Be prepared to smile, swoon, and sigh in Christi Caldwell’s latest Heart of a Scandal installment where a matchmaker firmly on the shelf is about to fall head over heels for her best friend’s younger brother. She lives by a strict set of rules… herself helping young women find the perfect mate. Having suffered a broken heart years before, she’s quite content in her work and determined to never fall prey to love again. Her most recent job finds her working for the unlikeliest of households, never expecting her assignment would be her best friend’s younger brother, Barry—who’s not so little anymore. He’s a grown man who leaves her breathless and wishing just maybe this time she could have a happy ending. But how can that happen when, once her job is done, she must watch him wed another?
He’s decided to break her rules:
Barry Aberdeen, the future Duke of Gayle, knew his days of freedom were numbered. With his sister recently married, his mother turned her marital aspirations to him. She’s even gone as far as to hire a matchmaker. Worse, the matchmaker is a childhood friend–Meredith Durant. Only the rigid, serious creature is not the carefree girl he remembered. If he’s going to be saddled with a matchmaker, he’s going to have fun loosening Meredith’s too-tight chignon. What he doesn’t expect is how entranced he’ll be when those strands come falling down around her shoulders.
The Heart of a Scandal Series Includes:
Prequel Novella–In Need of a Knight
Schooling the Duke
A Lady’s Guide to a Gentleman’s Heart
A Matchmaker for a Marquess
more
Oh my, what a wonderful story of a heroine who has had to be strong and the hero who makes the dreams she had given up on come true.
Destined to never marry Meredith Durant helps members of the ton make matches. Until the day comes that she’s tasked with making a match for the son of the people who turned her life upside down years before. Barry Aberdeen, Marquess of Tenwhestle, stumbles upon someone he thought he’d never see again and is outraged at the path her life has taken. He’s even more stunned when he learns she’s been hired to find him a match.
Be prepared for laughs, tears, and a shock; all written with Christi Caldwell’s classic style.
A Matchmaker for a Marquess is the third book in the Heart of Scandal series. I haven’t read the previous books and the book was great as a standalone (but I will certainly have to read the previous books.) Meredith “Mare” Durant and her father had to leave behind the life they knew when his illness becomes too much for him to continue working. Unfortunately, due to life events the friendship between Meredith, Emilia, and Barry is interrupted. Years later Barry runs into Meredith and discovers she has been in London all those years as a matchmaker under a different name. Barry’s mother, The Duchess of Gayle, hires Meredith to help Barry find a wife. While Meredith is busy trying to find Barry the perfect wife, Barry tries to help Meredith have fun. The book was well written, easy to read and hard to put down. It was a charming story about childhood friends being reunited and discovering love. Definitely worth reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Loved this fairy tale read, as I always love Christi’s books. Her historical romances always pull you in. I can get so drawn in that I forget my surroundings. Once I started reading I did not want to out this book down. I felt like I was really walking with the characters as they went on their journey. You won’t find a better historical romance writer.
I received an Advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review
“There was nothing more alluring than a man with a book,” came Meredith’s thought as she saw the gentleman in the tight-fitting black trousers with a tailcoat in just a shade deeper than red, which gave an illusion of sin. He was in the middle of the botanical gardens and she could not help staring as he began to read Byron. But she had to remember “A charming gentleman was a dangerous thing, and all women-all of them-could fall prey to one.” Thus was her advice to all her charges and their mothers at their first meeting. You see Meredith was a matchmaker and at thirty one years of age she thought herself beyond staring at anyone, most certainly not “Lord Captivating”.
Imagine when the man turned around and it was Barry, the little boy who was the brother of her best friend and heir to the dukedom. A man who belonged to the family that had turned out her and father, dismissed him from his job and she with him, with no care as to what happened to them. That is when life had drastically changed for her.
Meredith had made a life for herself with a career in matchmaking and she lived by all the strict rules she taught the girls. But it appeared those rules just might be broken!
Barry’s mother had been pushing him to find a match and guess who she hired to help him find that perfect lady? Oh yes, lady fate was shining down and his mother engaged her to help the process along.
A devilish, beyond drool worthy man. A woman who has forgotten how to enjoy life but was determined not to fall in love. But once they get together, it is so wonderful to watch how they both change! I loved these two together and could only smile as I turned the pages and cheer on Meredith to let her true self out!
A wonderful romantic, fun read that keep me captivated until the end. Christi Caldwell is one of my very favorite authors and I look forward to every new story she writes! Cannot wait for more!!
I read the previous book in this series, I so loved it I didn’t gave a thought and purchased it when I learned about a new sequel.
I do liked both main characters, Barry is such a fun, witty and clever hero, he tries to live life at the fullest his status allows him and he is also a caring young man, able to see past his rank and vowing in his own way to restore his childhood friend inner’s joy. Meredith has to do with what life has thrown on her path, having lost more than her home and first love in a short span of time, she also lost her trust in others, having to face alone her father’s demise and the ruin that came after, she rebuilt herself, a self expunged from the dreams she once had, only focused on her task.
So they rekindle, a decade later, no one is the same, Barry has created a happy mask as a facade for his true interest in life when bitterness has stolen part of Meredith’s zest of life.
It was no fast nor slow-burn romance, after so many years apart, each sets new eyes on the other, seing the similarities and differences.
At first, I had a problem with this great tale, it was Meredith’s weakness around Barry, I tend to very much dislike the knees wobbling women. So the beginning gave me a fright, but as Barry was as affected by her, as they so shared an instant and depth attraction, which heightened their senses of the other, rendering them unable to be fully coherent when close to another. I decided to follow where the author would lead me with this couple, and it was a merry chase, both unable to stay away.
“A charming gentleman was a dangerous thing, and all women—all of them—could fall prey to one.”
A Matchmaker For A Marquess is book three in the Heart of a Scandal series by Christi Caldwell. This is a light-hearted, easy book to read. Meredith Durant and Barry Aberdeen, the Marquess of Tenwhestle, grew up together. Barry was the annoying younger brother to Meredith’s best friend, that used to follow them all over. Meredith’s father retired due to health concerns, and moved her away just as everything seemed to fall apart in her life. Barry was the only person to comfort her before she left. Ten years later Barry and Meredith have a chance meeting in the park that puts in motion the events of this book. Meredith has become a reserved woman and esteemed matchmaker for the ton. Barry has grown into a happy, oft-smiling man with a strong intellect. I just have to say this, Barry is a tease and I spent the first half of this book saying to myself, ‘Just kiss her, already!”. Barry and Meredith both see themselves as they were and how they could be. They bring out the best in each other. Meredith says the secret to find love is to just be yourself and I think that’s true. I think my biggest take away from this book is that sometimes distance happens between people and it’s not because there’s someone to blame, life just happens sometimes. You won’t stop smiling as you read this book, I didn’t.
(Note: We finally get a reunion of some of the girlfriends, I hope they all come together in the last book. I received this book as an ARC from the author. Release Date is June 25, 2019)
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
What an emotional story. Friendship, loyalty, betrayal and misunderstandings plague Meredith and her father. Her father was the Duke’s man of business when he was replaced. Meredith was forced to leave her friends who were like family and she had to leave the only place she knew as home. She was jilted by her first love, then she had to move and then her father became ill and died. Meredith had to survive and survive she did. Meredith grew up carefree loving life, enjoying nature and loved her friends Emilia and her younger brother Barry, the Duke’s children. She grew up with them. Ten years later, Meredith became one of the most sought-after ton matchmaker. By this time there was no contact with Emilia or her family. Her parents were Meredith’s godparents and they never reached out to her. But Meredith had given up on finding happiness for herself and decided to find happiness for others. Thus, the matchmaking business was born. On an outing with one of her clients, she ran into Barry. As shocked as she was, she could not help but admire how he had grown up so handsome. But she threw up her walls and walked away from the encounter. The story revolves around the unusual request of the duchess for Meredith to return to her childhood home to be a matchmaker for her son Barry. This story has so many facets to it. There are twists and turns and an absolutely surprising ending that came out of left field. I never expected it. A wonderful story and a must read. I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“A Matchmaker for a Marquess” is the third book in Christi Caldwell’s “The Heart of a Scandal” series.
I greatly enjoyed reading the book as the story is well thought out (with a few unexpected twists) and Christi’s writing style, as always, draws you right into the story. I didn’t want to put it down. The dialogues are clever and witty and make you smile more than once. Barry is a truly lovable character and I can say I found a new favourite book boyfriend! 😀 I highly recommend this book.
The book can be read as a standalone, however I can only recommend reading the other books in the series (and Christi’s other series ;-P) because they are also great books and it is always nice to see previous characters reappearing, and it lets you truly appreciate the world Christi has created with her books.
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“A Matchmaker for a Marquess” ist das dritte Buch in Christi Caldwells “The Heart of a Scandal” Reihe.
Ich habe das Buch sehr gerne gelesen, da die Geschichte gut durchdacht ist (mit ein paar unerwarteten Wendungen) und Christis Schreibstil, wie immer, einen direkt in die Geschichte hineinzieht. Ich wollte gar nicht aufhören zu lesen. Die Dialoge sind schlagfertig und lassen einen mehr als einmal auflachen. Barry ist ein wirklich liebenswerter Charakter und ich kann sagen, dass ich einen neuen Lieblingsbuchfreund gefunden habe! 😀 Ich kann das Buch nur empfehlen.
Das Buch kann als eigenständiges Buch gelesen werden, aber ich kann auch nur empfehlen, die anderen Bücher in der Reihe (und Christis andere Reihen ;-P) zu lesen, weil es ebenfalls sehr gute Bücher sind und es immer schön ist, frühere Charaktere wieder auftauchen zu sehen und man so die Welt, die Christi mit ihren Büchern erschaffen hat, wirklich zu schätzen lernt.
This is Meredith Durant and Barry Aberdeen’s story, 3rd in the Heart of a Scandal series; a standalone, happily ever after, no cheating, historical romance with sizzle.
This is a romantic tale between a swoon worthy romantic hero, and an unlikely heroine; someone who has hidden behind her matchmaker persona for too many years to ever believe that she is worthy of someone’s love. This is a beautifully executed romance, both lighthearted and heart wrenching at times (it made me cry), as the two grow in both friendship and love. Likeable and unlikeable characters make for a realistic engaging read along with a surprising twist.
I loved this story and look forward to more from this author.
I received a copy of this story from the author for my honest opinion.
When you pick up a book written by Christi Caldwell, you are assured of several things: It will have absolutely wonderful characters that you’ll immediately become invested in, clever dialogue, a plot that you won’t be able to put aside until it’s resolved, and a deliciously electrifying romance. This one is no exception. Our heroine, Merideth Durant, grew up in a Duke’s home as her father was the Duke’s man of affairs. She developed close relationships with the Duke’s son and daughter and is shattered when her father is dismissed from his post and they are forced to leave when she is twenty years old. Her father is struggling with dementia and she spends all their savings caring for him in his final months. Forced to support herself, she finds work as a Matchmaker and is quite successful at it for many years until the unthinkable happens. She is hired by the Duchess where she once lived, to be the Matchmaker for her son, the now very much grown-up childhood friend, Barry. Truly touching and delightful!
Meredith grew up on a Ducal estate but when her father is made to retire to letting in a younger man Meredith is hurt, hurt that those that she loved just forgot her even though they had their own problems no one helped her. But what even hurt most that she didn’t understand was that her father was ill.
Then there is Barry, the Marquess who even though he was younger than Meredith, his sister and her friends he tagged along with them. Always listening in on their talks, having Meredith play piggyback and just being a lovable pest.
10 years or more has passed and Meredith has lost her father and a pile of bills to pay on top of finding a position to live on. What happened is being a matchmaker in helping those that needed help in finding the right partner and Meredith does find them and have matched many happy couples. Barry is 26 now, is a man about town, but his joy is in plants and horticulture which his parents doesn’t like. He still loves to go fishing, and going to his mother’s parties but he isn’t ready to marry or is he?
But now the Duchess of Gayle has set her mind on having Meredith find a match for her son, Barry. Does Meredith accept it? Does Barry allow it? What are behind Meredith and Barry’s reasons for getting together in getting him his match? These questions and more are just waiting for you to enjoy reading.
In reading this book Christi has brought her flair of the mischievous in Barry,and the practically staid manner of Meredith into many situations that has you laughing, gasping of air and tearing up in parts. But Barry wanting to not marry, and Meredith not realizing that she is having feelings for Barry show that as always you will fall in love with not just the characters but with Christi’s wonderful stories.
You will love Meredith and Barry’s story and before you know it you will want to read the other books in the “The Heart of a Scandal” Series just to see how Christi brought those couples together.
I really enjoyed this light-hearted story. Ms. Caldwell did an excellent job bringing Meredith and Barry together. The surprise in this story was his parents. You will have to read the story to find out. The saying, you can never judge a book by it’s cover, so so true in this story.
If you haven’t read any Christi Caldwell books, this is a great place to start.
I’m so thrilled to be reading another masterpiece from the amazing Christi Caldwell! If you have read any of her books before you will know that she writes the most amazing Historical Romances! What makes them so special? Christi writes about those with PTSD, Disabilities and Older women, that let’s be frank here, 99% of other authors will either completely shy away from, or they will be a footnote! But that doesn’t happen with this author! No, she feels that everyone deserves their happily ever after! And I not only wholeheartedly agree, but commend her for that.
Meredith Durant is the daughter of the steward to the Duke of Gayle’s Estate, well he was, as now he has been let go, and they are being forced from their home, and Meredith feels not only heartbroken but betrayed too! Not only by the man that claimed to love her, but lied to her, but by the Duke and Duchess, her were also her godparents, but finally by the one person that cause all this mess, or should I say his failing mind did, her Father. The only one who offered her any comfort in this time of pain, was Barry, the Future Duke of Gayle. But even he was powerless to stop this runaway train.
Fast forward thru a lot of pain, and Meredith is truly on her own now, so she did the only thing she thought she could do, and that was to reinvent herself into become a matchmaker to the wealthy… that is until she bumped into her past! I will leave the story there, but I will honestly say that this book moved me, and at times I felt like I was feeling Meredith’s hopelessness and pain, and my heart broke for her!
Now before you get nervous about not reading any of the other books in the series BEFORE A Matchmaker for the Marquess, it is just like with all of the author’s books, has been written as a stand-alone, but I hope you do read the other books in the series, as it is truly special.
What a great good feel book to grap a cup coffee and sit down to read. Made me laugh out loud . Just a wonderful light hearted book and a pure joy to read.
Sweet love story about Barry Aberdeen future Duke of Gayle and Meredith Durant. They where childhood friends Meredith father worked for Barry father the Duke until one day the Duke ask Meredith father to leave his post when he was getting older.That rock both of their worlds.
Then 10 Years later Barry and Meredith meet agian and what a meeting you could feel the connection and see the chemistry between them.
Meredith was hurt by love when she was younger so she became a Matchmaker that was hired by the wealthy. So here comes Barry’s Mother the Duchess to hire his old friend to find him a wife.
You can only image all the fun these two have together teasing and working out feelings from the past. Can Meredith find a match for Barry? Will Barry fight everyone looking for him wife when he not ready ? Will he be true to his feelings from the past tell everyone?
Do yourself a favor and grap up this awesome book was so fun to read.
Received A ARC for my honest opinion and review.