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Operation: Holiday Matchmakers
Two rival matchmakers meet their matches...
Sophie Mattis has earned her title as the best matchmaker in Corazon Grande through hard work and an unbeatable Formula for finding her clients love. Given the village’s reputation as the most romantic town in California, that’s no small boast. Sure, Sophie’s own heart has been broken in the past, but by sticking to her tried-and-true system, her clients get the love she can’t find for herself. Life in her new home would be pretty good, except for laid-back, irritatingly attractive local hero Evan Reid, her rival with a foolproof matchmaking system of his own.
When the townspeople approach Sophie and Evan with a huge matchmaking challenge, neither can resist the chance to shine and prove their method is superior. Trouble is, in order to show the value of romance to the town’s two resident grumps, Evan and Sophie must bury the hatchet and work together to make magic happen during Corazon Grande’s all-important holiday season.
As the matchmakers race against the clock in their task, their heated rivalry turns into undeniable chemistry, throwing everything off course. Will old wounds and unexpected new feelings stop them from accepting the greatest gift of all—love?
Sophie Mattis has earned her title as the best matchmaker in Corazon Grande through hard work and an unbeatable Formula for finding her clients love. Given the village’s reputation as the most romantic town in California, that’s no small boast. Sure, Sophie’s own heart has been broken in the past, but by sticking to her tried-and-true system, her clients get the love she can’t find for herself. Life in her new home would be pretty good, except for laid-back, irritatingly attractive local hero Evan Reid, her rival with a foolproof matchmaking system of his own.
When the townspeople approach Sophie and Evan with a huge matchmaking challenge, neither can resist the chance to shine and prove their method is superior. Trouble is, in order to show the value of romance to the town’s two resident grumps, Evan and Sophie must bury the hatchet and work together to make magic happen during Corazon Grande’s all-important holiday season.
As the matchmakers race against the clock in their task, their heated rivalry turns into undeniable chemistry, throwing everything off course. Will old wounds and unexpected new feelings stop them from accepting the greatest gift of all—love?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
7 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Stanton
7 books36 followersAlexis Stanton is the pen name for an award-winning romance author who lives in Central California with her husband, a fellow romance author, and their two cats. She enjoys spending too much time on the internet, baking, and listening to music from the '80s.
Pseudonym for Eva Leigh
Pseudonym for Eva Leigh
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 10, 2020
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While Zoe Archer/Eva Leigh is primarily known for her steamy, expectation defying historicals (at least that’s how I was introduced to her under the EL pen name, and have since become more acquainted with ZA’s more diverse genre bending backlist), I was intrigued to find out that she was also a writer for Hallmark as Alexis Stanton, but no less thrilled to receive an advance copy of her next Alexis title, Operation: Holiday Matchmakers. And while I had a fair idea what to expect from its reputation and some read-alikes from other publishers, this was nonetheless a pleasant read.
The romance between Sophie and Evan is cute and fun, and while it’s not that deep, it’s fun seeing a somewhat predictable battle of wills (and hearts) between two people with different personalities and styles trying to prove themselves in the matchmaking game, and falling for each other in the process.
And given Hallmark has been notorious in the past for their lack of representation, receiving backlash from their core audience when they do try to include LGBTQ+ rep (something that appears to have changed somewhat on the film side in 2020 with at least one film announced for its 2020 Christmas schedule), I was pleasantly surprised to see supporting characters as a gay couple. Given what I know about Stanton/Archer/Leigh’s allyship for LGBTQ+ folks and other marginalized groups on social media, I’m a bit less surprised, but I am curious how common it is in some of their previous titles, especially by other authors.
I really enjoyed this, and even though it wasn’t super substantial, I really did not expect it to be. If you’re looking for a sweet escapist read from one of the most recognizable inspirational brands (especially if you already love Hallmark movies), I think you’ll enjoy this one.
While Zoe Archer/Eva Leigh is primarily known for her steamy, expectation defying historicals (at least that’s how I was introduced to her under the EL pen name, and have since become more acquainted with ZA’s more diverse genre bending backlist), I was intrigued to find out that she was also a writer for Hallmark as Alexis Stanton, but no less thrilled to receive an advance copy of her next Alexis title, Operation: Holiday Matchmakers. And while I had a fair idea what to expect from its reputation and some read-alikes from other publishers, this was nonetheless a pleasant read.
The romance between Sophie and Evan is cute and fun, and while it’s not that deep, it’s fun seeing a somewhat predictable battle of wills (and hearts) between two people with different personalities and styles trying to prove themselves in the matchmaking game, and falling for each other in the process.
And given Hallmark has been notorious in the past for their lack of representation, receiving backlash from their core audience when they do try to include LGBTQ+ rep (something that appears to have changed somewhat on the film side in 2020 with at least one film announced for its 2020 Christmas schedule), I was pleasantly surprised to see supporting characters as a gay couple. Given what I know about Stanton/Archer/Leigh’s allyship for LGBTQ+ folks and other marginalized groups on social media, I’m a bit less surprised, but I am curious how common it is in some of their previous titles, especially by other authors.
I really enjoyed this, and even though it wasn’t super substantial, I really did not expect it to be. If you’re looking for a sweet escapist read from one of the most recognizable inspirational brands (especially if you already love Hallmark movies), I think you’ll enjoy this one.
November 18, 2020
A diverse cast Hallmark romance with all the Christmas goodness, sign me up please!
I’m a huge fan of Alexis Stanton, mainly her books under her other pen name, which are often more steamy. But, it’s been a tough year so I was ready for a feel-good, Christmas romance with plenty of warm fuzzies. Stanton did not let me down.
We meet Sophia and Evan, a pair of matchmakers in Corazon Grande in the midst of wrapping up their year and preparing for the the Engagement Extravaganza the town hosts every year. It’s the most romantic town in California, but these to matchmakers may have met the challenge they can’t solve. When two of the town’s biggest extravaganza participants threaten to cancel for not believing in love, Sophia and Evan must pair together to show that love is the real deal, even when they aren’t sure if it would ever work for themselves.
Cue, Christmas Tree lot visits, romantic dates with trail rides, painting, cooking and more. Tons of Christmas movie references, and plenty of feel good moments. Add in a Stanton’s fabulous style of writing that blends diverse cast, cuisine, and cultures into a story seamlessly and I want to live in Corazon Grande.
Is the plot a bit predictable? Sure. Are Sophie and Evan’s arguments against love for themselves based on letting old hurts run roughshod over themselves? You bet. But, that’s the joy of reading romance. I just got to get lost in the journey that Evan and Sophie have to tread along. You can’t go wrong with this holiday treat that’s inclusive and a nice distraction from the world at large.
I’m a huge fan of Alexis Stanton, mainly her books under her other pen name, which are often more steamy. But, it’s been a tough year so I was ready for a feel-good, Christmas romance with plenty of warm fuzzies. Stanton did not let me down.
We meet Sophia and Evan, a pair of matchmakers in Corazon Grande in the midst of wrapping up their year and preparing for the the Engagement Extravaganza the town hosts every year. It’s the most romantic town in California, but these to matchmakers may have met the challenge they can’t solve. When two of the town’s biggest extravaganza participants threaten to cancel for not believing in love, Sophia and Evan must pair together to show that love is the real deal, even when they aren’t sure if it would ever work for themselves.
Cue, Christmas Tree lot visits, romantic dates with trail rides, painting, cooking and more. Tons of Christmas movie references, and plenty of feel good moments. Add in a Stanton’s fabulous style of writing that blends diverse cast, cuisine, and cultures into a story seamlessly and I want to live in Corazon Grande.
Is the plot a bit predictable? Sure. Are Sophie and Evan’s arguments against love for themselves based on letting old hurts run roughshod over themselves? You bet. But, that’s the joy of reading romance. I just got to get lost in the journey that Evan and Sophie have to tread along. You can’t go wrong with this holiday treat that’s inclusive and a nice distraction from the world at large.
January 3, 2021
Sophie and Evan are rival matchmakers in Corazon Grande, the most romantic town in California. Competitive yet respectful, the two continually make successful match after match. When the town’s annual Christmas Eve Engagement Extravaganza is threatened, the mayor calls on both Sophie and Evan to make a match between two grumps who don’t believe in love.
Operation: Holiday Matchmakers is a wonderful novella that brings the together the magic of the holidays and falling in love. While the premise of “enemies to lovers” isn’t one of my favorites, Ms. Stanton weaves a heart-warming tale that focuses more on the experiences and personal growth of Sophie and Evan, rather than creating continual friction between the pair for the sake of drama and conflict.
Sophie is all numbers and statistics, while Evan relies on tried and true methods to foster romance between two people. It is evident that both have lost sight of what real love is. They are guarded, not willing to fall to their own machinations; believing their techniques cause feelings, rather than it being an organic outcome of the process.
While the story’s plot is slightly obvious, Sophie and Evan’s journey isn’t predictable. I experienced joy and heartache right along side the couple. The author packs a lot of emotion into the light and fluffy holiday story. I highly recommend Operation: Holiday Matchmakers for a delightful, fulfilling read.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Operation: Holiday Matchmakers is a wonderful novella that brings the together the magic of the holidays and falling in love. While the premise of “enemies to lovers” isn’t one of my favorites, Ms. Stanton weaves a heart-warming tale that focuses more on the experiences and personal growth of Sophie and Evan, rather than creating continual friction between the pair for the sake of drama and conflict.
Sophie is all numbers and statistics, while Evan relies on tried and true methods to foster romance between two people. It is evident that both have lost sight of what real love is. They are guarded, not willing to fall to their own machinations; believing their techniques cause feelings, rather than it being an organic outcome of the process.
While the story’s plot is slightly obvious, Sophie and Evan’s journey isn’t predictable. I experienced joy and heartache right along side the couple. The author packs a lot of emotion into the light and fluffy holiday story. I highly recommend Operation: Holiday Matchmakers for a delightful, fulfilling read.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
December 20, 2020
An absolutely romantic book which is perfect for people who love love! This book is about Sophie and Evan who are matchmakers in the most romantic town, but they don’t believe in true love themselves. Unfortunately for them, they’re forced to chaperone a few dates and although sparks fly, they’re hesitant to take the next steps because love can’t be real, can it? A very sweet book which is perfect for anyone who needs some awww in their life.
December 31, 2021
In this quirky, kisses only Christmas romance, rival matchmakers combine forces to save their town’s Christmas Eve Engagement Extravaganza. This book gave me everything I want in a holiday romance---whimsical small-town setting, eccentric characters, and that thing where some random holiday event is the most important thing to the town.
December 31, 2020
Light and sweet, with a wonderful cast of characters in the community at large.
March 25, 2021
Would recommend for simple reading
The story line was a bit predictable but a very cute love story. The characters were enjoyable and the writing was easy to read.
The story line was a bit predictable but a very cute love story. The characters were enjoyable and the writing was easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews