Charming the Silent Guy: Imperfect Heroes

The Matchmakers #1

by Lisa Freed

SETH
Verabredungen sind nicht einfach. Sich als nonverbaler Mann zu verabreden, ist noch schwieriger. Natürlich sträube ich mich, wenn meine Lieblingsgroßmutter mich zu einem Blind Date einlädt. Noch schlimmer ist, dass ihr nicht gesagt wird, dass ich nicht spreche. Ich kann nur hoffen, dass sie den Mann sieht, der ich bin, und nicht das, was ich nicht kann.


EMBER
Obwohl ich ein beliebter Morgen-DJ bin, habe ich noch nicht den richtigen Mann gefunden. Die Leute erwarten meine verrückte Art, auf Sendung zu gehen. Und obwohl ich es liebe zu reden, bin ich nicht die wilde Frau, die sie im Radio hören. Also mache ich meiner Oma eine Freude und lasse mich mit dem Enkel ihrer Freundin verkuppeln. Vielleicht kann er mich so akzeptieren, wie ich bin, und nicht so, wie ich mich verstelle.


Den schweigenden Mann bezaubern ist ein heißer und süßer Liebesroman, in dem sich die Gegensätze anziehen. In jedem Buch der Reihe geht es um einen unvollkommenen Helden, der sein Happy End mit der Heldin findet, die sein Herz heilt.

Genres: Romance, Disability, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance

151 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2024

About the author

Lisa's a sucker for anything romance. From middle school on she was sneak reading her mom's romances. Big, beefy man on the cover? She was there!
Alphas, Billionaires, and English Lords- oh my!
But at the end of the day a tender tyrant is what truly made her little heart go pitter patter.
She writes feel-good stories about imperfect people finding their HEA. Because it's not a romance without a most satisfying HEA.

Reviews

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mute hero? I’m here for it!

What an adorable new series! First book in this new series that’s based off of a group of grandmas living in a retirement care center that have come up with the idea to play matchmaker with their single grandchildren. They have some sort of bingo-like science figured out, that matches one grandma’s granddaughter with another grandma’s grandson

First couple up is a red-headed heroine and a mute hero. The heroine was a DJ for a morning country radio show, not my fav as it made her and her friend come across as crass (talking about getting the big D on-air). Other than that she was a likeable fun heroine. The hero was mute, but not deaf. Some sort of suspected infant injury to his vocal cords. And he was a sweetheart and very patient with others reactions to his muteness.

They had instant attraction… and maybe you could say insta-love, as the main bulk of the 96-page story takes place over a week. Their first night of hooking up was very hot and steamy.

I felt the dialogue all together, their insecurities and the smexy times, all came across as realistic.

I can’t wait for the next book to come out (someone’s older’ish grumpy grandson matched with another infatuated younger’ish granddaughter)

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

TROPES:
~nonverbal mmc
~strangers to lovers
~matchmaking

PLOT: A few grandmothers get together to set up their grandchildren in this matchmaking story. Ember is a loud DJ but everything is not as it seems. Seth, on the other hand, is nonverbal and wants someone to see him, finally see him. They don't seem like a match but man, it worked!

THOUGHTS: I really liked this novella. It was cute, funny, and sweet.

SAFETY:
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: talk of past trauma
HEA? yes! <3

[readundancies · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a complete lack of tension and chemistry between the two leads. This likely has to do with the fact that the mute male lead is an utterly perfect himbo in that Mary Sue kinda way outside of his disability, to the point where his muteness just feels like a character trait to forward the plot, and not something inherent to the character.

To be clear, I’m not upset because the male protagonist has a disability, I’m upset at how it feels like that disability is used as a plot device and nothing more. There’s no nuance to it, no real struggle that he grapples with, and I feel like it diminishes those who are non-verbal when it’s (seemingly) only purpose is to act as a quirk of the character and nothing of more depth. The novella length of slightly over 100 pages doesn’t help much with those matters either.

And that’s outside of the whole ridiculous matchmaking system in the first place that is arranged by a set of bickering elderly grandparents.

Not my favourite, rather boring, will not revisit.

[Jeletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The premise of residents of an elderly living facility trying to match up their relations is great! We didn't learn much about the system they use, but it certainly worked for Seth and Ember! The leads were fun and it was nice having someone who was normal even though he was nonverbal. The only think I missed was seeing them visit their relatives and how they treated the couple. I also wouldn't have minded more background on Seth and his family because that just seemed tacked on to create drama. I enjoyed the story and would read more!

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth and Ember get roped into attending a blind date which was planned by their grandmothers. Seth is non verbal because of an injury as a child and when he meets Ember, he thinks she would be just as opinionated and wrong about him like all the other people. These two are quite different, but they work perfect together. Sweet, romantic,safe, a sweet read, with a few twists and misunderstandings, but at the end their love wins 😍😍😍

[Dyslexic.ashreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting 6 months for this book and omg it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely love the grandmas! This book was a page turner that I couldn’t put down!! I can’t wait to see more from this series!! Hands down this book was a great way to start 2024!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start to The Matchmakers series a new author and waiting for the rest of the series 😊. Anytime you have old people playing matchmaking you end up with something hilarious and that is what we have here residents of a retirement home trying to match up their grandbabies. Ember a morning radio DJ who everyone thinks loves to talk due to the fact her job is talking but actually the opposite, yes, her life loud due to her job but she really welcomes the quiet, and wants a man who gets her, who gets her life welcoming it all. Seth sexy as all get out Accountant due to a childhood trauma that left him non-verbal, he just wants someone to see him, to see past his disability, and accept him completely without judgement. So, when he is set up reluctantly, he agrees hoping it leads to something more meeting Ember the attraction is instant between them despite the communication issues which doesn’t seem to be an issue for them these two couldn’t be more different but the chemistry is undeniable and fate set them up not to fail but will they stick it out, did their grandparents connect the right people, can they see past each other’s differences and will their grandparents shenanigans lead them to happiness?

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5

This is a sweet little novella. Its about a group of older ladies in a retirement home who've formed a matchmaking club in a retirement home who are determined to matches for their grandchildren. This is the first book in the series and centers on Ember, a morning DJ on a local radio station and Seth, a successful accountant. They are both open to the idea of a blind date so it's on and they meet for dinner at a restaurant.

There is instant attraction and chemistry on both sides but Ember is rather startled to discover Seth is nonverbal. Still the date is a good one and communication between them is a bit different, they still manage quite well and both are open to see each other again.

There was a bit more I would have liked to uncover and considering the short nature of the book, the first love scene was a bit too lengthy but that's a me issue and other readers may not think so at all.

I'm not sure about continuing on with the series. I'm not opposed to it at all but its not a book that I'm dying to read the next one. Glad I read it but we"all see about more.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe, this was such an amazing story. Charming the Silent Guy is a short and steamy, OTT, instalove, opposites-attract, girl gets her hunk romance. Ember is a 23 year old DJ who is outgoing on air but prefers to be more chill in her off time. Seth is a hunky, 29 year old accountant that is nonverbal. When their grandmothers match them on a blind date, sparks fly. Seth feels seen for the first time. The two have a lot in common, and they learn to navigate and embrace their differences. The chemistry was pure fire between these two. There is some angst over miscommunication and learning to navigate their relationship, but we got an amazing HEA. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for this whole series. I loved the old ladies and their system for matching their kids. This is going to be such a fun series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Charming the Silent Guy : Imperfect Heroes Book 1 of The Matchmakers Series. This was such an amazing book. So different than the normal. Seth is nonverbal and being set up by his grandmother wasn’t his idea but he won’t let her down. Ember didn’t expect Seth to not speak but she doesn’t have a problem with it. They have an amazing chemistry but there is also baggage that goes along with her job and his life. Unfortunately, some drama may keep them apart when a misunderstanding escalates. I loved this storyline and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait for more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth may be imperfect but this is the most perfect read I have ever read. Seth may not be able to talk, but he has the perfect body language needed to get his point across. And when he meets Ember he is blown away. I loved this story, everything about it. Seth and Ember are great characters and fit so well together, even if he can't talk. The eyes can tell you so much more than any words ever could. This is the perfect fast paced steamy read that opened my eyes to those who are nonverbal. I loved this story, just loved it!!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual romantic novella. I loved the premise of this book: residents of a retirement home playing matchmaker to their grandchildren and other young relatives. Their first ‘victims’ are morning radio DJ Ember, & accountant, Seth. What really engaged me from the start of this story was the fact that, due to childhood trauma, Seth is non-verbal and this makes for an interesting narrative to the romance between these two. On the surface, these two couldn’t be more different but the chemistry is undeniable from the start. An enjoyable read, and the first in a series; I shall definitely be checking out further books in this set.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly a charming (but still hot, hot, hot) book. I can't recall ever having read a book with a mute / nonverbal (other than deaf) main male character before, and it really made the book a very different/ interesting read. It added a whole lot of depth to the storyline, and how Seth and Ember needed to navigate the start of their relationship by raising challenges that I have would have thought about before.

Love the matchmaking (meddling) grandmother's club and I am really looking forward to the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series opener and a really fun read...with some life lessons for all of us ;) Seth, an accountant, is non-verbal. He gets set up on a date with DJ Ember by his Gma. Ember, not wanting to disappoint her Gma, agrees to go on a date with Seth, with no info on him what-so-ever. Of course, she was surprised Seth couldn't verbally talk and there was definitely a learning curve for her, but these two had chemistry in spades ;P Their romance had a ton of emotions, drama, humour, sweetness and steam that had me inhaling it in one go. I really enjoyed everything about it and can't wait for the next book in the series :D

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bunch of the grandmothers get together to play matchmaker for their grandsons, granddaughters and/or great nieces and nephews. They want the younger folks to find love. They even have a scoring system in place to help decide who would be compatible.

Seth was adopted and is nonverbal. His grandmother sets him up on the first blind date. Ember is a popular morning DJ. Her grandmother sets her up on a blind date with Seth.

Love the premise of the grandmothers fixing up the couples. Seth and Ember’s story was a great way to start the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author but the blurb for the book and the description of the series grabbed my attention and I just knew I had to read it. I found it very easy to like Ember and Seth. They had great chemistry and generated lots of heat, but they also inspire plenty of thoughts and feelings. Their story is a blend of emotion, drama, humor, sweetness, cuteness and steam that quickly had me deeply invested and highly entertained. Really enjoyed it and I am very eager to read more books in this series.

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new series! Ember, a local radio DJ and Seth, an accountant working for the family business, are set up on a blind date by their grandmothers. Both are not what they seem at first glance. Seth is nonverbal and Ember is actually a quiet homebody and not the boisterous person she seems. This was an instant attraction romance with characters who have a lot of chemistry. Ember and Seth are both kind caring people wanting to make positive changes in the world around them. Can’t wait to see who the grandmothers play matchmaker with next! I received an arc copy of this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember is a DJ with an outgoing personality on air but is different off air. Seth is a nonverbal accountant who wants to be loved for him. I loved that their grandmothers set up this match and how perfect Seth and Ember were for each other. This is an opposites attract, instalove story with a sweet and steamy romance, drama, humor, and a great happily ever after. Charming the Silent Guy is book one and a great start to The Matchmakers series and I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really felt the connection between these characters - they’re a great pair that perfectly balance each other out. I loved the representation and how it was never seen as an obstacle or difficulty but so smoothly incorporated. This was such a cute, quick and easy read with an adorable ending.

On the flip side, there’s a TABU in this book which was a bit dramatic but was well grovelled and made up for. Also, I was so lost during the prologue because the grandma’s were categorising the people they were trying to set up by letters and numbers which was never explained. I don’t know if it was personality types or indications of something but I got confused.

3.5 stars

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Guy is nonverbal (mute)

Two interesting concepts here. A group of elder ladies in a retirement home become matchmakers who set up their grandkids on blind dates. Ember, a young female DJ who makes her living by fast talk, finds herself meeting Seth, a young man who arrives at their first date with a communication device. Seth's vocal cords were disabled from a stroke during infancy. He can hear but not talk. A novel of contrasts with R-rated prose. I streamed this novel to my Kindle Fire HD 11 tablet.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic new series, loved the set up all these Grannies are doing for their single grandchildren. Enjoyed this concept of not your typical leading MC, but the author has done a wonderful job of description in reading emotions, facial expressions and other ways of communicating. Loved the openness and patience in adapting news ways to forge new relationships.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a wonderful story. Seth and Ember were set up on a blind date by their grandmothers. Ember was unaware that Seth was nonverbal. They had an instant connection and attraction but had to navigate their way through their differences and insecurities. Sweet, steamy romance with amazing chemistry, love, romance, misunderstandings to work through and a beautiful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Meeting at Duncan restaurant to have a first blind date. These grandmothers know what they’re doing. A nonverbal man and a DJ seem like the great pair or two size of the umbrella. Emotional. Good characters. Funny parts. Sad parts. No cliff can’t really describe the book because that would ruin it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming the Silent Guy : Imperfect Heroes romance story of Seth and Ember..A wonderful,heartwarming,sweet,steamy romance story that ypu will love and enjoy..A gorgeous man who coudn't talk and a woman who captivate him is a sweet,gorgeous and a DJ..When their grand parents set them on a date they didn't expect that they going to like each other and hit it off..this is a lovely read..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the start of this book had me laughing as I could see all the ladies at an assistant living home scheming to fix up the grandkids.

Matching Seth and Ember together warmed my heart. Seth was mute and Ember a DJ - they might have seemed like opposites, but they actually complimented each other very well.

This is the first book in the series, I can't wait to see what is next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ember and Seth

My actual rating is a 4.5. This was a surprisingly good read for me and my first by this author. I was curious about how she would approach Seth being nonverbal. I’m glad that there was no miracle cure and that she placed Seth in real life situations. I truly enjoyed Ember’s concerns and how they evolved as she got to know and interact with Seth. A little low on the spice meter for me.

I truly enjoyed the matchmakers. What a hoot!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning for a new series. The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Ember and Seth. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, insecurities, acceptance, misunderstandings and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth is nonverbal which makes dating for him hard but when his grandma sets him up in a blind date with DJ Ember sparks ignite, Embers life is loud but she welcomes the quite, and Seth can they go the distance. Well written sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW…just wow! Such a great book that really makes you think about the story and how you would react/feel in both Ember and Seth’s positions. So deep and inspiring! Leave it to those matchmaking grandma’s to know best…lol No cheating, no cliffhanger & an HEA. This book will give you all the feels!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Felicia Tousey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this because it was different than most of the books I read and this book did not upset! I normally don't like instalove, but this book pulled in my heart and didn't let go. I absolutely adored the main characters. Their love story is so sweet. She was so understanding and gentle with him. He was so patient and loving towards her. Just wow. Loved this book 😍