MATCHMAKER’S SURRENDER and I loved everything about this short Regency Romance. Looking for an honorable hero with the patience of a saint? Want your heroine to be strong, but sometimes her own worst enemy when it comes to affairs of the heart? Need a little danger and intrigue, as well as a bit of kidnapping?

A quick read, perfect for the beach, a relaxing afternoon or evening that doesn’t dig so deep that the love gets lost in the details. A little humor, some heated passion and another successful match for London’s greatest matchmaker! Tammy L. Baker made my day!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Tammy L. Bailey! This is my honest review!

Series: The Matchmaker Series - Book 2
Publication Date: May 20, 2019
Publisher: Tammy L. Bailey
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 156 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh it is wonderful to see the matchmaker, who who always thinks she may never find her match, to be ensnared by someone so close! Such was the case with Jane, who had just attended the wedding of her best friend Lily and her brother Henry. (Book 1, don't miss it!). With the help of Henry's best friend Nicholas Waverley, they had orchestrated a romantic meeting between the two and the rest was history! But oh, Nicholas Waverley, was so handsome and that dimple in his cheek! But those blue eyes.... She cannot help staring at him and he does seem to pay her a lot of attention!
Can I just say wow I loved this story and yes, yes I did fall a little in love with Nicholas who was such an amazing man. Unpretentious she had called him! Well when he kidnaps Jane to keep her safe after she is at the wrong place and runs into him and a known criminal, the adventure begins! What is so heartwarming is that Nicholas has had strong feelings for Jane for a long time. Be still my heart!
This story has a little of it all! Intrigue, action, humor and of course a sizzling attraction that will come off the pages! When I see a new story by Tammy, I know it will be exactly what I want to read and sigh as I turn the last page. Oh yes, it happens every time!! Cannot wait for more in the delightful series!

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful novella this is! Miss Jane Dalton loves to play matchmaker and the latest couple she's matched is her brother Henry and best friend Lily, with the help of her brother's best friend, Nicholas Waverley. Although she finds Nicholas very handsome, she has no intention of ever falling in love! Little does she know that Nicholas is in love with her but she's made it plain that she's not interested in love and marriage so he hides the fact.

Unintentionally, Jane catches the eye of an assassin and to protect her, Nicholas kidnaps her to keep her safe and that's when she discovers he's actually a spy for the crown. She also can't resist her attraction to him and falls head over heels in love with him but will they have a chance to declare their love amidst all the danger surrounding them?!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, I always wish that Tammy Bailey’s books would go for longer – they are that good! Put that issue aside, this is a novella that managers to give detail and depth to the characters in a short space of time, that it is hard to say goodbye at the end. The story follows Miss Jane Dalton, who is known as a successful London matchmaker. Despite having just seen her best friend marry her brother, she believes that she will not marry but finds herself drawn to Mr Nicholas Waverley. Before he can confess his feelings for her, Nicholas finds himself trying to protect Jane from assassins involved in a plot against the Crown, after she stumbles into an encounter between Nicholas and a known criminal.
This book will have you captivated from the start, with romance, danger and plenty of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it but wished there was more! I will just have to wait for another book from a talented author.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Jane Dalton, one of London's most successful matchmakers, believes it's much safer bringing couples together than falling in love herself. In fact, she could not think of anything more daunting than to have loved and lost. However she can’t help but notice how handsome Mr. Nicholas Waverley, her brother's best friend, is.
I first met Nicholas & Jane in the first book in the series & I’m so glad they now have their story. Nicholas is in love with Jane & he’s so patient & lovely. Jane no way wants to fall in love but when she’s thrown together with Nicholas their attraction deepens. A well written very well paced book that I read in a sitting. I hope Jane continues her matchmaking as there are at least one soldier who needs his story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publisher's Description:

Miss Jane Dalton, one of London’s most successful matchmakers, would rather bring couples together than choose a gentleman for herself. In fact, she could not think of anything more frightening than falling in love. Fate, however, disrupts her plans to remain a single matchmaker when Mr. Nicholas Waverley, her brother’s best friend, is forced to kidnap her after she becomes entangled in an assassin’s web.

Brought together under dangerous circumstances, Jane realizes her true feelings for Nicholas. In the end, however, is her love for him worth the fall?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this novella. It had just enough to titillate the reader without a total need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
I did read the first book and remembered some of the characters in this one as carry overs but it is not in my opinion necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
There is intrigue, danger and just the right amount of romance to make this an excellent read.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for plot, storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Jane Dalton is one of the best matchmakers in London. Finding someone for herself is not something she wishes for. When she is kidnapped by her brother's best friend, Waverly to keep her safe, she understands that love may be worth the risk. Jane and Waverly join forces to break up a spy ring. It is dangerous and Jane is afraid that Waverly may be mixed up in it. She trusts him and loves him as he loves her. Neither knows about the other. Waverly is a rogue whom she can't trust with her heart, but will her heart disagree? I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher and read it voluntary. Loved the chemistry between the two. I have to read the rest of the series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful story that can be easily read in a day, perfect for the holidays! Jane is a matchmaker and she likes to be in control. She has an attraction to Nicholas Waverley but she is afraid of falling in love as she won’t have control and she is fighting against her feelings. Nicholas also has feelings for Jane but hasn’t told her. There is more to Nicholas than Jane realises, he isn’t just a handsome face. There are some dangerous times and passionate moments and an intriguing mysterious background about one of the military men. Hopefully, his story will be in the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane and Nicholas were such a wonderful pairing in this periodic story. The story line was fun and uniquely interesting. The characters had just the right amount of adventure added to their journey to their HEA.

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

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up!

I enjoyed reading this book about the matchmaker from book one finding love herself. Both characters are in the first book and start their story after Henry and Lily marry. It has intrigue, romance and is a little steamy. A great short read!

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book were all wonderful, the plot was original, and the story flowed nicely. It was the second book in the series but was an enjoyable standalone.

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very happy with this second book by Tammy L. Bailey in The Matchmaker Series. Neither book in the series takes very long to read but there is actually quite a bit packed in them!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Jane Dalton has found plenty of happiness in bringing couples together but is too afraid to risk loss by giving in to love herself. However, it seems fate has other plans when her brother's closest friend, Mr. Nicholas Waverly, finds himself obliged to kidnap her in order to keep her safe from assassins involved in a treasonous plot. As she is forced into close situations with Nicholas, Jane begins to notice, and subsequently battle, her true and terrifying feelings for Nicholas. When Nicholas is bold enough to confess the love he's long harbored for her, it may not be enough to make Jane set aside her fears and take a risk with him. When she finally summons the courage to acknowledge and admit her true feelings, it may be too late for Nicholas to believe her.

Jane was especially naive and unbelievably oblivious but Nicholas was adorably chivalrous and vulnerable. Nicholas was the perfect balance to Jane's tendency to over-analyze and there was some danger and intrigue to keep this novel fast paced and engaging. Overall, I quite enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[TLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Matchmaker Series, but it can be read as a stand-alone book. This was such a sweet romance to read. Miss Jane Dalton was a matchmaker but didn’t want to make a match herself due to her fear of losing love. Mr. Nicholas Waverly, her brother’s closest friend, is in love with Jane. When he becomes involved in a treasonous plot, he has to kidnap her in order to save her. They finally get their HEA after Jane is able to overcome her fears. The story was short and fast paced but the characters were well developed. The unexpected twists to the plot kept the reader’s attention throughout the book. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a fast, sweet romance to read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. While it is the second in a series, I found no problem reading it as a stand-alone. Considering it is a novella, it manages to cover both a good plot as well as development of the characters. I plan to go back and read book one in this series! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This was a good novella. Miss Jane Dalton and Mr. Nicholas Waverley have their own story to tell. Jane makes matches for others, but have no desire to wed. Her motto is "better to never have loved than to have loved and lost". Nicholas is a spy for the crown and is completely in love with Jane. Jane does like Nicholas, but her own fears hold her back. When Jane catches an assassin's eye, Nicholas will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, which of course means "kidnapping" her. As she spends more time with Nicholas, she realizes her feelings of love for him are true. Will Jane be able to tell Nicholas that she loves him before it is too late?

[Penocea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered an advance copy of this book for an honest review. Review coming soon...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy getting caught up in a great historical romance, then this book is it. You’ll find a treasure of excitement, drama, mystery, and suspense amidst the British ton with a hefty dose of romance. Seriously, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Am so in love with Nicholas and Jane that I never wanted to leave. The problem now is... what do I read next? Anxiously await the next installment of books by this author!
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced and exciting with lots of passionate scenes between the hero and heroine. The hero was amazing and so very patient with the heroine while she worked through her emotions regarding falling in love. They do get their HEA in the end.

I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This lengthy novella is book two of the series, but it can mostly be read as a stand-alone. There was enough backstory that I felt left out that I hadn’t read book one. The author does a nice job of fitting what should have been a full length novel into novella form, but I think the romance would have been more believable had it been fleshed out and not crammed into a three day time period. (There was also a subplot of an assassination attempt on the Prince Regent that was given very little explanation and made very little sense).

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane, who considers herself to be quite the matchmaker, is not intending to find her own match. She firmly believes that she can only do her best matchmaking if she keeps her heart pure and open, believing it would taint her abilities if she loved and lost. So loving someone, to her, is not worth the risk. Mr. Waverley has held and affection for her for some time, which strengthened during the time they worked together to pair up friends. Jane accidentally gets herself involved in the treachery of others. To save her, Mr. Waverley must abduct her.

I found Mr. Waverley to be a delightful hero. He does hold an affection for Jane but knows enough about her so that he knows his chances are slim. Yet when he has to, he doesn't hesitate to protect her. I like that Jane’s reason for not wanting to fall in love was a flip on the phrase that we usually hear, that people say it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Jane is smart about certain things, but she is definitely clueless about her own feelings for Mr. Waverley and his feelings for her. The characters do have chemistry, and the intrigue adds interest to the romance.

I thought the language was in places a little stilted and unnatural. There are definitely a few words that didn't seem quite right. There are some errors in grammar, punctuation, and usage. I did feel that sometimes the stilted language was distracting and kept me from thoroughly enjoying these characters, who have much going for them. I did enjoy the story itself, though.

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

Read my reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[JANET SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Enjoyable Read

The second book in this series proved to be as entertaining as the first, albeit a little darker in plot than Henry and Lily's story. Mr Waverley, Nicholas, is Henry's friend and this is his and Henry's sister Jane's story. Poor Nicholas so in love with Jane but she is only interested in her match maker schemes, and not fully understood by Jane she is falling in love with him. Much to Nicholas's chagrin Jane becomes involved in his work for the crown, and assumes the worst of him, and is reluctant to go along with his plan to keep her safe. After many thoughts on Jane's part, of is he isn't he trust worthy all is resolved in a very good story, one which I would thoroughly recommend, and I look forward to Tammy's next Regency book.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading over 380 books last year, over 1600 in 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases. Lately, I have started finding new authors to read. I am a visual person so the first thing that catches my eye is the cover. If the cover makes the book look good, I then research the author. I have to make sure the book is regency historical romance and has sex in it.

I know Tammy doesn’t have very many books out but wanted to give them a try. I am glad I did. They were cute and had great stories. The characters were likable. They were quick reads for me. I finished both Matchmaker books in 1 day but nice reads. I would recommend.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful Regency escape filled with heart, humor, and swoon-worthy tension!

The Matchmaker’s Surrender completely charmed me from page one. Tammy L. Bailey weaves a story that’s both clever and emotionally satisfying. Jane Dalton is a matchmaker who’s more comfortable arranging love than falling into itbut fate has other plans. The forced proximity between Jane and Nicholas, her brother’s best friend, was full of delicious tension, witty banter, and heartfelt moments.

[Lisa H · Rating 3 out of 5]

She’s a matchmaker who doesn’t want to fall in love.

He’s a wealthy man, but can he keep her safe?

Mr. Nicholas Waverley fell for Miss. Jane Dalton while she was matching Lily and Henry. But she’s not into him, is she?

He’s aided unwittingly when she stumbles on a crew of hired goons.

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

[Amy Alvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, but this one just didn't do much for me. I didn't like Jane in this story. I really enjoyed her in the previous book, but she just got on my nerves while reading this one. I did love Nicholas though, so I wish that I had enjoyed his story more...

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick one for me because I fell in love with the leads immediately. A matchmaker who thinks she cannot find a match is a lot of fun to read and it was.
Thumps up!

(I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

[LOVEROFBOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just read this again last night and have amended my rating. I have upped it to 3.75. I feel I was too harsh before. -End Edit

I decided to read the beginning over again after I'd finished just to see if I was being too picky, but I have to stick with my three star rating.

The book felt too simplified for my personal tastes-simple sentence structure and reusing adjectives and using too much of them. The story line appealed to me but I felt it could have been done much better and longer. Lots of typos also.

The story felt rushed and I didn't read the book that came before this but it felt like I should have. For that reason I didn't feel the chemistry between the H&H at all.

I am NOT saying the writer is a bad writer; just type of writing does not meet my wants nor needs.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not First time I read it I read it like four times each time I don't want it to end highly recommend