The Matchmaker by Rexanne Becnel: How to Read Online or Download in PDF or EPUB Format
The Matchmaker by Rexanne Becnel: A Review
Introduction
If you are looking for a historical romance novel that combines a witty heroine, a brooding hero, and a captivating plot, you might want to check out The Matchmaker by Rexanne Becnel. This book is the first in a series of four novels that feature different matchmakers in Regency England. In this review, I will give you an overview of the book, its characters, its setting, and its themes. I will also share my personal opinion on what I liked and disliked about it.
The Matchmaker Rexanne Becnel Epub Format
What is the book about?
The Matchmaker tells the story of Olivia Lord, a young lady who has a passion for matchmaking. She keeps a detailed diary of every eligible bachelor she meets in London society, and uses her observations to help her friends find their perfect matches. However, she has no interest in finding a husband for herself, as she believes that no man can meet her high standards.
That is, until she meets Lord Neville Hawke, a notorious scoundrel who has returned from the war with a dark past and a penchant for drinking and gambling. Neville is instantly attracted to Olivia's beauty and intelligence, but he knows that he is not worthy of her. He also has a secret that could ruin his reputation and endanger his life.
As Olivia and Neville get to know each other, they discover that they have more in common than they thought. They both have painful memories that haunt them, and they both yearn for love and acceptance. But can they overcome their differences and their fears to find their happily ever after?
Who are the main characters?
The main characters of The Matchmaker are:
Olivia Lord: The heroine of the story. She is a smart, independent, and compassionate lady who enjoys matchmaking as a hobby. She has a sharp tongue and a keen eye for human nature. She is also loyal to her friends and family.
Lord Neville Hawke: The hero of the story. He is a handsome, charming, and mysterious lord who has a troubled past and a rebellious streak. He is also generous, courageous, and protective of those he cares about.
Lady Caroline: Olivia's best friend and confidante. She is a sweet, gentle, and romantic lady who dreams of finding true love. She is also supportive of Olivia's matchmaking endeavors.
Lord Richard: Neville's best friend and ally. He is a kind, honorable, and sensible lord who tries to keep Neville out of trouble. He is also fond of Olivia and Caroline.
What is the historical setting?
The Matchmaker is set in Regency England, a period that lasted from 1811 to 1820 when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son George IV became the Prince Regent. This was a time of political turmoil, social change, and cultural innovation. It was also a time of elegance, fashion, and romance.
The book depicts various aspects of Regency life, such as:
The London Season: The annual social event when aristocratic families came to London to attend balls, parties, and other festivities. It was also the prime time for matchmaking, as young ladies and gentlemen sought to find suitable spouses.
The Ton: The term used to refer to the upper class of society, who followed strict rules of etiquette, manners, and dress. They also had their own slang, such as "rake" for a libertine man, "diamond of the first water" for a beautiful woman, and "cut direct" for a deliberate snub.
The War: The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts that involved France and its allies against Britain and its allies. They lasted from 1803 to 1815 and had a significant impact on the political, economic, and social landscape of Europe. Many men who fought in the war returned with physical and psychological scars, such as Neville.
Plot Summary
How do Olivia and Neville meet?
Olivia and Neville meet at a ball hosted by Lady Caroline's aunt, Lady Wexford. Olivia is there to help Caroline find a suitable match, while Neville is there to escape his creditors and his enemies. They are introduced by Lord Richard, who is a friend of both of them.
Olivia is immediately intrigued by Neville's handsome appearance and mysterious aura, but she is also repelled by his rude behavior and scandalous reputation. She decides to add him to her diary as an example of an ill-suited match for anyone.
Neville is instantly drawn to Olivia's beauty and intelligence, but he is also annoyed by her sharp tongue and judgmental attitude. He decides to tease her and challenge her, hoping to make her lose her composure.
Their first encounter is full of sparks, but also of misunderstandings. They both feel a strong attraction, but they also feel a strong resentment.
What are the obstacles they face?
Olivia and Neville face several obstacles that prevent them from being together, such as:
Their social status: Olivia is the daughter of a wealthy merchant, while Neville is the son of an earl. Their families belong to different classes of society, and their marriage would be frowned upon by the ton.
Their personalities: Olivia is a sensible, practical, and moral lady, while Neville is a reckless, impulsive, and immoral lord. They have different views on life, love, and happiness.
Their secrets: Olivia has a secret that could ruin her reputation and her chances of finding a husband. She was once engaged to a man who betrayed her and left her heartbroken. She never told anyone about this, not even Caroline.
Neville has a secret that could ruin his life and endanger his friends. He was once involved in a spy mission that went wrong and resulted in the death of his comrades. He never told anyone about this, not even Richard.
How do they overcome them?
Olivia and Neville overcome their obstacles by gradually opening up to each other and learning to trust each other. They also help each other heal from their past wounds and face their present dangers.
They have several moments that bring them closer together, such as:
When they dance together at another ball and share their first kiss.
When they visit an orphanage together and show their compassionate sides.
When they rescue each other from various perils, such as kidnappers, assassins, and fire.
When they confess their secrets to each other and offer their support.
They also have several moments that test their relationship, such as:
When they argue over their differences and misunderstandings.
When they are tempted by other suitors or rivals.
When they are blackmailed or threatened by their enemies.
When they are separated by fate or circumstance.
In the end, they realize that they love each other despite their flaws and challenges. They decide to elope and get married in Scotland, where the laws are more lenient. They also receive the blessing of their friends and families, who are happy for them. They look forward to starting a new life together as husband and wife.
Analysis
What are the themes of the book?
The Matchmaker explores several themes that are common in historical romance novels, such as:
Love vs. duty: The conflict between following one's heart or one's obligations. Olivia and Neville have to choose between pursuing their love or conforming to society's expectations.
How does the author portray the Regency era?
The author does a good job of portraying the Regency era in a realistic and engaging way. She uses historical details, such as clothing, furniture, food, and customs, to create a vivid picture of the time period. She also incorporates historical events, such as the war, the political unrest, and the social reforms, to add drama and conflict to the story.
The author also shows the contrast between the different classes of society, such as the aristocracy, the gentry, the merchants, and the poor. She explores the issues of wealth, power, status, and reputation that influenced people's lives and choices. She also depicts the challenges and opportunities that women faced in a patriarchal society.
The author also captures the tone and style of the Regency era in her writing. She uses witty dialogue, humorous situations, and clever twists to create a light-hearted and entertaining story. She also uses elegant prose, descriptive language, and romantic expressions to create a charming and captivating story.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
The book has many strengths that make it an enjoyable and satisfying read. Some of them are:
The characters: The characters are well-developed, relatable, and likable. They have distinct personalities, flaws, and growth arcs. They also have great chemistry and banter.
The plot: The plot is well-paced, engaging, and unpredictable. It has a good balance of romance, adventure, mystery, and humor. It also has some twists and surprises that keep the reader hooked.
The romance: The romance is sweet, passionate, and believable. It develops gradually and naturally from attraction to friendship to love. It also faces realistic obstacles and conflicts that test and strengthen their bond.
The writing: The writing is clear, fluent, and expressive. It flows smoothly and effortlessly from one scene to another. It also matches the mood and tone of the story.
The book also has some weaknesses that could be improved. Some of them are:
The ending: The ending is too rushed and abrupt. It wraps up everything too quickly and neatly. It could have been more detailed and satisfying.
The villains: The villains are too stereotypical and one-dimensional. They lack depth and motivation. They could have been more complex and interesting.
The editing: The editing is not very polished and professional. There are some typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies in the text. They could have been corrected and avoided.
Conclusion
What is the main message of the book?
The main message of the book is that love can heal any wound and overcome any obstacle. Olivia and Neville both have scars from their pasts that make them afraid to trust and love again. But through their relationship, they learn to forgive themselves and others, to face their fears and challenges, and to embrace their happiness and future.
Who would enjoy reading it?
This book would appeal to anyone who enjoys historical romance novels that are fun, romantic, and adventurous. It would also appeal to anyone who likes stories that feature strong heroines, brooding heroes, witty dialogue, thrilling action, and sweet endings.
Where can you find more books by Rexanne Becnel?
If you liked this book, you might want to check out more books by Rexanne Becnel. She has written over 20 historical romance novels set in different periods and places. Some of her popular series are:
The Rosecliffe Trilogy: A series of three novels set in medieval Wales that feature three sisters who find love with three knights.
The Maker Series: A series of four novels set in Regency England that feature different matchmakers who find love with different partners.
The Knights Series: A series of four novels set in medieval England that feature four knights who find love with four ladies.
You can find more information about her books on her website or on Goodreads. You can also follow her on Facebook or Twitter to get updates on her latest news and releases.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book and the author:
Q: Is The Matchmaker a standalone novel or part of a series?
A: The Matchmaker is the first book in the Maker Series, which consists of four novels that feature different matchmakers in Regency England. However, each book can be read as a standalone, as they have different characters and plots.
Q: How accurate is the historical setting of the book?
A: The author has done extensive research on the Regency era and has tried to make the historical setting as accurate as possible. However, she has also taken some creative liberties and added some fictional elements to make the story more interesting and entertaining.
Q: How steamy is the romance in the book?
A: The romance in the book is moderately steamy. There are some passionate kisses and sensual scenes, but nothing too explicit or graphic. The author focuses more on the emotional and psychological aspects of the romance than on the physical ones.
Q: What are some similar books or authors to The Matchmaker?
A: Some similar books or authors to The Matchmaker are:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: The classic novel that inspired many Regency romances. It features a spirited heroine, a proud hero, and a witty dialogue.
The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn: A popular series of eight novels that follow the romantic adventures of a large and wealthy family in Regency England.
The Spindle Cove Series by Tessa Dare: A humorous series of four novels that feature unconventional heroines and heroes who find love in a seaside village known as Spindle Cove.
Q: Where can I buy or borrow the book?
A: You can buy or borrow the book from various online or offline sources, such as:
Amazon: You can buy the book in Kindle, paperback, or audiobook format.
Barnes & Noble: You can buy the book in paperback or audiobook format.
Audible: You can buy or listen to the book in audiobook format.
Goodreads: You can find ratings, reviews, and recommendations for the book.
Your local library: You can borrow the book in print or digital format.
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