Our Favorite, Viscount Saye, Hosts a Regency House Party Full of Outrageous Diversions

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Friends, cousins, and a betrothed couple (Elizabeth and Darcy) all venture to Matlock to attend Viscount Saye’s unseasonal, yet sensational house party where he attempts to win the hand of the beautiful Lillian Goddard, before she accepts a proposal from another. In between all the eccentric delights Saye has planned, friendships are formed, romantic rendezvous occur, and several couples discover their happiness. This is one party you do not want to miss!!

This book was pure pleasure to read, so I thought I do something a little different and fun with my review.

10 Things I Loved About A Match Made at Matlock

1. Saye: You may know him as a scene-stealer in so many of Amy D’Orazio’s novels, and now he is front and center in a story of his own. This is what we have been waiting for! If you have not met Viscount Saye, older brother to Colonel Fitzwilliam, you need to…NOW!

2. Being So Very Saye: His audaciousness, his irreverence, his immodestly high opinion of himself, and his shockingly unfiltered remarks are on full display in this novel. I cannot count the many times that Saye being so very Saye made me smirk, smile, roll my eyes, and laugh out loud. He is outrageous, supercilious, and full of ego. But he is full of heart, and I completely adore him!

3. Seamless Story-Telling: This story is so cohesive and unified that you would never guess it was a collaboration between four different authors. It was even difficult for me to guess with absolute certainty which author wrote for which couple. I loved how well “matched” the authors’ were for this project.

4. A Most Memorable Affair: I vicariously attended my fair share of Regency house parties, but I must say this one may long remain the most memorable! The activities and excursions planned were so eccentric and fantastic. I loved the “speed dating” style dinner, the archery match in winter, and the Polynesian feast. It was all so over the top and entertaining.

5. New Original Characters: I loved all these new characters, they were each distinct and incredibly well-drawn. Lillian impressed me with her mix of sensibility and sentimentality, Sarah was a delight with her innocence, habit of comparing people to insects, and curious mind, and I admired Georgette for her strength, compassionate side, and devoted heart. In addition, I loved the seemingly innocuous and unfashionable Samuel Anderson. His personality and history were so interesting and well-developed.

6. Valuable Friendships: It was especially heartwarming to see how these characters supported, counseled, and encouraged each other. I loved how Elizabeth became fast friends with Lillian, Sarah, and Georgette. And I appreciated seeing the one-on-on scenes between the male characters where they revealed their troubles, found understanding, and gave each other advice or support.

7. L’Amour: Matches are being made! I loved seeing all the clandestine stolen moments alone between these couples, and I loved the amorous encounters (nothing explicit or mature). All four love stories are unique, engaging, and satisfying. I love that they all had a distinction to them – each relationship was at a different stage or had a different obstacle to overcome.

8. Significant Themes: This story isn’t just about fun and frivolity! Readers witness these beloved characters overcome their challenges, their fears, and their own personal hang-ups. I appreciated the substance of these meaningful messages woven throughout this tale – whether it is learning to reveal one’s vulnerability and true self, dealing with feelings of envy or doubt, or bravely taking determined actions and risks to achieve your desires. Well done, indeed.

9. Nutrient Dense and No Fat: This is my clever way for saying that this story was rich in detail and development, but didn’t have any excess scenes or fluff. I greatly appreciated this. All the scenes and sequences had a purpose and were integral to the story; nothing was filler.

10. The Nicknames and Running Jokes: Zabet!! Lol! And the other nicknames like ‘Blanderson’ and ‘H.B.S.’. This playful sporting was hysterical! And oh my goodness…cockchafers and that whole scene and dialogue about them?!? I’m dead. ☠️

A Match Made at Matlock is a splendidly diverting and brilliantly composed fête of delights! I can only hope that this is the first of many house parties at Matlock and the first of many collaborations between this remarkably talented team of authors! I most enthusiastically recommend!

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