The Sport of Matchmaking

Pure enjoyment! Everything about this book is wonderful. The storyline is intriguing, entertaining and fun. The characters are charming, honorable and witty. Lady Alice just wants to go live her life as she wishes. She doesn’t like the fact that single young women are restricted in where and when they can go. She has made up her mind that she will never marry! George is not ready to marry, he and his friends are living life to its fullest and are too young to settle down. But when he meets a young women (Lady Alice) in an alcove at Almack’s, his whole life is turned upside down. A silly bet, an unwanted wage and his best friend falling in love, what could happen next. This story held me captive, from beginning to end. It is the 3rd book in the Clavering Chronicles series and can be read as a standalone novel. But I recommend them all, they are all entertaining, clean, regency romances, with the characters mingled throughout each story.

This review is of The Sport of Matchmaking (Clavering Chronicles #3) by Jennie Goutet. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s 1822 and all upstanding men and women of the ton are going through the ritual of the Season to have fun but to ultimately find a mate. Except for our two main characters Lady Alice St. Claire and Mr. George Clavering. Lady Alice thinks most people of the ton are, well aren’t the smartest group on earth especially when it comes to picking mates. And Mr. Clavering is much too young to think of marriage and responsibility. Right. On both counts. This is where the author shines. This book really isn’t about boring people and lack of responsibility, but of knowing oneself. In spite of all of your education, how do you know you aren’t one of the boring people? Are your actions above reproach because of who you are or because of why you do them? And who decides when you are old enough to be responsible? Is it a date on a calendar or the lessons you have learned? And finally, when, how, and where do you ask for forgiveness and give it? Of course all of this takes place in the glittering balls and parties of the Ton in a very rich London with detailed descriptions of clothes and locations. What would one of this author’s books be without a fair amount of witty dialogue! There’s even a dash to Greta Green to liven everything up. As with all of the author’s books, I fell in love with The Sport of Matchmaking in the first chapter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I have enjoyed each of the books in Jennie Goutet’s Clavering Chronicles series and have been looking forward to reading George’s story. Such a fun book this was! The title itself might lead one to assume there would be some humor in it and given the numerous droll quips and witty banter, there definitely was, as I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading this. If Regency Rom-Com was a genre, this book would be well-suited for the category. However, the book was not completely full of frivolity, as there were serious conversations among various characters pertaining not only to matchmaking but delving into reevaluating the goals a person has set for themselves. I greatly admire and appreciate the high quality of writing I know I will find when I read a book by this author. Her writing style makes me feel like I have a front-row seat to each unfolding story in Regency England. While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first, as it is quite enjoyable getting reacquainted with other family members and characters. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

I was so excited to read this book as I've read the other two books in this series. It definitely did not disappoint. I really loved the storyline of this book. The witty and comical banter between Alice and George was so enjoyable. They were both so likable and the story takes off pretty quickly, whisking you away into a great escape of afternoon promenades in Hyde park and evening balls at Amack's. I truly loved that Jennie Goutet brought the characters from the first two books into this book as well. It's a wonderful addition to this story and really helps to bring this story to fruition. I highly recommend this third book (as well as the others) in this series. It was an excellent read and definitely worth the wait!