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The First Three Dates #2
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess
She’d rather give a mountain lion a bikini wax than mess with love again.
Been there, went viral, never going back. Hattie Montague’s life as a backcountry guide for the spoiled and famous suits her just fine, thanks. It’s the only place she feels completely safe being herself. So what if she has nightmares that she can only speak squirrel and craves pine cones for breakfast? It beats leaving yourself vulnerable to humans. Fine, all of them aren’t bad. She likes probably three, so when one needs her help, she drags herself back to civilization. If she can navigate white water rapids, she can babysit a matchmaking office for a weekend. It’s not like she’ll have to deal with people or, you know, be nice. Ew.
Alexander Greye ruined her life ten years ago. Not his proudest moment. Known as the Winter Warlocke, he’s a man born and raised to lead a country with logical precision. Yet around her, he can’t seem to think rationally. He’s never met anyone who dives into the unknown like she does or tames chaos like she can. In a world as perfectly controlled as his, that makes her irresistible and utterly dangerous. And he’s willing to risk it all to thaw his frozen heart.
It’s half past too late when he realizes his carefully laid plans to win her over covered everything except the theft of the Crown Jewels, an abandoned mine where they’d have to face their deepest fears, and the betrayal that forces them to let go. Quite literally.
Warning: Not for the faint of heart. If you threw Sandra Bullock in a royal romance, well, this might just be it. Sassy romantic adventure, with instances of chaos, misunderstandings, and feels. Oh, and the occasional sheep. Sparks will fly, it’s gonna get awkward, and the Happily-Ever-After will be well-earned.
Been there, went viral, never going back. Hattie Montague’s life as a backcountry guide for the spoiled and famous suits her just fine, thanks. It’s the only place she feels completely safe being herself. So what if she has nightmares that she can only speak squirrel and craves pine cones for breakfast? It beats leaving yourself vulnerable to humans. Fine, all of them aren’t bad. She likes probably three, so when one needs her help, she drags herself back to civilization. If she can navigate white water rapids, she can babysit a matchmaking office for a weekend. It’s not like she’ll have to deal with people or, you know, be nice. Ew.
Alexander Greye ruined her life ten years ago. Not his proudest moment. Known as the Winter Warlocke, he’s a man born and raised to lead a country with logical precision. Yet around her, he can’t seem to think rationally. He’s never met anyone who dives into the unknown like she does or tames chaos like she can. In a world as perfectly controlled as his, that makes her irresistible and utterly dangerous. And he’s willing to risk it all to thaw his frozen heart.
It’s half past too late when he realizes his carefully laid plans to win her over covered everything except the theft of the Crown Jewels, an abandoned mine where they’d have to face their deepest fears, and the betrayal that forces them to let go. Quite literally.
Warning: Not for the faint of heart. If you threw Sandra Bullock in a royal romance, well, this might just be it. Sassy romantic adventure, with instances of chaos, misunderstandings, and feels. Oh, and the occasional sheep. Sparks will fly, it’s gonna get awkward, and the Happily-Ever-After will be well-earned.
303 pages, ebook
Published November 25, 2022
3 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 19, 2024
A copy of the book was provided for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore does not affect the opinion or content of the review.
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is probably the most outrageously ridiculous book I've read this year. The year is young and there are plenty more books behind the curtains, so one might top this. We'll find out.
That sounds like the beginning of a negative review, but honestly? I haven't read a book in nearly two months. It was funny; it got confusing in some parts. And most importantly, how dare boba get called lumpy tea? This is a crime I cannot forgive. (On a serious note, boba isn't for everyone.)
But it was also something that I needed in this speck of time, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself mostly, even if I might question how outrageous things could get. (And now I'm on my fifth book of the month, so that went well if I say so myself).
Ten years ago during high school prom, Hattie Montague's life got ruined after being framed for grand theft auto after exchange student Alexander Greye and his cousin stole the principal's Camaro, wrecked it (and ran off after throwing the keys in her hands), and a video went viral after being posted of her getting arrested. Since then, she's been working as a backcountry guide in her hometown and views the world through a very cynical lens with a constant wall up around her except for a select group of people.
I'd be cynical and hate the universe too in Hattie's shoes because what a trashy way to ruin someone's life; I'd want to call whole man disposal services to get rid of the entire man, even if he's a prince. There will be no time of day for him when I climb out of the hole that opened up beneath me from a viral video and gather my violent ducks together so I can send him straight to Hell. Even if I lose, which I will.
Anyway, I hold grudges when I'm scorned.
So despite Hattie's cynical lens, she quickly wormed her way into my heart because she, too, has a grudge after getting scorned deeply like that. And she does not let Alexander forget it when he comes back to win her over (as she should) with his plan that backfires spectacularly, even with their hilarious banter.
But deep down she's a softie who truly cares about those around her (like her childhood friends and family), even if she doesn't outright show it. I love we see this develop throughout the novel, though. Also, her talent for improv in multiple scenes? What the hell. I'm jealous.
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is definitely not a novel that deals with any serious themes; it's a very light, quick and easy read. A lot of the events and scenes are unrealistic, exaggerated, and in fact, outrageous. You could even say things can get pretty chaotic; if I listed everything that falls under this category, it would be quite long. Sometimes things moved so fast it was confusing and the writing isn't anything stellar with romantic lines that will make your heart squeal. But considering the state of my mental health when I started the book, it was practically perfect; all I wanted to do was vibe along and go with the flow: no thoughts, head empty.
If you prefer your romantic comedies more on the realistic side, this would be a very hard pass (especially considering no amount of misunderstandings or reasonings would excuse what they did to Hattie). Don't even think about picking it up (even if you're like me and the tagline, "She’d rather give a mountain lion a bikini wax than mess with love again" piqued your interest because of the chaotic vibes), because you will quickly be disappointed on just how unrealistic it can get. It's not a bad thing, and I felt it worked great here, but it's also not for everyone.
In other words, you kind of have to be in a certain mood to truly enjoy this.
But if you don't mind things getting pretty messy in the most chaotic of ways that sometimes make you go, "what the hell am I even reading" or "why is this even a thing," The Matchmaker's Royal Mess might be something up your alley.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is probably the most outrageously ridiculous book I've read this year. The year is young and there are plenty more books behind the curtains, so one might top this. We'll find out.
That sounds like the beginning of a negative review, but honestly? I haven't read a book in nearly two months. It was funny; it got confusing in some parts. And most importantly, how dare boba get called lumpy tea? This is a crime I cannot forgive. (On a serious note, boba isn't for everyone.)
But it was also something that I needed in this speck of time, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself mostly, even if I might question how outrageous things could get. (And now I'm on my fifth book of the month, so that went well if I say so myself).
Ten years ago during high school prom, Hattie Montague's life got ruined after being framed for grand theft auto after exchange student Alexander Greye and his cousin stole the principal's Camaro, wrecked it (and ran off after throwing the keys in her hands), and a video went viral after being posted of her getting arrested. Since then, she's been working as a backcountry guide in her hometown and views the world through a very cynical lens with a constant wall up around her except for a select group of people.
I'd be cynical and hate the universe too in Hattie's shoes because what a trashy way to ruin someone's life; I'd want to call whole man disposal services to get rid of the entire man, even if he's a prince. There will be no time of day for him when I climb out of the hole that opened up beneath me from a viral video and gather my violent ducks together so I can send him straight to Hell. Even if I lose, which I will.
Anyway, I hold grudges when I'm scorned.
So despite Hattie's cynical lens, she quickly wormed her way into my heart because she, too, has a grudge after getting scorned deeply like that. And she does not let Alexander forget it when he comes back to win her over (as she should) with his plan that backfires spectacularly, even with their hilarious banter.
But deep down she's a softie who truly cares about those around her (like her childhood friends and family), even if she doesn't outright show it. I love we see this develop throughout the novel, though. Also, her talent for improv in multiple scenes? What the hell. I'm jealous.
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is definitely not a novel that deals with any serious themes; it's a very light, quick and easy read. A lot of the events and scenes are unrealistic, exaggerated, and in fact, outrageous. You could even say things can get pretty chaotic; if I listed everything that falls under this category, it would be quite long. Sometimes things moved so fast it was confusing and the writing isn't anything stellar with romantic lines that will make your heart squeal. But considering the state of my mental health when I started the book, it was practically perfect; all I wanted to do was vibe along and go with the flow: no thoughts, head empty.
If you prefer your romantic comedies more on the realistic side, this would be a very hard pass (especially considering no amount of misunderstandings or reasonings would excuse what they did to Hattie). Don't even think about picking it up (even if you're like me and the tagline, "She’d rather give a mountain lion a bikini wax than mess with love again" piqued your interest because of the chaotic vibes), because you will quickly be disappointed on just how unrealistic it can get. It's not a bad thing, and I felt it worked great here, but it's also not for everyone.
In other words, you kind of have to be in a certain mood to truly enjoy this.
But if you don't mind things getting pretty messy in the most chaotic of ways that sometimes make you go, "what the hell am I even reading" or "why is this even a thing," The Matchmaker's Royal Mess might be something up your alley.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
February 7, 2023
Infectiously funny with a good dose of drama, suspense, and romance which will take the reader along for a wildly hilarious ride as Hattie and Xander face the true test of their attraction amidst treacherous family villainy as it becomes a dangerous race for Xander to determine just who will inherit the throne. The storyline flowed well, and the scenes were all skillfully written while encouraging the reader to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book by a new-to-me author whose work I will be watching for more of in the future!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2023
Wow what a ride! This book had suspense, drama, romance, humor and great characters. Hattie is a strong, independent woman that’s hiding her soft side. Xander was her high school crush. Their past was rocky and a little accident prone. He’s now back after a decade to win Hattie back and he’s a prince to boot. Can Hattie put aside her anger and help Xander finish his quest before the passing of the dirk or is will his cousin win and inherit the throne? Draven is the perfect villain you hated him and couldn’t wait for him to get his due. Xander is a dream come true a real prince if she’s strong enough to hold on to their happy ever after. I had a little trouble following some of the chatter it seemed a touch disjointed at times but over all this was an engaging story. I couldn’t put it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2023
The story was so entertaining I just couldn’t put it down. Hattie is simply a wonderful character – combination snarky tomboy mountain climber with the ability to deal with and see the humour in any situation. Xander on the other hand is the tormented socially awkward pretty boy with several secrets. Everything about the story was lighthearted and engaging from the quirky “wimen”, animals, pizza delivery guy and very unexpected situations to the witty off the cuff dialogue. A touch of mystery, drama and of course romance with a HEA made this a great read for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2023
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess by Frieda J. Downing is a good, and enjoyable enemies to lovers royalty romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is a crazy love story that has charming characters, banter, humor, angst, misunderstandings, forgiveness, very steamy attraction, and the learning to open ones heart to love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2023
This is the wonderful story of Hattie Montague, who has dreams of opening her own wilderness business, and Xander/ Alexander Greye, a royal prince from Cnoc Ard Mor, who had briefly dated her until their relationship ended in lies and criminal charges against her. Several years later Xander returns to right the situation against Hattie who he still has strong feelings for. This is a crazy love story with charming characters, angst, banter, humor, misunderstandings, forgiveness, steamy attraction, and learning to open up your heart for love.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2022
The plot: Hattie is a hiking guide who has grown rather cynical after someone framed her for a felony back in high school and due to her bad reaction, her father got injured. Now there is to be a high school reunion, the guys who were in on the felony scheme are back in town, and it turns out that one of them is a prince from a strange little kingdom with weird customs related to princes ascending to the throne. It's been ten years but somehow the prince seems to think that he's in love with Hattie and proposes a contract that Hattie signs without a full understanding of the details. There are missing crown jewels and a sheep with a leather jacket, a blue-skinned woman, and somebody who faked their own death.
The plot was rather far fetched but overall I enjoyed the unpredictability. It was written in an entertaining style and I loved the chapter headings (I grabbed this book because of the table of contents -- I needed to know what the chapters were about). I liked the emphasis female friendships and boss lady attitudes.
But sometimes I was so confused what was going on.
I got a free copy and this is a voluntary review.
The plot was rather far fetched but overall I enjoyed the unpredictability. It was written in an entertaining style and I loved the chapter headings (I grabbed this book because of the table of contents -- I needed to know what the chapters were about). I liked the emphasis female friendships and boss lady attitudes.
But sometimes I was so confused what was going on.
I got a free copy and this is a voluntary review.
December 26, 2022
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess
Book 1 of The First Three Dates Matchmakers
Frieda J. Downing
I enjoyed this story, the characters, the growth and the humor. This was a great read.
Book 1 of The First Three Dates Matchmakers
Frieda J. Downing
I enjoyed this story, the characters, the growth and the humor. This was a great read.
April 29, 2023
This is a fun whacky story, it really is like a Sandra Bullock adventure romcom (think the movie "Speed" with a little element of Jasper Fforde's writing thrown in for good measure). But still it is believable, relatable (to a point).
I usually prefer christian fiction (that there is a faith arc in the story that plays a strong part of it), which this is not, but it is sweet and clean - sticks to all the basics without bringing in the character's faith.
The story is from a single POV, which I usually don't like, but it worked really well, wouldn't change that!
Overall a well written book that was lighthearted, a little off the wall in a good way, and yet tackled some deep topics.
I usually prefer christian fiction (that there is a faith arc in the story that plays a strong part of it), which this is not, but it is sweet and clean - sticks to all the basics without bringing in the character's faith.
The story is from a single POV, which I usually don't like, but it worked really well, wouldn't change that!
Overall a well written book that was lighthearted, a little off the wall in a good way, and yet tackled some deep topics.
March 18, 2023
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone story. The main characters from first book only made brief cameos so I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not reading them in order.
The book got off to a strange start (to the extent that I wasn't sure why I chose to review it). At times I was really wacky with a lot of made up words to the point it was a bit distracting, but by the of the book, the overall storyline was interesting and I didn’t want to put it down. I liked that it showed a hero with compassion (princess-like).
Note - Chapter 45 after the epilogue is actually a preview for the first book.
I received a copy at my request (and read in KU), and the opinions here are my own.
The book got off to a strange start (to the extent that I wasn't sure why I chose to review it). At times I was really wacky with a lot of made up words to the point it was a bit distracting, but by the of the book, the overall storyline was interesting and I didn’t want to put it down. I liked that it showed a hero with compassion (princess-like).
Note - Chapter 45 after the epilogue is actually a preview for the first book.
I received a copy at my request (and read in KU), and the opinions here are my own.
April 28, 2023
This is a really good, very funny, very very enjoyable enemies to lovers, royalty, romantic comedy.
The book has suspense and drama, great characters and a very good story line. There is chemistry, there is banter, a lot of misunderstandings. I wholeheartedly recommend, it’s sooo much fun!
The book has suspense and drama, great characters and a very good story line. There is chemistry, there is banter, a lot of misunderstandings. I wholeheartedly recommend, it’s sooo much fun!
April 18, 2023
This book had me laughing and crying and at the seat of my pants. This book was a surprising fun read. Hattie and Xanders story was one I will defiantly remember. A perfect book for sitting on the porch reading in a cool spring night. Can't wait to see how the rest of the series plays out. A fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 3, 2023
OMG! This book takes you on one wild and crazy hilarious ride. Its full of suspense, danger in every turn, laugh out loud humor, drama, romance, ghostly legends and fun banter. Hattie has put up huge walls after her crush hurt her, but not all is as it seems when he returns to right a wrong. Hattie is an independent, strong and hilarious woman able to tame the craziest of events with a single itch and hiccup, but also very knowledgeable, brave and strong willed with the biggest heart. Her sarcasm and Witt can either add or defuse a situation. After a decade apart Hattie has to face her High School crush and face their rocky pasts, with a little added danger and drama, as well as face her worst nightmares. Her clumsy and accidently prone ways paved for unforgettable memories that Xander can't seem to shake. Xander has never been able to forget Hattie and makes one final attempt to win her over, but the dangers and betrayals make it harder to accomplish. Xander is such a carrying, sweet, humble and selfish person, as well as handsome. Draven and Alexanders true colors, past actions and lies soon reveal themselves as Hattie realizes the real danger but is she too late. I laughed out loud, screamed at the characters, felt their fear and unease, and cheered for them as I read. I loved Calambity, the parents and friends, the trickery and banter. My anxiety was at full attention most of the book as I anticipated what would happen next, only to be surprised at each turn. I could not put this book down. If i could give this book more than a five star I would. I would love to read more of blue and her I Loved the story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2023
Looking for something different in your romance reading??
With drama, suspense, humor, and general zaniness this is a story that will appeal to anyone with a Funny Bone!
Not having read Book One in this series or anything by this author before, I didn’t know what to expect and that was a great way to enter this book. With many laughs balanced out with moments of drama and suspense, I found myself happily and merrily caught up in the wild romantic ride that Hattie and Xander were on and loving every minute of it. Without giving any spoilers I will say that understanding the backstory between this pair is necessary and the way that Downing weaves their history into the book really shows her great mastery of fiction writing and the nuances of this Romantic Comedy. This is not a one-note romantic comedy and even though the romance does win out and is the focus throughout, you will be flipping pages in this book to keep up with the story and the many turns that it will take you on. If you enjoy sassy female romantic leads who have a tendency to be klutzy and male romantic leads who are willing to go the extra few miles to win their heart’s desire, then this is the book for you. A fun, engaging, and thoroughly engrossing read, be sure that you have set aside enough time to enjoy your time in visiting Frieda Downing’s world, because it is not a visit you’ll want to rush through!
I received this as an ARC for an honest review
With drama, suspense, humor, and general zaniness this is a story that will appeal to anyone with a Funny Bone!
Not having read Book One in this series or anything by this author before, I didn’t know what to expect and that was a great way to enter this book. With many laughs balanced out with moments of drama and suspense, I found myself happily and merrily caught up in the wild romantic ride that Hattie and Xander were on and loving every minute of it. Without giving any spoilers I will say that understanding the backstory between this pair is necessary and the way that Downing weaves their history into the book really shows her great mastery of fiction writing and the nuances of this Romantic Comedy. This is not a one-note romantic comedy and even though the romance does win out and is the focus throughout, you will be flipping pages in this book to keep up with the story and the many turns that it will take you on. If you enjoy sassy female romantic leads who have a tendency to be klutzy and male romantic leads who are willing to go the extra few miles to win their heart’s desire, then this is the book for you. A fun, engaging, and thoroughly engrossing read, be sure that you have set aside enough time to enjoy your time in visiting Frieda Downing’s world, because it is not a visit you’ll want to rush through!
I received this as an ARC for an honest review
February 26, 2023
Book 2 in the series is not easy to review as there is so much going on, but I loved it!!
Zoe & Noah are out of the country, so Zoe’s friend Hattie picks up the reins, and helps out with the Matchmaking business.
Hattie spent 10 years of her life trying to move on after being accused, and found guilty, of a crime she didn’t commit.
She is hoping to find a “Prince Charming” to escort her to her high school reunion, so that she can hold her head up in the presence of her tormentors.
Xander & Draven - two foreign exchange students at the high school were the cause of her being involved in said crime, and they hot-foot it back to their own country to avoid being incriminated, leaving Hattie in the lurch.
Hattie lives in the backwoods of Colorado, and makes a living as a trail guide.
She moves back to Denver just as a Live Action Role-playing Game begins for the weekend.
The return of Xander and Draven also coincides with the school reunion and the LARP.
Little does Hattie expect the events that will follow their return.
This book is a fun read, and also quite tense and thrilling at times.
It’s not as short as Book 1, but is well worth the time to read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, laughing out loud at times, and being on tenterhooks at others.
The characters are colourful, to say the least, and the plot is well thought out, and more than deserves the 5 stars I am giving it.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Zoe & Noah are out of the country, so Zoe’s friend Hattie picks up the reins, and helps out with the Matchmaking business.
Hattie spent 10 years of her life trying to move on after being accused, and found guilty, of a crime she didn’t commit.
She is hoping to find a “Prince Charming” to escort her to her high school reunion, so that she can hold her head up in the presence of her tormentors.
Xander & Draven - two foreign exchange students at the high school were the cause of her being involved in said crime, and they hot-foot it back to their own country to avoid being incriminated, leaving Hattie in the lurch.
Hattie lives in the backwoods of Colorado, and makes a living as a trail guide.
She moves back to Denver just as a Live Action Role-playing Game begins for the weekend.
The return of Xander and Draven also coincides with the school reunion and the LARP.
Little does Hattie expect the events that will follow their return.
This book is a fun read, and also quite tense and thrilling at times.
It’s not as short as Book 1, but is well worth the time to read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, laughing out loud at times, and being on tenterhooks at others.
The characters are colourful, to say the least, and the plot is well thought out, and more than deserves the 5 stars I am giving it.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 15, 2023
Hattie Montague's life got seriously derailed at the end of high school when she got falsely accused of a crime.
Since then she has taken a job as a backcountry guide and feels more at a place in the middle of nowhere than with people.
Then she does a favour for a friend and looks after a matchmaking office for a little while, while she is on honeymoon. What could go wrong?
Well, it all starts with an overly complicated boba order, when she runs into her old nemesis, who still stirs some feelings in her. Turns out the guy she used to crush on until he messed up big time is actually royalty. And on a mission to retrieve what was stolen from him.
It's a fairytale romance story, with a spin, suspense and a whole lot of romance.
The writing is so good! I was sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. The characters just jump from the pages, I felt like I was right there in the middle of the story.
I don't think I ever read anything quite like it. The MC is unique, hilarious and weird (and funny) stuff just happens around her. Including a mishap with a loose sheep, a strict landlord, a mysterious disease and flying pizza. :)
It's a very, very fun book to read, but also so romantic. :)
Highly recommend it to fans of romantic comedies and characters that are actually unique. :)
received an ARC, all opinions are my own
Since then she has taken a job as a backcountry guide and feels more at a place in the middle of nowhere than with people.
Then she does a favour for a friend and looks after a matchmaking office for a little while, while she is on honeymoon. What could go wrong?
Well, it all starts with an overly complicated boba order, when she runs into her old nemesis, who still stirs some feelings in her. Turns out the guy she used to crush on until he messed up big time is actually royalty. And on a mission to retrieve what was stolen from him.
It's a fairytale romance story, with a spin, suspense and a whole lot of romance.
The writing is so good! I was sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. The characters just jump from the pages, I felt like I was right there in the middle of the story.
I don't think I ever read anything quite like it. The MC is unique, hilarious and weird (and funny) stuff just happens around her. Including a mishap with a loose sheep, a strict landlord, a mysterious disease and flying pizza. :)
It's a very, very fun book to read, but also so romantic. :)
Highly recommend it to fans of romantic comedies and characters that are actually unique. :)
received an ARC, all opinions are my own
February 21, 2023
Warning: This book will want to make you take a trek to Colorado to hunt up your own Prince Xander.
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is just plain fun, and like nothing I've read in such a long time. The characters have a true depth to them that you don't often find. There are layers upon layers of action, subtext, and emotion that really suck you in, and make you believe these are real people. I took it slowly, but every time I picked it up it was a treat that put a smile on my face.
The beginning drops you right into the chaos that is Hattie, dodging LARPers and hunting for lumpy tea. Then you throw in a handsome, complicated prince struggling with hearing loss and a whole cast of animated side characters—I'm looking at you, Calambity!—and you're going to be immersed in the world. Hattie doesn't take herself too seriously, and she isn't afraid to tackle life head on, even if she's been bumped and bruised a thousand times before.
It's not often that you find a book like this, that has fun, chaos, love, emotion, and character complexity all rolled up into such a perfect package. You won't regret giving this one a try!
The Matchmaker's Royal Mess is just plain fun, and like nothing I've read in such a long time. The characters have a true depth to them that you don't often find. There are layers upon layers of action, subtext, and emotion that really suck you in, and make you believe these are real people. I took it slowly, but every time I picked it up it was a treat that put a smile on my face.
The beginning drops you right into the chaos that is Hattie, dodging LARPers and hunting for lumpy tea. Then you throw in a handsome, complicated prince struggling with hearing loss and a whole cast of animated side characters—I'm looking at you, Calambity!—and you're going to be immersed in the world. Hattie doesn't take herself too seriously, and she isn't afraid to tackle life head on, even if she's been bumped and bruised a thousand times before.
It's not often that you find a book like this, that has fun, chaos, love, emotion, and character complexity all rolled up into such a perfect package. You won't regret giving this one a try!
February 13, 2023
There's no doubt that this is a romance story, it does have a substantial comedy element. Our heroine Hattie's life was ruined after she became the subject of a viral video while at high school. The person responsible for what happened in the video was her rush at the time, Alexander Graye. She hasn't seen him since, but now he's back apparently wanting to make amends.
The book is set in the US, but Alexander is a prince from a small island off the UK. This Kingdom seems to be inhabited by some weird Disney-style Scots, but I think that just adds to the humour really. As I said, this book does have a lot of funny moments. For the most part they good, but there is the odd one that was, for me at least, a little overly done which only served to actually reduce the comedy element. I really could have done without the sheep too.
This was a fun read and one that didn't take itself too seriously, which is what you want sometimes.
The book is set in the US, but Alexander is a prince from a small island off the UK. This Kingdom seems to be inhabited by some weird Disney-style Scots, but I think that just adds to the humour really. As I said, this book does have a lot of funny moments. For the most part they good, but there is the odd one that was, for me at least, a little overly done which only served to actually reduce the comedy element. I really could have done without the sheep too.
This was a fun read and one that didn't take itself too seriously, which is what you want sometimes.
February 15, 2023
Hattie believes that love isn’t in her future as her first and only experience ended in heartbreak and changed the course of her life. She has tried to move forward with her life however when Alexander returns to town so does the past she wants to forget.
Alexander comes from a royal family who has been groomed to learn that reputation and responsibility are everything. He regrets what happened in the past and wants a second chance with Hattie but they have a few challenges to overcome including the history they share.
Romance, a little drama and a whole lot of humorous hijinks as Hattie and Alexander finally get their second chance.
Alexander comes from a royal family who has been groomed to learn that reputation and responsibility are everything. He regrets what happened in the past and wants a second chance with Hattie but they have a few challenges to overcome including the history they share.
Romance, a little drama and a whole lot of humorous hijinks as Hattie and Alexander finally get their second chance.
March 25, 2023
I absolutely loved this book once i got into it.Took me a few chapters to get there,then i could not put it down.Hattie and Xander were just great.I absolutely loved Hattie and just wanted to hug her.The situations she got into.It was a really fun book with lots of laughter and it was emotional too.
Xander was sweet and he came back to try and fix the damage he caused ten years ago and to win back Hattie.They did eventually get to their happily ever after.It was definitely a messy fairytale with unique characters.
I cannot wait to read the first book in the series.
I recieved a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving review.
Xander was sweet and he came back to try and fix the damage he caused ten years ago and to win back Hattie.They did eventually get to their happily ever after.It was definitely a messy fairytale with unique characters.
I cannot wait to read the first book in the series.
I recieved a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving review.
February 27, 2023
I honestly tried to like this book but I hate slapstick comedy in films/tv and this is the book version. The story has a great premise and the characters are lovely but I feel they are lurching from one calamity to another. I’m cringing reading it and really not enjoying it. I received this book from BookSirens. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 1, 2025
Amazing!!
I loved this book and the way it connects you to the characters. Hands down had me feeling all the emotions and funny parts. Will definitely come back to this read many times!
I loved this book and the way it connects you to the characters. Hands down had me feeling all the emotions and funny parts. Will definitely come back to this read many times!
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