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I enjoyed this book and thought the plot was set up great. The story flows well from beginning to end. I will be looking for more books from author Avery Maitland.

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
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I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in the Her Majesty’s matchmaker series. I tried to read the first couple but they weren’t available in kindle form. I have to say I was not a fan of the match maker she was a big push over and didn’t stand up for herself and caused trouble for someone else. I did like the read it was a sad but a good read.

The premise of the story had a lot of potential, but fell short for me. Although the story was well-written, I was not very enamored with the characters or plotline. I had a hard time getting into this story. This book was just okay for me.
Thank you Avery Maitland, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Miss Selena Rowe may be the daughter of an Earl, and one who is the confidant of the king, at that, but she has no interest in the usual pursuits for a woman of her station, nor in marriage. Much to her mother's horror, Selina buys some of Lord Byron's possessions after he left England, and has involved herself in salon's where she meets the handsome, and suave Greek revolutionary, Alexander Markasis. When the Countess of Farraday brings in the known matchmaker, Constance Blackwood, to try and marry off Selina, Constance is in with quite a task. And when she realises her private diary, with all of it's gossip about court life, has been stolen and she is being blackmailed, has Constance bitten off more than she can chew?

I don't know what to say about this book. I think I'm a bit of a masochist to continue reading this series, though I don't dislike the books, I just don't find them anything special. This is book 3 in the series, and with each story, I think it's running it's course. Constance is alright as the protagonist of the series, but she never really does anything, and I'm getting a little sick of her, if I'm honest. I was sort of pleased that her diary had been stolen, because at least it changed up the whole story a little, than being very much the same as the previous books. Selina and Alexander's romance wasn't bad, but it was a little contrived at times. Especially the way they fall in love so quickly, want to run away, hole up in a dingy inn, and then she's abducted and locked in her home. The 'conclusion' of their romance, too, was utter ridiculous, and I was honestly rolling my eyes reading it. And just when I thought the series would be over, the epilogue makes it seem like there's more to Constance's story - though what, I would've liked to know earlier. Maybe I'll read more, maybe I won't, but I'm on the fence about it!

In Love with a Rebel

Constance, the Queen’s matchmaker has quite a few challenges to overcome, and her diary, full of secrets, is nowhere to be found. She has a task to help a bluestocking find a match, but Selina falls in love with a rebel.

Alexander and Selina fall in love, but society does not think them a good match. Could they find a way to be together? He is a Greek rebel, and she is a spinster with a mother, intent on marrying her to someone with a title. The family’s reputation is what concerns the good countess, but what about her daughter’s happiness? Selina finds a way to rebel, but rebellion brings only ruin. Then, she finds nothing but misery. Could Selina and Alexander find a way to be together? It seems like an impossible dream. There were parts of the book, where I found myself shouting at my Selina to break out of the cage and tell her parents to “get lost.” However, women in those days did not have too many options, and rebelling against one’s parents was far easier said than done. Could Selina find her voice before it is too late? Might Alexander be able to fulfill his promise and find a way to run away with Selina? If you like Regency romance, you might enjoy this story.

I have not read any of Ms. Maitland's books before, but the blurb sounded interesting so I thought I would give this a try and I was not disappointed. Ms. Maitland has created a delightfully entertaining story with fun and endearing characters. This is the third book of Her Majesty's Matchmaker series and after reading this, I definitely want to go back and read the first two books. Constance Blackwood is an independent woman and a junior lady-in-waiting for Queen Charlotte. She has been playing matchmaker for the queen's entertainment, and is called upon by Selina's mother to help find a match for her. The story was well-written and engaging, with a nice mix of intrigue and romance. Constance also has a diary that goes missing which adds a little mystery as well. I certainly had great fun reading this book and will be looking for more of Ms. Maitland's books to read.

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Her mother was determined that she would marry, no matter what she did to try to avoid it. Yes, she was five and twenty, the daughter of a Earl, was in her third season, but marry she would not. Famous last words!

Constance was surprised when the Countess of Farraday sought her out to have her find a match for her daughter, Selina. Of course, Selina could not believe her mother had asked her to help!

A delightful story with unexpected results as Constance tries to help find a match and indeed by happenstance Selina finds her own!!

I really want to see the matchmaker find her match!

It's an impossible match between an Earl's daughter, Selina Rowe, and a young man from Greece, Alexander Markasis, with no title and connections. His purpose in London is to raise money for Greek independence.
Constance Blackwood, is a matchmaker, an attendant to the Queen. Usually she is very good as a matchmaker, but the unexpected love match between Selina Rowe and Alexander Markasis leaves her insecure in her position and in fear after her personal diary disappears. This book is full of anxiety, agnst and kept me on edge most of the book. The person you will love to hate is Selina's mother, the Countess of Farraday. The way this book left off, it is a must to read the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This book ruined my reading and put me in a slump. The characters irritated me so much and I did not care for them or the romance. I skipped around 60% of this book

Really excited about the premise, but the setup was slightly complicated to get into from the first pages.

Constance Blackwood is one of the Queen's junior ladies in waiting, she is also known as a matchmaker. The Queen likes to hear all about the romances among society.

A very overbearing mother has asked Constance to find a husband for her daughter, who will not look for herself.

Selina is not interested in any of the titled gentlemen she has met. She has her own ideas about what to do with her life.

Alexander is in London raising money for a rebellion. He has a letter of recommendation from a famous English exile.

A saucy historical romance filled with mischief and intrigue. Will our three main characters get the outcome they expect. The ending is a bit of a surprise, and it's also a tease for the next book in the series.

Good fun.

Constance Blackwood is trying to help Selina find a husband. It is a problem of Selina's wants against her mother's demands for her. Which way should Constance go. Too often she finds herself in the middle between the two. The Countess Farraday thinks she has won the day. Selina's love will hopefully win the day for them.
Constance's diary has disappeared and someone is sending her notes with passages from it. Most of her secrets are in there so she is very worried who could have it.

Lessons in Ruin by Avery Maitland is another Constance Blackwood, matchmaker story. Miss Selina Rowe was the daughter of an earl, spinster and blue stocking, and a huge fan of Lord Byron. That is how Constance first noticed her, at an action of the lord's belongs being held to raise funds for the revolution in Greece. She bought several items. When her mother, Lady Farraday contacted Constance in regard to her daughter's future, Constance could she had a problem on her hands. Lady Farraday didn't care what her daughter wanted, she imply wanted her married to a wealthy man with a title. Selina didn't particularly want to be married at all, but certainly not to a man for him she felt an affinity and who would allow her to continue her activities. Constance put together a list. Lady Farraday nixed very suggestion. Meanwhile, Selina had met a young Greek man, Alexander, who was in London to collect a debt owed his father, and to raise money for the revolution. He was young and handsome, and carried a letter from Lord Byron, himself. Of course, they were attracted to one another and soon were in love.

Selina was a good character, well-written and interesting. She wanted to write. She wanted to worship Lord Byron from afar. She wanted to travel. Alexander was not looking to fall in love. He liked his life as it was, but once he had fallen, he was all in. This story is a little different as it is not all about peers. It is about Selina and her struggle for independence, and a struggle it was. Her mother was not above locking her in her room . . . literally. It was a well-put-together novel, although it dragged in parts, especially the beginning. I enjoy Constance Blackwood. She is an independent woman, herself; battling against a marriage she doesn't want while maintaining her position with Queen Charlotte. All very intriguing.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Lessons in Ruin by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #lessonsinruin #averymaitland

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was sweet, clever and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

I could not get interested in this story. The mother/daughter combination didn't mesh for me. Selina's mother seems like a very petty person and treats Selina like she's a twelve year old. Selina on the other hand let's her mom brow beat her into submission. Selina is old enough and has a mind of her own for that not to happen. I only read 20% of the book. Maybe it gets better?

Constance Blackwood has had some luck with her delicate arrangements, but not everyone is pleased with the games she had been playing with the reputations of Queen Charlotte’s courtiers.
A match gone wrong could spell the end of Constance’s little assignments and it is difficult not to suspect that her closest allies could be planning her downfall. The Earl of Farraday’s only daughter has been unlucky in love, and now that her third season has just ended, the earl is desperate to see her married. But when an unexpected match made in the first blush of spring sets tempers alight, the Countess of Farraday will look to Constance for an explanation, and a quick marriage to ensure that their daughter’s honour remains intact. Another problem weighs heavily on Constance’s mind. Her precious diary has been stolen, and whoever has taken it is in possession of information that could change the course of Constance’s fortunes and spell the end of everything she has worked so hard to build.
The third book in the series & it could be read on its own. Another well written book which is a lovely mix of romance, intrigue & now the mystery surrounding Constance’s stolen diary. The characters are well portrayed & have depth. I like Constance but I don't love her but I'm invested in her & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lessons in Ruin - not a standalone but a continuation of the first two books and it continues in the forthcoming ones in the series.

The next book will have more answers and definitely curious to know more.

This book was a little hard for me to get into with all the different POVs introduced in the beginning. It took a while to figure out what each of them had to do with each other. The one character I didn't like at all was Selina's mother. She was so cruel to her only child and I cringed whenever there was a scene with her. Also Constance seems to misjudge who her friends actually are early on especially Mrs. Redstone. It seemed to take forever for Selina and Alex to get their HEA. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of my favorite books and I'm sure if I'll read anymore from this author.

What a tailwind of intrigue and the dramas of the queens court! The fact that this was actually 3 stories entwined made it all the more interesting and there was different threads to be woven simultaneously. Having each chapter through the perspective and ongoings of each character gave it unique twist. Selina and Alexander’s love story was definitely doomed from the start and I found myself mirroring Selina’s hopelessness. Right up until the end I was waiting with baited breath for the next calamity and was relieved when I finally accepted they were to receive their happy ever after. I appreciated the intrigues of the Queen’s court, Constance being the Queen’s matchmaker had such an overwhelming responsibility to live up to. You are certainly brought into the drama of her missing diary and can see how that would leave everything in question. The end definitely makes the reader eager for the next book to see what happens to Constance. Seeing the mystery of her brothers changed attitude left you guessing as to what had caused it, and how it would end for her. Selina & Alexander May very well have lived happily ever after, but Constance’s life is completely left in question. It made for a slightly underwhelming ending, yet at the same time seems like an intriguing beginning as I’m sure the story will continue from there with so many court questions left unanswered.

When infamous matchmaker Constance Blackwood fails to set up the right match for an Earl’s daughter, her confidence in her place in Queen Charlotte’s court starts to falter. When her diary with all sorts of confidential information disappears, she starts to panic. I look forward to the next book to see who has stolen her diary and for what reason. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.