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Matchmaker Mysteries #3
The Wizard of Saws
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Five months have passed since Gladie Burger came to Cannes, California, to join her eccentric Grandma Zelda in the family matchmaking business, and Gladie is quickly mastering the rules of attraction. Her latest fix-up is still going strong and Gladie’s bank account is back in the black — until a rival matchmaker arrives in town and has both Gladie and Zelda seeing red.
Not only is self-proclaimed psychic Luanda Laughing-Eagle stealing Grandma Zelda’s clients, but Zelda is convinced that Luanda’s ESP is total BS. She tasks Gladie with exposing Luanda as a fraud, but Gladie’s attention is diverted when murder comes a-calling. Spencer Bolton, the gorgeous chief of police and Gladie’s on-again, off-again flame, wants her to stay out of the investigation — and away from the deliciously chiseled detective who also aims to win Gladie’s heart. But the one thing Gladie’s learned is that in business, love and murder... it’s always personal.
Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Crusie, and Katie MacAlister, Elise Sax’s wickedly funny Matchmaker Mysteries series proves that the road to love comes with a few dead ends.
THIS IS THE RE-RELEASE OF LOVE GAME. IT IS THE SAME BOOK WITH A NEW COVER AND TITLE.
Five months have passed since Gladie Burger came to Cannes, California, to join her eccentric Grandma Zelda in the family matchmaking business, and Gladie is quickly mastering the rules of attraction. Her latest fix-up is still going strong and Gladie’s bank account is back in the black — until a rival matchmaker arrives in town and has both Gladie and Zelda seeing red.
Not only is self-proclaimed psychic Luanda Laughing-Eagle stealing Grandma Zelda’s clients, but Zelda is convinced that Luanda’s ESP is total BS. She tasks Gladie with exposing Luanda as a fraud, but Gladie’s attention is diverted when murder comes a-calling. Spencer Bolton, the gorgeous chief of police and Gladie’s on-again, off-again flame, wants her to stay out of the investigation — and away from the deliciously chiseled detective who also aims to win Gladie’s heart. But the one thing Gladie’s learned is that in business, love and murder... it’s always personal.
Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Crusie, and Katie MacAlister, Elise Sax’s wickedly funny Matchmaker Mysteries series proves that the road to love comes with a few dead ends.
THIS IS THE RE-RELEASE OF LOVE GAME. IT IS THE SAME BOOK WITH A NEW COVER AND TITLE.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
277 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Elise Sax
84 books907 followersElise Sax worked as a journalist for fifteen years, mostly in Paris, France. She took a detour from journalism and became a private investigator before trying her hand at writing fiction. She lives in Southern California with her two sons. An Affair to Dismember is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 20, 2017
So, here I am going strong in this series because it is silly and funny and I feel like laughing out loud. Plus, my brain needs a break sometimes, ya know? I can't be all brilliant and finding the answer to life's mysteries every day. I need a vacation sometimes.
Anyway, I have certain unwritten rules for my book characters if they expect me to like them. I will write some down for you so they are now WRITTEN rules. You're welcome:
Number One - NO Alpha male pushy assholes who think abuse is romance.
Number Two- NO writing out stupid accents phonetically. I don't want to talk like a pirate in my head.
Number Three- If you name your character Paprika or Boulder, I'm not going to continue. If you can't write a decent name, I don't trust you to write a decent story.
And, my last one (for now): Number Four: NO CHEATING!
Glady broke rule number four, in my opinion. She has been having fun with a few guys being attracted to her, but she ruined everything by having sex with one of them. She has one guy who thinks she's his girlfriend, one guy who she threw cupcakes at for kissing another woman, and one guy she JUST met. Unless it was the "boyfriend", she shouldn't have slept with any of them. But, the boyfriend was out of town for this book. Sooo....
Will I keep reading the series (I have a few more books)? I'm not sure. Maybe she can redeem herself.
Anyway, I have certain unwritten rules for my book characters if they expect me to like them. I will write some down for you so they are now WRITTEN rules. You're welcome:
Number One - NO Alpha male pushy assholes who think abuse is romance.
Number Two- NO writing out stupid accents phonetically. I don't want to talk like a pirate in my head.
Number Three- If you name your character Paprika or Boulder, I'm not going to continue. If you can't write a decent name, I don't trust you to write a decent story.
And, my last one (for now): Number Four: NO CHEATING!
Glady broke rule number four, in my opinion. She has been having fun with a few guys being attracted to her, but she ruined everything by having sex with one of them. She has one guy who thinks she's his girlfriend, one guy who she threw cupcakes at for kissing another woman, and one guy she JUST met. Unless it was the "boyfriend", she shouldn't have slept with any of them. But, the boyfriend was out of town for this book. Sooo....
Will I keep reading the series (I have a few more books)? I'm not sure. Maybe she can redeem herself.
June 30, 2014
Ok, so I'm pretty sure I picked up the first book in this series for free and on a whim. Who knew it would turn out to be one of my favorite series?!?
I love Glady so much... she reminds me of Charley Davidson, minus the supernatural stuff and being a grim reaper.
These are just so fun, and so very FUNNY. If you are looking for a laugh and a lighthearted read, then I highly suggest the Matchmaker series!!
February 17, 2014
Warning!===Do not read this book in public unless you don't want people to think you're crazy and do not read this book while drinking anything unless you want it shooting out of your nose! Elise Sax has done it again with the third book in this series. It is HILARIOUS!!!!
This book is about Gladie, a woman her grandmother, a matchmaker, believes is also a matchmaker. The only problem is that when Gladie tries to match people, she is forever ending up tripping over dead bodies, then having to solve the crimes. In this installment, Gladie has to deal with a new "matchmaker" in town who claims to be psychic and is taking all of Gladie and her grandmother's matches away. Gladie also has to deal with 3, count them, 3 men who are as attracted to her as she is to them. Being a bit easy, yet unsure of her own self worth, this just adds to all the confusion going on in the book.
Ms. Sax should have been a stand up comedienne because she would have been famous. Fortunately for us, she writes unforgettably funny books instead!
This book is about Gladie, a woman her grandmother, a matchmaker, believes is also a matchmaker. The only problem is that when Gladie tries to match people, she is forever ending up tripping over dead bodies, then having to solve the crimes. In this installment, Gladie has to deal with a new "matchmaker" in town who claims to be psychic and is taking all of Gladie and her grandmother's matches away. Gladie also has to deal with 3, count them, 3 men who are as attracted to her as she is to them. Being a bit easy, yet unsure of her own self worth, this just adds to all the confusion going on in the book.
Ms. Sax should have been a stand up comedienne because she would have been famous. Fortunately for us, she writes unforgettably funny books instead!
November 24, 2013
3.5 stars
WARNING!!! This was more mystery than romance.
There were a whole host of quirky characters in this book and a lot happening. The main character, Gladie, is in the matchmaking business with her grandmother and a fake matchmaker has come to town and is causing a lot of trouble. If something could go wrong, it pretty much did in here.
There were some truly laugh out loud moments while reading. I even woke up my kids up last night I laughed so hard :)
I didn't care for the whole "romance" part of it. Maybe I'm missing something because I haven't read the first two books in the series (though it didn't really feel like it). I get the attraction to Spencer, but not the tears when he went back to his old ways. Gladie needs to scratch him off the list, especially with nerd/hottie/cage fighter Remington, and Holden, the missing boyfriend,coming home.
I'll gladly read more in this series.
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley
WARNING!!! This was more mystery than romance.
There were a whole host of quirky characters in this book and a lot happening. The main character, Gladie, is in the matchmaking business with her grandmother and a fake matchmaker has come to town and is causing a lot of trouble. If something could go wrong, it pretty much did in here.
There were some truly laugh out loud moments while reading. I even woke up my kids up last night I laughed so hard :)
I didn't care for the whole "romance" part of it. Maybe I'm missing something because I haven't read the first two books in the series (though it didn't really feel like it). I get the attraction to Spencer, but not the tears when he went back to his old ways. Gladie needs to scratch him off the list, especially with nerd/hottie/cage fighter Remington, and Holden, the missing boyfriend,coming home.
I'll gladly read more in this series.
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley
November 25, 2025
Love Game is a quirky, fun, lol, slap stick murder mystery with a slight romance on the side.
Gladie Burger is being trained as a match maker by her psychic grandmother. Watching Gladie fumble through life is kind of like watching a series of unfortunate events. If it can go wrong it will...from a bear eating the driver's side of the car to an old man sleep walking nude, it all happens to Gladie.
You'd think with all Gladie's bad luck she'd have trouble finding a man, but they seem to be lining up or at least deflecting the ones in line.
If you are looking for a fun, easy read, Love Game is the book for you.
I received this ARC copy of Love Game from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication February 25, 2014.
Gladie Burger is being trained as a match maker by her psychic grandmother. Watching Gladie fumble through life is kind of like watching a series of unfortunate events. If it can go wrong it will...from a bear eating the driver's side of the car to an old man sleep walking nude, it all happens to Gladie.
You'd think with all Gladie's bad luck she'd have trouble finding a man, but they seem to be lining up or at least deflecting the ones in line.
If you are looking for a fun, easy read, Love Game is the book for you.
I received this ARC copy of Love Game from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication February 25, 2014.
March 5, 2014
I just love this series!
This one, the third book in the Matchmaker series, is just as funny (maybe more) than the first two. I find myself just cracking up at some of the dialogue - particularly between Gladie and Spencer.
I'm starting to get a little bit tired of the "which man do I pick" thing going on - a little too Stephanie Plum - so I hope it's not going to go on for another 17 books! I can see that Cumberbatch was brought in to replace Holden for this book's second male lead, but Gladie made it pretty clear at the end that he was just a one time thing. Just in time for Holden to return! I have to say, I am firmly team Spencer and hope that ends up going somewhere eventually.
There is obviously going to be at least one more book based on the very cliffhanger ending in Love Game, so I'll be waiting less than patiently for the release date!
This one, the third book in the Matchmaker series, is just as funny (maybe more) than the first two. I find myself just cracking up at some of the dialogue - particularly between Gladie and Spencer.
I'm starting to get a little bit tired of the "which man do I pick" thing going on - a little too Stephanie Plum - so I hope it's not going to go on for another 17 books! I can see that Cumberbatch was brought in to replace Holden for this book's second male lead, but Gladie made it pretty clear at the end that he was just a one time thing. Just in time for Holden to return! I have to say, I am firmly team Spencer and hope that ends up going somewhere eventually.
There is obviously going to be at least one more book based on the very cliffhanger ending in Love Game, so I'll be waiting less than patiently for the release date!
May 17, 2014
Love this series. Makes me laugh and feel good about life. The heroine is a scream, the hero/s are yummy, and the plots just make me shake my head and laugh. The side characters are entertaining
These are an auto buy for me and I can't wait for the next one.
These are an auto buy for me and I can't wait for the next one.
July 9, 2020
I love this series and highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys the Stephanie Plum Series.
August 12, 2016
This is the third book in Elise’s Matchmaker Series. I had not read the other two, but I had no problem falling into this world. Before I go into the review, I just want to say that this was one of the most uniquely written books I’ve read in a while. The characters were just that, characters. Each one had a clear personality that was fun to read and watch as they interacted with one another, though some were a bit odder than others.
Gladie has come to live with her grandmother who is a matchmaker. Her grandmother seems to think that she will be helping with the matchmaking business. Though to be honest in this book, I didn’t see a lot of that. I saw her unmake a match and saw her bring people to her grandmother, but mainly I saw her help with the main mystery that the story centered around. I feel that may be Gladie’s gift, but we shall see.
Each of the supporting characters around Gladie are quite interesting. They are all quite… personable, in one way or the other, whether you like them or not, ha, well that you will have to choose for yourself. For example, one of Gladie’s friends phone numbers is somehow placed on a phone sex line, every time a man calls she tries to change him from his sinful ways. Those scenes are truly funny.
Each supporting character has a personality that in one way shape or form, helps Gladie on her quest. Whether it is in the matchmaking business or the quest to solve the murder in her town.
While she is trying to find a murderer, there is also the problem of a new matchmaker in town. The problem is that she is a so-called psychic. This woman is taking business away from Gladie’s grandmother and blocking her grandmother from making appropriate matches. So Gladie trying to help her grandmother prove that the psychic is phony and bring the business back to where it should be.
On top of everything, yes, there is a quite a bit going on, Gladie tends to be a bit, um, accident prone. There are times I feel quite bad her, she just seems to stumble across trouble. I honestly do not think she means to stumble on top of these murders, I think they more or less just find her and she can’t help herself.
Add on top of that two gorgeous men, with some serious flirtation going on and you’ve got yourself a really great story. I wonder who Gladie will end up with in the end. She seems to attract quite a bit of attention wherever she goes even though she doesn’t realize it.
Overall, the story brought a lot of laughs and smiles. It was a fun and different read. I’m looking forward to getting the first two books to see what I missed to see what shenanigans Gladie and her pals got into.
Gladie has come to live with her grandmother who is a matchmaker. Her grandmother seems to think that she will be helping with the matchmaking business. Though to be honest in this book, I didn’t see a lot of that. I saw her unmake a match and saw her bring people to her grandmother, but mainly I saw her help with the main mystery that the story centered around. I feel that may be Gladie’s gift, but we shall see.
Each of the supporting characters around Gladie are quite interesting. They are all quite… personable, in one way or the other, whether you like them or not, ha, well that you will have to choose for yourself. For example, one of Gladie’s friends phone numbers is somehow placed on a phone sex line, every time a man calls she tries to change him from his sinful ways. Those scenes are truly funny.
Each supporting character has a personality that in one way shape or form, helps Gladie on her quest. Whether it is in the matchmaking business or the quest to solve the murder in her town.
While she is trying to find a murderer, there is also the problem of a new matchmaker in town. The problem is that she is a so-called psychic. This woman is taking business away from Gladie’s grandmother and blocking her grandmother from making appropriate matches. So Gladie trying to help her grandmother prove that the psychic is phony and bring the business back to where it should be.
On top of everything, yes, there is a quite a bit going on, Gladie tends to be a bit, um, accident prone. There are times I feel quite bad her, she just seems to stumble across trouble. I honestly do not think she means to stumble on top of these murders, I think they more or less just find her and she can’t help herself.
Add on top of that two gorgeous men, with some serious flirtation going on and you’ve got yourself a really great story. I wonder who Gladie will end up with in the end. She seems to attract quite a bit of attention wherever she goes even though she doesn’t realize it.
Overall, the story brought a lot of laughs and smiles. It was a fun and different read. I’m looking forward to getting the first two books to see what I missed to see what shenanigans Gladie and her pals got into.
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June 13, 2014
Review is cross-posted between here and my blog Novel Addiction. Find this review and more like it at www.glowsnoveladdiction.blogspot.com
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Type: Contemporary, Mystery, Romance-y, Book 3, Small Town, Matchmaking and Murder
My Review: When I added this book to my Goodreads' "currently reading" shelf, I happened to glance at other reviews mentioning the fact that this book is more mystery than romance, so I was prepared. I think I would have felt let down if I hadn't prepared myself for a mystery. Don't get me wrong, the book is good, and I enjoyed it immensely, but despite what the book itself and the cover might tell you, this is no fun romp of a romance.
I always thought the highest praise you could give an author's characterization is that their characters feel real - and "Love Game" fits that bill. I've known some seriously grumpy old ladies, and I can imagine Ruth fitting right in with them. Heck, I've known a few Spencer and Luandas in my time, for that matter. Each character had their flaws and problems, and I loved them for it. I already want more of the series and more of the characters, but there is no notion of a fourth book in our future.
While mystery is not my top genre, I thought the mystery in "Love Game" was solid, and worked out well. Gladie clearly has a gift for getting into trouble, but she also has a gift for getting them all out of it. She may stumble into the mess, but she's bright and plucky, and she can figure out how to solve whatever problem is looming.
Cover Lovin': I like this cover. I think this would be a great cover... for a different book. This cover implies a fun, contemporary romance. And while Gladie has her share of romantic feelings in this book, "Love Game" is essentially a mystery novel with some relationship issues thrown in. The rest of the covers in the series are about the same - more love than mystery.
Recommendation: For fans of Stephanie Plum that want a bit more of a modern take. For mystery lovers that love that small-town dynamic, with a bit of spicy romance included. For readers who understand that love is complicated and sometimes you just can't figure out what you want.
Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). I couldn't put it down, I'm eagerly looking up the first two books in the series to read, and I instantly searched for any news about another book.. all signs of a 4/5 level book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Type: Contemporary, Mystery, Romance-y, Book 3, Small Town, Matchmaking and Murder
My Review: When I added this book to my Goodreads' "currently reading" shelf, I happened to glance at other reviews mentioning the fact that this book is more mystery than romance, so I was prepared. I think I would have felt let down if I hadn't prepared myself for a mystery. Don't get me wrong, the book is good, and I enjoyed it immensely, but despite what the book itself and the cover might tell you, this is no fun romp of a romance.
I always thought the highest praise you could give an author's characterization is that their characters feel real - and "Love Game" fits that bill. I've known some seriously grumpy old ladies, and I can imagine Ruth fitting right in with them. Heck, I've known a few Spencer and Luandas in my time, for that matter. Each character had their flaws and problems, and I loved them for it. I already want more of the series and more of the characters, but there is no notion of a fourth book in our future.
While mystery is not my top genre, I thought the mystery in "Love Game" was solid, and worked out well. Gladie clearly has a gift for getting into trouble, but she also has a gift for getting them all out of it. She may stumble into the mess, but she's bright and plucky, and she can figure out how to solve whatever problem is looming.
Cover Lovin': I like this cover. I think this would be a great cover... for a different book. This cover implies a fun, contemporary romance. And while Gladie has her share of romantic feelings in this book, "Love Game" is essentially a mystery novel with some relationship issues thrown in. The rest of the covers in the series are about the same - more love than mystery.
Recommendation: For fans of Stephanie Plum that want a bit more of a modern take. For mystery lovers that love that small-town dynamic, with a bit of spicy romance included. For readers who understand that love is complicated and sometimes you just can't figure out what you want.
Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). I couldn't put it down, I'm eagerly looking up the first two books in the series to read, and I instantly searched for any news about another book.. all signs of a 4/5 level book.
February 21, 2017
Hilarious Mystery Suspense
I could not believe it when I started to laugh out loud while reading about people in a panic room about to die! This book is freaking hilarious. A new wacko matchmaker is in town, someone is murdered, and Gladie just wants to stay out of it this time. Of-course her friends and fellow townies will not let her. Love is definitely not in the air this time around, but lust is. Poor Bridget! You have to read this one, it was fantastic!
I could not believe it when I started to laugh out loud while reading about people in a panic room about to die! This book is freaking hilarious. A new wacko matchmaker is in town, someone is murdered, and Gladie just wants to stay out of it this time. Of-course her friends and fellow townies will not let her. Love is definitely not in the air this time around, but lust is. Poor Bridget! You have to read this one, it was fantastic!
November 14, 2013
***ARC generously provided by NetGalley for an honest review***
So here we go for the third book. Would there be another one? Would I read another one? My answer would definitely be a yes.
Book number three with a new story from book 2 Holden is gone but left Glady with his secret so we still have Mr Sexy Hot Police not Police but Chief Spencer. A Man that hot need a long title. And I forgot Womanizer but nit anymore since the facebook thing and he swore of women. One Tall sexy to drink gone and one reconvert still there equal easy math. Opportunity! But no.. one gone = one new . And Holden really gone? Hum he was still there in my mind and hers. I expected some surprises from this book. I was indeed.
"Love" yep this book was totally about love. From Glady and every aspects professional and personal since she will discover or I discovered what she really wanted or hoped for. And love what was people wanted to. It was love love love that lead to the story. Sham love, lost love, revenge love
Law forces and Glady : always the same but now confirmed. She was good and murder go pair with her. She was talented. And I was amazed by the way the story unfolded in front of my eyes like I was there and eating popcorn with Lucy and Bridget.
Humor book : oh yeah, I think I couldn't suppress a few laugh. Big Laughs.
The book : you know now that I really enjoyed it, but sometimes I thought that this one would be long because the first two were but there were all feisty, funny and easy to read. This one was especially easy and seemed shorter but I think this book contained something more as the fact that the scenes are shortest or contained a lot of actions. Also, book 3 is my favorite but the two first were good pretty good and a necessary. Book 3 is on the roll, I am in the move for Gladys Burger, ready for the 4th since we got surprises. And from this book, I got in the polygamous side only for Glady! Yep too many men but yeah she discovered that she only need to win one back (win?!?). But really? Where are we heading? One ? One gone one in one still one back. Too many. You, readers, will understand it until the end.
Feb 2014 for Love Game don't forget it. And book four would be ? I have to wait until then.
So here we go for the third book. Would there be another one? Would I read another one? My answer would definitely be a yes.
Book number three with a new story from book 2 Holden is gone but left Glady with his secret so we still have Mr Sexy Hot Police not Police but Chief Spencer. A Man that hot need a long title. And I forgot Womanizer but nit anymore since the facebook thing and he swore of women. One Tall sexy to drink gone and one reconvert still there equal easy math. Opportunity! But no.. one gone = one new . And Holden really gone? Hum he was still there in my mind and hers. I expected some surprises from this book. I was indeed.
"Love" yep this book was totally about love. From Glady and every aspects professional and personal since she will discover or I discovered what she really wanted or hoped for. And love what was people wanted to. It was love love love that lead to the story. Sham love, lost love, revenge love
Law forces and Glady : always the same but now confirmed. She was good and murder go pair with her. She was talented. And I was amazed by the way the story unfolded in front of my eyes like I was there and eating popcorn with Lucy and Bridget.
Humor book : oh yeah, I think I couldn't suppress a few laugh. Big Laughs.
The book : you know now that I really enjoyed it, but sometimes I thought that this one would be long because the first two were but there were all feisty, funny and easy to read. This one was especially easy and seemed shorter but I think this book contained something more as the fact that the scenes are shortest or contained a lot of actions. Also, book 3 is my favorite but the two first were good pretty good and a necessary. Book 3 is on the roll, I am in the move for Gladys Burger, ready for the 4th since we got surprises. And from this book, I got in the polygamous side only for Glady! Yep too many men but yeah she discovered that she only need to win one back (win?!?). But really? Where are we heading? One ? One gone one in one still one back. Too many. You, readers, will understand it until the end.
Feb 2014 for Love Game don't forget it. And book four would be ? I have to wait until then.
March 10, 2014
I received this book free from the publisher in a Goodreads Giveaway in return for my honest review. Here goes.
I read a lot, and I read all sorts of books, romance included. When I read fluff, I expect no more than that the book be technically well written, with interesting characters, and that there be actual romance going on. Love Game came up short in two of those categories.
Sax can write well. She is legitimately funny. That said, she goes a little too screwball. Dialogue and events are so fast-paced that it becomes less Nick and Nora Charles or Gilmore Girls, and more like a sped up Jon Lovitz. ("Yeah...we left behind the eccentric old lady and then drove through the front of a quirky teashop ... yeah, with a crusty old proprietor, yeah yeah, and then things blew up, and then we ate junk food. Yeah, that's the ticket!") The desperate effort to be clever also impairs the ability to write real and resonant characters. There are none at all, not one person you could possibly care about in any way. Including and especially the main character, Gladie. I read and love Jayne Ann Krentz, and Shayla Black, I do not require verisimilitude. These characters though are an endless first meeting; they may sparkle, but there is nothing but sparkle.
That lack of depth is what hampers the romance here too. There is charming flirtation to be found, but that is all. I love flirtation, I really do, but in a good romance there are a lot of steps between witty flirtation and hours of acrobatic (non-graphic, fyi, this is PG 13) sex.
All that said, as mentioned the book did make me laugh, and thumbs up on the well deployed Yiddish as well. I like literary junk food as much as the next person, but this is like literary cotton candy rather than a pint of Ben & Jerry's.
I read a lot, and I read all sorts of books, romance included. When I read fluff, I expect no more than that the book be technically well written, with interesting characters, and that there be actual romance going on. Love Game came up short in two of those categories.
Sax can write well. She is legitimately funny. That said, she goes a little too screwball. Dialogue and events are so fast-paced that it becomes less Nick and Nora Charles or Gilmore Girls, and more like a sped up Jon Lovitz. ("Yeah...we left behind the eccentric old lady and then drove through the front of a quirky teashop ... yeah, with a crusty old proprietor, yeah yeah, and then things blew up, and then we ate junk food. Yeah, that's the ticket!") The desperate effort to be clever also impairs the ability to write real and resonant characters. There are none at all, not one person you could possibly care about in any way. Including and especially the main character, Gladie. I read and love Jayne Ann Krentz, and Shayla Black, I do not require verisimilitude. These characters though are an endless first meeting; they may sparkle, but there is nothing but sparkle.
That lack of depth is what hampers the romance here too. There is charming flirtation to be found, but that is all. I love flirtation, I really do, but in a good romance there are a lot of steps between witty flirtation and hours of acrobatic (non-graphic, fyi, this is PG 13) sex.
All that said, as mentioned the book did make me laugh, and thumbs up on the well deployed Yiddish as well. I like literary junk food as much as the next person, but this is like literary cotton candy rather than a pint of Ben & Jerry's.
January 21, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review**
Matchmaking Tips from Grandma Zelda…
Fun, light, mystery-comedy…Gladys “Gladie” Burger is trouble, right from the very first chapter. She moved to Cannes to live with her grandmother, to help her with her “matchmaking” business – but when it comes to her own love life, Gladie can’t make heads of tales of the men in her life. Holden, her next store neighbor who she started a romance with, but took off saying he had some things to handle, but she still hasn’t heard from him…then there is Spence, the amazing looking (and smelling) police chief that Gladie can’t keep off her radar…and last (but not least), there is the new detective in town, Remington Cumberbatch, who’s a mix between the Rock and Clark Kent, and hard all over!
Gladie is trying to help her grandmother with her “ill shifting wind” that is making her love senses go all wonky! And it all boils down to Luanda Laughing-Eagle, the “fake” matchmaker that claims the spirits are moving her, but Gladie and her grandmother think it’s more likely that money is her motivation factor. And through all of the matchmaking debacles, Gladie has to deal with a kidnapping, a murder (that she happens to “stumble” upon like plague), and the crazy hippy that’s is trying to discredit her beloved grandmother – she handles it all with humor, good friends, and some good loving…what could keep a single girl more grounded? And will Gladie figure it all out in time, or will her world spiral out of control for good this time…?
Matchmaking Tips from Grandma Zelda…
Fun, light, mystery-comedy…Gladys “Gladie” Burger is trouble, right from the very first chapter. She moved to Cannes to live with her grandmother, to help her with her “matchmaking” business – but when it comes to her own love life, Gladie can’t make heads of tales of the men in her life. Holden, her next store neighbor who she started a romance with, but took off saying he had some things to handle, but she still hasn’t heard from him…then there is Spence, the amazing looking (and smelling) police chief that Gladie can’t keep off her radar…and last (but not least), there is the new detective in town, Remington Cumberbatch, who’s a mix between the Rock and Clark Kent, and hard all over!
Gladie is trying to help her grandmother with her “ill shifting wind” that is making her love senses go all wonky! And it all boils down to Luanda Laughing-Eagle, the “fake” matchmaker that claims the spirits are moving her, but Gladie and her grandmother think it’s more likely that money is her motivation factor. And through all of the matchmaking debacles, Gladie has to deal with a kidnapping, a murder (that she happens to “stumble” upon like plague), and the crazy hippy that’s is trying to discredit her beloved grandmother – she handles it all with humor, good friends, and some good loving…what could keep a single girl more grounded? And will Gladie figure it all out in time, or will her world spiral out of control for good this time…?
December 20, 2014
This is the third book in the Matchmaker Series by Elise Sax and I snagged this book from Netgalley. The series started with An Affair to Dismember and was followed up by Matchpoint; I gave both of them 5 stars.
Fall has come to Cannes and Gladie begins this book by digging out her winter clothes that have been stored in her grandmother's shed. When her grandmother warns her about opening the suitcase due to spiders - big nasty ones, Gladie's day just goes downhill from there. Zelda, her grandmother, predicts there is an ill wind blowing through Cannes, and with it comes mayhem, misunderstandings, and murder - or in other words, just another typical Gladie adventure.
Gladie has the usual bad time of it in this book. There are car crashes, physical injury, vomiting, and general craziness that follows her around. She ends up making one match (which her and her grandmother came up with at almost the exact same moment), one unmatch, one on the house matching suggestion and figuring out the whodunit of the murder.
This book had all the same hijinx and hilarity of the first two, but for some reason I had a harder time diving into the book. I started and stopped several times, just not feeling it like I had on the first two. About 1/3 of the way in I finally got excited and caught up in the action. This was a good book, but it just didn't have the pizzazz of the first two. Still worth 4 stars though.
Fall has come to Cannes and Gladie begins this book by digging out her winter clothes that have been stored in her grandmother's shed. When her grandmother warns her about opening the suitcase due to spiders - big nasty ones, Gladie's day just goes downhill from there. Zelda, her grandmother, predicts there is an ill wind blowing through Cannes, and with it comes mayhem, misunderstandings, and murder - or in other words, just another typical Gladie adventure.
Gladie has the usual bad time of it in this book. There are car crashes, physical injury, vomiting, and general craziness that follows her around. She ends up making one match (which her and her grandmother came up with at almost the exact same moment), one unmatch, one on the house matching suggestion and figuring out the whodunit of the murder.
This book had all the same hijinx and hilarity of the first two, but for some reason I had a harder time diving into the book. I started and stopped several times, just not feeling it like I had on the first two. About 1/3 of the way in I finally got excited and caught up in the action. This was a good book, but it just didn't have the pizzazz of the first two. Still worth 4 stars though.
August 7, 2016
In what universe can you drive your car into the side of a building and then just walk away? Seriously? And why did Ruth come to Glady's house demanding a place to stay when Glady wasn't the one who drove into her shop? Why wouldn't Ruth go to Lucy? Lucy was the driver! Let's also talk about the balcony scene. Spencer just throws Glady over the rail? Into a canyon? Trying to save her from a fire by throwing her over a balcony into a canyon??? Did he think she would just bounce?! I know these characters have always been larger than life but I think this time, they are a little over the top...and that's only in the first 63 pages?! Now, I had read somewhere that this was the last book in this series because it's a trilogy. However, the ending is a whopper of a cliffhanger, leaving Glady with not 1, not 2, but 3 droolworthy male suitors to contend with. What are the odds?? (I'm still waiting for just ONE even SEMI-decent guy to come into my life...) I still love the wackiness of these characters so I'm really hoping that this isn't actually the end for our matchmaking murder magnet. This one may not have been my favorite in the series due to the slightly disjointed plot but I really want to know what happens next, so here's hoping Glady & her pals get another book...soon!
I received this book from the publisher and the Early Reviewers Program on Library Thing. No compensation for my review was given.
I received this book from the publisher and the Early Reviewers Program on Library Thing. No compensation for my review was given.
May 8, 2014
book provided by NightOwlReviews
In this third book of the series Gladie is still learning the rules and grounds of her grandmother’s matchmaking business. Everything has been going well until a different match maker comes to town. The woman has been miss matching people with their wrong mates. Gladie s grandmother has enlisted her help to run the rival out of town so that their business can get back on track. W
While she is doing that Gladie gets locked in a panic room and finds a dead body. Apparently Gladie is more adept at finding bodies and getting into trouble. She then meets the new detective that moved to their town and the chief of police gets a little jealous.
Gladie helped solve the murder and managed to bring her grandmothers business back on track. The fraud matchmaker left town and everything again became normal. When Gladie finally was able to go back to her grandmother's house when everything was over, her neighbor Holden was back. She was shocked and had no clue how to react to it all.
I absolutely love this author. Her writing makes her characters jump off the pages. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book with her characters. The ending of her books always keep you in suspense and wanting to know what happens next. That is the note of an amazing author. I hope her next book comes out soon.
In this third book of the series Gladie is still learning the rules and grounds of her grandmother’s matchmaking business. Everything has been going well until a different match maker comes to town. The woman has been miss matching people with their wrong mates. Gladie s grandmother has enlisted her help to run the rival out of town so that their business can get back on track. W
While she is doing that Gladie gets locked in a panic room and finds a dead body. Apparently Gladie is more adept at finding bodies and getting into trouble. She then meets the new detective that moved to their town and the chief of police gets a little jealous.
Gladie helped solve the murder and managed to bring her grandmothers business back on track. The fraud matchmaker left town and everything again became normal. When Gladie finally was able to go back to her grandmother's house when everything was over, her neighbor Holden was back. She was shocked and had no clue how to react to it all.
I absolutely love this author. Her writing makes her characters jump off the pages. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book with her characters. The ending of her books always keep you in suspense and wanting to know what happens next. That is the note of an amazing author. I hope her next book comes out soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2014
Love Game is the third book in The Matchmaker series by Elise Sax, and if you're new to the series don't read this as a standalone, the other books are just as funny so save a step and start at the beginning. If you like your mysteries with a bit of romance and lots of laughs then you are bound to love this series. Elise Sax does a great job at writing quirky characters that will make you laugh out loud, and her stories are definitely interesting and memorable.
As usual Gladie stumbles upon a murder case and does her best to solve it, all while finding herself in strange, dangerous, and often hilarious situations. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout a good bit of this book.
I think that the only reason I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the last two was that Gladie simply has way too many irons in the fire. I'm all for a good love triangle, if it's done right, but I've been dying for Gladie to get with Spencer since the very first book! And now she has three different possible love interests: Spencer, Holden, and now Remington too. I was about to go crazy with frustration throughout this book, and I'm hoping that her man drama is at least narrowed down in the next book. I did however thoroughly enjoy this story, and am anxiously awaiting the next installment in The Matchmaker series.
As usual Gladie stumbles upon a murder case and does her best to solve it, all while finding herself in strange, dangerous, and often hilarious situations. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout a good bit of this book.
I think that the only reason I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the last two was that Gladie simply has way too many irons in the fire. I'm all for a good love triangle, if it's done right, but I've been dying for Gladie to get with Spencer since the very first book! And now she has three different possible love interests: Spencer, Holden, and now Remington too. I was about to go crazy with frustration throughout this book, and I'm hoping that her man drama is at least narrowed down in the next book. I did however thoroughly enjoy this story, and am anxiously awaiting the next installment in The Matchmaker series.
May 4, 2014
Cute, fun, and quirky. I felt like I was reading a game of Clue. Love Game finds the seemingly idyllic town of Cannes once again embroiled in a mystery. It comes complete with odd characters, including Gladie and her grandmother, Zelda, who is not happy that a new psychic matchmaker Luanda is in town. Add in accidents, kidnapping and murder, and you'd think it would be a somber affair. Oh no, Elise Sax has a slapstick comedy that makes these serious events a light, breezy wind. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard when reading about murder.
Be forewarned, while there are some elements to romance in this book, if that is what you are reading for, you may be disappointed. There are now three hunky guys in Gladie's life, but romance takes a backseat to the aforementioned crazy antics. Still, this is a hilarious read that I would recommend to just about anyone. Can't wait for more in this series!!
I was gifted a copy of this book through Goodreads first books.
Be forewarned, while there are some elements to romance in this book, if that is what you are reading for, you may be disappointed. There are now three hunky guys in Gladie's life, but romance takes a backseat to the aforementioned crazy antics. Still, this is a hilarious read that I would recommend to just about anyone. Can't wait for more in this series!!
I was gifted a copy of this book through Goodreads first books.
November 6, 2013
This is my first book I have read by Elise Sax and I have to say that I didn’t feel like I missed anything with this being the third book in this series, but I was missing out on Elise Sax. Her writing was amazing and spot on.
This book was just great, I loved everything about the crazy wonder world of matchmaking. This book had me Laughing out Loud more times than I can count. It had more comedy and suspense than romances but I found myself not minding it that much. It could have had more romances but that didn’t take away from the overall story. Elise did a great job with the characters, they are very well developed and kept me wanting to know more about them.
I will be reading the other two books as well as any other books by Elise Sax. I am giving this book 4 stars, and will be reading this book again.
This book was just great, I loved everything about the crazy wonder world of matchmaking. This book had me Laughing out Loud more times than I can count. It had more comedy and suspense than romances but I found myself not minding it that much. It could have had more romances but that didn’t take away from the overall story. Elise did a great job with the characters, they are very well developed and kept me wanting to know more about them.
I will be reading the other two books as well as any other books by Elise Sax. I am giving this book 4 stars, and will be reading this book again.
November 24, 2013
ARC provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for honest review.
Love Game is #3 in the Matchmaker series. Yeah...she's back! I was a bit worried after I read #2. Gladdy Burger's life is back to being wacky and fun. It seems her gift has her stumbling over dead bodies more than matchmaking, but now she must unmatch the town's lonely hearts.
I must give author extra points for making me smile with men as "testosterone jelly in a skin suit". It's funny and author has turned up the heat...I liked it!
I was pleased that the banter was back. Faced with hot men and lots of baked goods, Gladdy has her hands full trying to thwart the block to Grandmother Zeda's mojo.
A good mystery. Fun, sassy supporting cast of characters. I loved book 1. I thought the magic was back in the latest Elsie Sax installment. I am ready and willing to read book 4...I can't wait.
Love Game is #3 in the Matchmaker series. Yeah...she's back! I was a bit worried after I read #2. Gladdy Burger's life is back to being wacky and fun. It seems her gift has her stumbling over dead bodies more than matchmaking, but now she must unmatch the town's lonely hearts.
I must give author extra points for making me smile with men as "testosterone jelly in a skin suit". It's funny and author has turned up the heat...I liked it!
I was pleased that the banter was back. Faced with hot men and lots of baked goods, Gladdy has her hands full trying to thwart the block to Grandmother Zeda's mojo.
A good mystery. Fun, sassy supporting cast of characters. I loved book 1. I thought the magic was back in the latest Elsie Sax installment. I am ready and willing to read book 4...I can't wait.
September 10, 2016
***ARC received through Netgalley***
3.5 stars
Another book about Gladdie Burger's crazy life? No need to ask me if I want to read it because that's obvious. And apparently, she is still noisy and trying to resolve a case (even if she isn't really wanted). Meeting corpses is also her gift and attracting hot men is just a bonus. I enjoyed reading Love Game even if I prefered Matchpoint, it was a funny and nice way to start this new year and challenge.
The characters were funny (I love Ruth when she's armed!) and there was a good mystery. I was all giddy when it came to Remington (and his hot body) or Spencer (and his womanizing way, yeah that sucked..). Too bad they seemed to have a hard time getting together.
With that little cliffhanger at the end, well I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series and see what happen between them all.
3.5 stars
Another book about Gladdie Burger's crazy life? No need to ask me if I want to read it because that's obvious. And apparently, she is still noisy and trying to resolve a case (even if she isn't really wanted). Meeting corpses is also her gift and attracting hot men is just a bonus. I enjoyed reading Love Game even if I prefered Matchpoint, it was a funny and nice way to start this new year and challenge.
The characters were funny (I love Ruth when she's armed!) and there was a good mystery. I was all giddy when it came to Remington (and his hot body) or Spencer (and his womanizing way, yeah that sucked..). Too bad they seemed to have a hard time getting together.
With that little cliffhanger at the end, well I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series and see what happen between them all.
February 25, 2014
Laugh out loud funny! This is the third hilarious installment in Elise Sax Matchmaker series and just as belly aching funny as the first two.
Grandma Zelda may be good at finding love matches but Gladie is better at finding trouble and dead bodies. She is really good at that. Gladie is finally settling in and finding a home and friends in Cannes. Sure she is an apprentice matchmaker with her own problems with men but she has a couple of good matches under her belt. She may actually be getting the hang of this until the competition moves in. Now comes trouble which is what Gladie knows best.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGally in return for a fair and honest review.
Grandma Zelda may be good at finding love matches but Gladie is better at finding trouble and dead bodies. She is really good at that. Gladie is finally settling in and finding a home and friends in Cannes. Sure she is an apprentice matchmaker with her own problems with men but she has a couple of good matches under her belt. She may actually be getting the hang of this until the competition moves in. Now comes trouble which is what Gladie knows best.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGally in return for a fair and honest review.
January 20, 2017
The Wizard of Saws by Elise Sax is the new release of Ms. Sax's Matchmaker Mysteries. It was previously released under the title of Love Game. That was the version that I had originally read and reviewed.
The story moved at a steady pace and the quirky secondary characters kept the story line interesting and fun. I definitely wanted to know more about each of these characters. Grandma Zelda’s matchmaking tips at the beginning of each chapter set up the action; but not always the way you would think it was going to go. This is a light, fluffy cozy mystery-comedy that can provide readers with an enjoyable time away from reality.
The story moved at a steady pace and the quirky secondary characters kept the story line interesting and fun. I definitely wanted to know more about each of these characters. Grandma Zelda’s matchmaking tips at the beginning of each chapter set up the action; but not always the way you would think it was going to go. This is a light, fluffy cozy mystery-comedy that can provide readers with an enjoyable time away from reality.
October 21, 2013
ARC from NetGallery.com
Well I first have to commend Elise Sax on the fact that I came into this book without reading before and it was still an amazing book I didn't feel I was missing info at all.
I love that crazy love that goes around the matchmaker Gladie she is an accident and murder magnet. Which just add to the comedy of this book. This book had great tips at the begging of every chapter from Zelda.
The chain of events is amazing you had to have some events to prevent extreme conclusion of other. I it a must read I now have two books to be read and I will reread this one.
Well I first have to commend Elise Sax on the fact that I came into this book without reading before and it was still an amazing book I didn't feel I was missing info at all.
I love that crazy love that goes around the matchmaker Gladie she is an accident and murder magnet. Which just add to the comedy of this book. This book had great tips at the begging of every chapter from Zelda.
The chain of events is amazing you had to have some events to prevent extreme conclusion of other. I it a must read I now have two books to be read and I will reread this one.
October 14, 2013
Another Gladie Burger hit! I just love this series and I need to know what's next in store for Gladie and now the 3 men in her life! Fans of Janet Evanovich will enjoy this series, it's best to have read the 1st 2 in the series before this one though!! This book had me laughing out loud numerous times and you gotta enjoy he suspense and romantic bits. I would like to see one book give a little more romance and passion but this is a great light hearted easy read!
March 10, 2014
I received this book via good reads first reads
This time around there is a rival matchmaker trying to take over Gladies and grandma Zeldas turf. I still laughed alot through this book as I did the last one. It's fun to watch Gladie go through her drama filled life. It just seems like no matter what she always finds trouble from murder to kidnapping. Hopefully there will be more to this great series!
This time around there is a rival matchmaker trying to take over Gladies and grandma Zeldas turf. I still laughed alot through this book as I did the last one. It's fun to watch Gladie go through her drama filled life. It just seems like no matter what she always finds trouble from murder to kidnapping. Hopefully there will be more to this great series!
July 14, 2014
Quirky & Funny
This is a fast paced book. It seems like I was racing while reading it – funny, laugh out loud crazy. Well written with well-developed characters – who knew grandmothers could be so much fun! Love Game is the third book in the Matchmaker series. This is a standalone book. Enjoy! NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is a fast paced book. It seems like I was racing while reading it – funny, laugh out loud crazy. Well written with well-developed characters – who knew grandmothers could be so much fun! Love Game is the third book in the Matchmaker series. This is a standalone book. Enjoy! NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 6, 2013
*I received a free ARC of Love Game from Random House Publishing (Ballentine) via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is a fun and quick read!!
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog: (un)Conventional Bookviews
This is a fun and quick read!!
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog: (un)Conventional Bookviews
August 22, 2014
I enjoyed this, the third installment, story of Gladie's adventures as a matchmaker or un-matchmaker in a quaint CA town. I always find myself at least smirking at Grandma's matchmaking advice at the beginning of each chapter. I do, however wonder about some of the jokes holding up over time as there are many pop culture references in each book.
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