Customer Reviews

The Matchmaker

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I'm reading some of the other reviews and wondering if they are talking about the same book I just finished reading!!! And it's actually the love it or hate it aspect of those reviews that drove me to read this book in the first place. I just had to read it for myself.

I liked this book a lot. It's well written with some nice dialog and good descriptive text. Like another reviewer, I'm giving it 5 stars to off-set the negative reviews that this book doesn't deserve (though my true rating would be 4). First off, Olivia was neither a "cry baby" nor a "prude" as other reviewers stated. She cried maybe once and she was no more a prude than any well-mannered lady of the gentry of her time. She was cautious about men and didn't want to make the mistakes her mother made - multiple times! Maybe to some she was overly cautious, but hey, she had to live with the guy, not me!

Second, I hate the characterization of Neville as a "drunk" (though I suppose technically it's true). He used alcohol to deaden his pain and empty his mind of the memories from his war experiences. He is never drunk during the day or around anyone else (except for the one incident at the inn). And he doesn't insult Olivia, he teases her - and he could tease me anytime. He sensed that underneath her stuffy, proper surface was a kindred spirit that he wanted to get to know. I liked Neville and rooted for him to win Olivia over. He was handsome, charming, funny and mischievous. And when he finally figures out that he is in love with Olivia, he realizes he will have to change if he wants to win her. She brought out the best in him. Now Olivia was a bit uptight and she fought her attraction to Neville to the bitter end which may be why some found the book a bit too slow. I will concede at times some exasperation with her and wondered once or twice why Neville bothered, but I also knew that they needed each other. And hey, if I had a dime for every heroine in a romance novel that exasperated me, I'd be a millionaire! Believe me, I've read books with far more annoying characters than any in this book.

So, if you're interested, give this book a chance. Borrow it or buy it second hand if you're really on the fence. Lots of us enjoyed it, so you may too.

A bit far-fetched as it may sound, Ms. Becnel reminds me of the incomparable Jane Austen. Now, being a out-and-out Austen-maniac, I am not the one to make such a (shall we say) bold statement without any sound reason.

For one thing, Ms. Becnel has created a set of wonderful characters whom I can't help but grow to care for and fall in love with.

Olivia Byrde manages to be a most lovable paradox of a heroine I've ever come across. See, she is beautiful yet utterly unconscious of her charm; she is innocent but is quick to respond to the hero with passion; she is feisty and stubborn without being annoyingly pigheaded; she turns into clay whenever she comes into physical contact, however slight, with the hero, but save for that, she has as much wit and sharpness about her as can be.

Lord Neville Hawke is the more common sort of brooding, dangerous, and devilishly handsome hero one will expect from a romance novel. Although initially he appears more like a drunkard who sets his mind on nothing but the seduction of Olivia, he gradually proves himself much more than just meets the eye. Along with Olivia, readers come to know he's hard-working and cares more about the well-being of other people than his own. His un-gentlemanly behavior towards Olivia during their first encounter is satisfactorily explained and I grow to sympathize with him. (Trust me, he is really a tortured lost soul.) What makes him so fascinating, however, is that despite his outward composure and confidence in his ability to woo Olivia, deep down he's actually a sorry (but adorable)case of insecurity and self-resentment: he may be able to kiss Olivia into oblivion but he feels himself totally unworthy of her love. Now, how cute is that?!

What makes Ms. Becnel "Austenian" is that she concentrates primarily on the courtship of the two protagonists, never distracting readers by tossing in a large group of secondary characters or by too many plot twists and turns. This is not to say the secondary characters, most notably Olivia's mother and sister, do not have their own appeal. Together with Olivia and Neville, they make a dazzling, unforgettable ensemble!

For another, Ms. Becnel, like Jane Austen, writes in such a peaceful, serene manner that although the story may not have a lot of "action," as one reviewer complains, it still is a page-turner, one you need to be patient with and willing to slowly immerse yourself in.

And there is Ms. Becnel's writing. I confess I cannot abide a horribly written story with irritating narratives, no matter how interesting the plot or characters are. This is not the case with THE MATCHMAKER, which is told with lucidity, elegance and subtlety. (notice how Ms. Becnel plays with the names of the hero and heroine?)

All in all, THE MATCHMAKER is a definite keeper for me and for those of you who like Jane Austen and a good Regency. As it is my first read from Mr. Becnel, I was furthermore thrilled to have discovered such an awesome writer. THE MATCHMAKER is not for those who like their romance action/adventure-packed and fast-paced (and thank goodness, there is not the dreaded big misunderstanding in the story), but I say, KEEP'EM COMING, Ms. Becnel! You've done a great job!!

Olivia is a young women that thinks she knows what finding a husband is about and she belives in the perfect future for everyone including herself. But what she finally figures out is that there is more to finding the perfect match than just joting down behavioral habits and comon interest in her Matchmaking Journal. She finds that there has to be some kind of chemistry. She is the perfect match with Lord H. She is very strong and helps him see that he is stronger than the nightmares that plauge him. Was fun to watch the tango of these two! Finding out what love is all about and not just matchmaking......

Thanks for helping me remember what falling in love was like.

Great fan of Ms. Becnel and will continue cheering her on.... can't wait for the next one.

Olivia Byrde has spent much of the last three years in Polite Society, but no man makes her heart beat louder. A bored Olivia leaves London to spend time in Yorkshire before continuing on to her own Scottish estate Byrde Manor. In Yorkshire, an intoxicated Neville Hawk accosts Olivia, who happens to be up and about rather early for a member of the Ton. When he realizes that he propositioned a lady, Neville apologizes, but takes her to task on her journal that describes how she sees the males she has met.

Neville begins to court Olivia and wrangles out of her mother the task of escorting her to Scotland. She thinks he is a drunk. In Scotland, she realizes she is in love with Neville, but fears his dark side is too much like that of her deceased father. Will Neville, who suffers from insomnia caused by guilt from his actions during the war in France persuade his beloved, and himself that he deserves her?

THE MATCHMAKER is an exciting character study based in early nineteenth century England. The story line centers on battle fatigue syndrome affecting a member of the Ton and their relationships, with only love able to fully provide comfort to the sufferer. Olivia is an intriguing lead protagonist, but the tale belongs to Neville and the demons pounding his head from the inside. Best-selling author Rexanne Becnel has written a deep dark tale that will please fans of historical romance who want a genuine flaw in their hunks.

Harriet Klausner

I didn't care for this book very much. Olivia Byrde is a level minded young woman who has a knack for making brillant matches between eligible young men and suitable young ladies and from the title you would think that Olivia's matchmaking talents would shine throughout the book, but she's away from London most of the time, therefore little matchmaking is done. Although the hero, Neville Hawke, is a drunk, he is very likeable. He is haunted by his terrifying memeories of the war and he drinks to get away from the pain. And while I liked the attraction between Neville and Olivia, there are too many false starts and the romance doesn't get going until the end and then it's wrapped up too quickly.

I wouldn't spend the money. Borrow or buy a second hand copy.

Twenty-one year old Lady Olivia Byrde kept a private journal with her to enter information on her pers. Over 40 gentlemen were listed, each with notations of all the observations Olivia had made. With the information, she had helped several of her girl friends notice gentlemen that normally they would have overlooked. In fact, Olivia could boast of many happy marriages between couples she had helped. However, no one seemed right for Olivia. Then a fate filled, middle of the night, unexpected event happened and Olivia met Lord Neville Hawke. The meeting was much less than friendly. Olivia left him, too upset to remember her journal, which Neville found and read without guilt.

Lord Neville Hawke had thought Olivia a mistress and the journal where she kept her information on possible future protectors. Upon returning the journal he was proven wrong and found himself very disappointed that she was really a lady of quality. Even so, he could not get Olivia out of his mind. The attraction between them was too strong. But Olivia hated him and he had a horrible secret that kept him from even considering courting her.

**** An excellent read! This is pure romance at its finest! I adore books where the hero will do anything to marry her (even compromise her) and the heroine is attached but has reasons to deny or hate him. Fabulous! ****

Olivia Byrde was a woman who thought she knew best as to what man and woman would make a suitable couple until it came to her own love life -- she has no clue. She's done an excellent job of matchmaking until she meets Neville Hawke a man who depicts everything she despises in a man and definitely not a man she would make a match with until she actually sees the real man, a man who is everything that she desires but is afraid to love. But as we all know love cannot be dissuaded once it's felt and what have you got, an enjoyable romantic adventure. Enjoy - I did!

While drinking the night away, Lord Neville Hawke meets Olivia Byrde in the library of a home, both are visiting. Hawke mistakes Olivia for a servant. Later, when he finds her journal, he thinks she's a "lady of the evening". For in that journal, Olivia describes the men she has met. She uses that information, to pair off her friends. When Hawke learns his mistake, he tries to make amends. And, Olivia tries to avoid him. Then, when Hawke learns Olivia owns property next to his home, he makes plans to seduce her. What happens between these two is an interesting battle? romance?

The very best thing about this book, is the characterizations. Olivia is a strong heroine, Hawke, the tortured hero who masks his pain with his charm, good looks. Memories of a war he has survived has given him dreams, and thus, he drinks too much. As Hawke tries to conquer his demons, Olivia must decide what to do about the feelings she has for him. Besides the two wonderful leads, Ms. Becnel introduces us to some interesting family members of both Hawke, Olivia, and each plays an important roll in The Matchmaker.

As a reader, I found this book entertaining but lacking in passion?. Hawke uses his sensuality to beguile Olivia, and I expected to see that in love scenes, as the relationship progressed. I found that part of this otherwise good book, weak. Still, this is a book worth reading. And, I will be looking for this author again.

Contrary to the impression made by the spiel on the back cover, "The Matchmaker" is not a breezy story. It has moments of humor and sweetness, to be sure. But Neville's problems are real and deep, and rightly give both him and Olivia pause. Nevertheless, I am romantic enough to adore a "love conquers all" story.

Neville is charming and responsible and sexy, and tortured and lonely and sometimes selfish. He is also the only hero with this wimpy-sounding name who made the name strong. Olivia is something of a prude and a bit self-righteous, but she's also warm and loving and generous and passionate. They make a good couple throughout the book.

The secondary characters are well-conceived and add to the story, though Olivia's steward and St. Clair could have been better developed. (I'd love to see a book about little sister Sarah!) The pace never really drags, and the story works beautifully without any intrigue or mystery; this one is just pure romance. The story is wrapped up a little too quickly, a little too neatly, but that's a minor complaint thanks to the strength of the rest of the book. The epilogue neatly and pleasantly provides a heartwarming look into the future.

Nice, rich, pure romance.

This is a very good novel. The two protagonists are very well developed and their interactions are the highlight of the story. The secondary characters add sparkle and depth to the plot, as well as lightening up the otherwise serious topics. This is a great book for those who like emotional depth. It is NOT, however, a light read.