This anthology showcases three Regency-era novellas about characters from each author’s respective series, but you don’t need to be familiar with the full-length novels to understand and enjoy this book.

In “Lost and Found” by Stephanie Laurens, Reggie’s uncle is on his deathbed and that means big changes are coming to Reggie and the Carmarthen family. Soon enough, he’ll become a viscount and then an earl. When news of this hits the ton, all the matchmaking mamas and their daughters will chase after him for marriage. Reggie, a resolute bachelor, decides to find his own wife before they do. When he stumbles upon Anne Ashford in a heated discussion with another man, he comes to her rescue. After all, she’s his best friend’s sister and they’ve known each other for years. For the first time, he sees her in a different light. When they have to work side by side to help unite a sweet orphan with his long-lost family, loves blooms between them.
This is a sweet story and I liked it, but it was a little slow and the POV shifts were confusing.
3 Stars

In “The Matchmaker’s Bargain” by Elizabeth Boyle, Amanda finds herself stranded in a storm and takes shelter in the home of a mysterious old woman. She unknowingly drinks a potent tea and pays for the woman’s services. In the morning, she learns she has to find her heart’s desire and be married in a few days. Desperate to finally live her life on her terms, she enlists the help of Jemmy Reyburn, the old woman’s neighbor and Amanda’s unrequited love from years past, to help her escape the town unwed.
Jemmy doesn’t remember Amanda, but he’s entranced by her now. After serving in the war against Napoleon, he’s no longer the arrogant rake she remembers. He’s bitter, scarred, and has a bum leg. He’s given up on living until Amanda brings the light back into his world. As the town gathers to see her married, he soon realizes he wants her for himself, but can he convince her to give him a second chance and stay in Bromley Hollow?
Jemmy is definitely troubled, but he’s so kind and comes out of his shell around Amanda. She’s torn between what her heart wants and what she knows is polite decorum. They both find themselves and grow as characters throughout the story. I think Amanda’s parents are by far some of the worst parents I’ve ever read in a book. I really sympathized with the poor woman and the life she’s led. The story is well-written with no stray POV shifts. This is a wonderful story and my favorite in the anthology.
5 Stars

In “The Third Suitor” by Christina Dodd, Harry is on holiday in a sleepy English coastal town to relax after risking his life abroad serving his country. He’s bored and thinking about his next mission, whatever that might be, when he finds a young woman sneaking through the garden outside his rented cottage. Jessie is in hiding from a persistent suitor and beseeches Harry for his help. Friendship quickly blossoms between them, and Harry scares the man away. When he finds out she has three unwanted suitors (Jessie and her unwatchful chaperone are on holiday to meet to meet and pick from the men), he’s determined to help her out of the dreadful matches. Things heat up between them, but he’s a man with a past and his secrets could get her killed.
This is a great story and I love the characters. Harry is dashing and mysterious, Jessie is smart and brave, and the chemistry between them sizzled the pages. Though well-written, there were a few POV shifts. I felt a little lost during the climax. In my opinion, the beach scene could’ve used more description. I had a hard time picturing the cliff and the boulders, but maybe that’s just me.
4 Stars

Book Overall
4 Stars
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Stephanie Laurens, Lost and Found- 2 stars.
I'm working my way through Stephanie Laurens' Cynster series, to I picked up this book mostly to read her novella. It wasn't one of her stronger ones, and probably wasn't necessary for that series either, but... now I know. The characters kind of felt like shells, and the plot was pretty cookie cutter and I'm not sure I even buy their romance. They just suddenly claimed to be deeply in love, but it seemed 80% based on only attraction.

Elizabeth Boyle, The Matchmaker's Bargain- 1 star.
I dislike giving single stars, but this was just such utter nonsense. I decided to go along with the premise of magical matchmaking and a 'very convenient for the story' preposterous made up law. But all the rest was unlikely and ridiculous as well. The plot, the dialogue, the "twists", everything. I can't think of any part of it I enjoyed, it was completely daft. This is my third story by Boyle, and I haven't enjoyed any of them. I think she's just very much a miss for me.

Christina Dodd, The Third Suitor- 3 stars.
I disliked some of the choices the characters made, and a couple things pushed believability, but overall this kept my interest and I was curious how it would turn out. I hadn't read anything by this author before, and I would consider reading more. ( )

Lost and Found by Stephanie Laurens
The Matchmaker's Bargain by Elizabeth Boyle
The Third Suitor by Christina Dodd