It Takes Two to Tangle (The Matchmaker Trilogy, #1) in Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn

Apr 23, 2014 Caz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-1800-1850, aar, favourites, 4-stars, arc

I've given this an A at AAR - it's one of those rare 5-star books:)

It Takes Two to Tangle is the first in a new series by this author, and is a wonderfully crafted, character-driven romance in which two intelligent, kind, and emotionally fragile people find each other amid the round of parties, balls, and shallow people that make up the ton and the circuit of society events.

Henry Middleton is twenty-six and has returned from the Napoleonic wars crippled, having completely lost the use of his ri ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Mar 22, 2014 Caz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-1800-1850, romance-regency, audiogals, audiobook

Review from 2014

A for content / A- for narration.

It Takes Two to Tangle is the first in a new trilogy from Theresa Romain, and it鈥檚 an extremely strong start to the series. It鈥檚 a beautifully written, character-driven romance that鈥檚 full of warmth and humour in which the two principals are both people who have been affected in different ways by war, and who have to learn to accept their pasts and move on.

Henry Middlebrook has recently returned from the continent, having been seriously wounded in ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Sep 04, 2013 Aly is so frigging bored rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical, never-ending-aka-never-finished

I can't connect to the characters at all! ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 23, 2013 Janga rated it really liked it

It Takes Two to Tangle is the first book in Romain's Matchmaker Trilogy. It is a promising start to the series. Henry鈥檚 heroism, both in the late war and in his attempt to rebuild his life, evokes ready sympathy. I also found his relationship with his brother and sister-in-law interesting. Their affection and concern for him rang true, as did their inability to fully understand the changes that had taken place within him and their inability to ease his way back into the world. But it is Frances, ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 02, 2013 Sharyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance

Henry Middlebrook has recently returned to London Society, after leaving the Napoleonic Wars due to a crippling injury. His brother's wife, Emily, has decided that all Henry needs to get his life back on track is to find a wife. And she has the perfect candidate, Lady Stratton, a widow, and a Countess like Emily. Henry dutifully goes to a ball with his brother and sister-in-law to meet Caroline, Lady Stratton. Only to find Caroline surrounded by suitors. As Henry tries to insert himself into her Henry Middlebrook has recently returned to London Society, after leaving the Napoleonic Wars due to a crippling injury. His brother's wife, Emily, has decided that all Henry needs to get his life back on track is to find a wife. And she has the perfect candidate, Lady Stratton, a widow, and a Countess like Emily. Henry dutifully goes to a ball with his brother and sister-in-law to meet Caroline, Lady Stratton. Only to find Caroline surrounded by suitors. As Henry tries to insert himself into her circle, he meets Frances who is Caroline's companion and cousin. He figures the best way to get close to Caroline is to find out more information about her from Frances. After all, who would know more about a person than their companion?

Frances Whittier is also a widow and is immediately captivated by Henry. He is intelligent and handsome and, well, he is the first gentleman in a long time to pay any attention to Frances. Frances agrees to help Henry with his wooing of Caroline because she figures then she'll be able to spend more time with him. Henry and Frances do grow closer - but when will they admit their feelings for each other? And will it be too late at that point?

I absolutely loved this book. Henry and Frances are portrayed as very real people who make mistakes and sometimes say the wrong things or do the wrong things. They both have to come to terms with their pasts and find a path for the future. Henry's injury was dealt with in a very realistic manner. You see Henry struggle to do simple things that the rest of us take for granted. It was never maudlin or dark, though, as Henry is determined to live his life as best he can. The scenes with Henry and Frances together were wonderful as they banter with each other and talk very bluntly with each other. And the supporting characters were wonderful as well. You really feel how much Henry's brother and sister-in-law care for him. And, at first Caroline is show as very conceited and stand-offish but you realize that is just her public persona and to Frances she is very warm and kind. Highly recommend this book! ...more

Like · see review