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Matchmakers #3
Duped
Finn Weston is an accidental TV action star. After an astonishing rise to the top, he has everything, except a partner who knows the real Finn and not only his onscreen alter ego. Finn wants his first man, and he wants a perfect one, handsome, intelligent, and sexy, who’s also culturally out of touch. The Match Made matchmaking service has found him.
Alex Ramsey is a zookeeper fleeing liars and cheats to take refuge in the guileless lives of animals. He doesn’t have much free time, but what there is he spends alone curled up in a classic TV comfort zone. At first, his self-inflicted solo existence is a relief, but it quickly evolves into empty feelings that Alex wants to shake.
Pairing Finn with Alex, the computer hit the bullseye. They are entranced with each other. Unfortunately, Finn keeps his TV secret too long, and a family of endangered red wolves fills almost all of Alex’s time. The relationship’s road turns bumpy, and the light at the end of the tunnel dims. Can friends, fans, and co-workers steer shining star Finn and heroic Alex to calmer waters before stormy weather tears them apart for good?
Finn knows how to charm millions of TV viewers, and Alex is challenged to save a tiny wolf’s life. Still, they both feel clueless when it comes to protecting their future together.
Duped is a 53,000-word gay romance with first time, coming out, and celebrity themes. It’s the third book in the Matchmakers series. It can be read as a standalone story, but it’s much better read with the previous two novels. Some characters carry over from book to book.
Alex Ramsey is a zookeeper fleeing liars and cheats to take refuge in the guileless lives of animals. He doesn’t have much free time, but what there is he spends alone curled up in a classic TV comfort zone. At first, his self-inflicted solo existence is a relief, but it quickly evolves into empty feelings that Alex wants to shake.
Pairing Finn with Alex, the computer hit the bullseye. They are entranced with each other. Unfortunately, Finn keeps his TV secret too long, and a family of endangered red wolves fills almost all of Alex’s time. The relationship’s road turns bumpy, and the light at the end of the tunnel dims. Can friends, fans, and co-workers steer shining star Finn and heroic Alex to calmer waters before stormy weather tears them apart for good?
Finn knows how to charm millions of TV viewers, and Alex is challenged to save a tiny wolf’s life. Still, they both feel clueless when it comes to protecting their future together.
Duped is a 53,000-word gay romance with first time, coming out, and celebrity themes. It’s the third book in the Matchmakers series. It can be read as a standalone story, but it’s much better read with the previous two novels. Some characters carry over from book to book.
- GenresLGBTRomanceM M Romance
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2019
54 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 16, 2019
I must say that I almost DNFed this book at around the 5o% mark... I thought the author had written himself into a corner and wan not going to be able to get out. So now I will admit that I should have had faith. Declan Rhodes has never failed me yet and it didn't happen here either. I absolutely ADORED Alex... Finn, didn't sit well with me at first but with knowledge comes understanding and the more I got to know him the more I loved him. Love their HEA with Cooper! LOL What a truly wonderful and fun story!
July 24, 2021
2.5 stars
I enjoyed it even if I started to get bored in the beginning, I almost skip the first chapters, I even wanted to DNFed. It’s little too long, many pages were unnecessary, who needs to know all the details about the Zoo activities and everything about the wolves family lives !! And also 2 or 3 chapters too many when they almost broke up. It was only a week and if felt like months !!
The MCs were adorable, I connect to them but not that much. I didn’t like the lie and how it took for Alex to find out but I liked the way he did and I said to Finn “ in you face” but Tbh Alex’s reaction was OTT and not making a move to fix things when you understood why he lied, it’s selfish and stupid.
Epilogue was good but I wanted to see how they’re doing after 1 year ou 2, not just weeks after.
I recommend it.
I enjoyed it even if I started to get bored in the beginning, I almost skip the first chapters, I even wanted to DNFed. It’s little too long, many pages were unnecessary, who needs to know all the details about the Zoo activities and everything about the wolves family lives !! And also 2 or 3 chapters too many when they almost broke up. It was only a week and if felt like months !!
The MCs were adorable, I connect to them but not that much. I didn’t like the lie and how it took for Alex to find out but I liked the way he did and I said to Finn “ in you face” but Tbh Alex’s reaction was OTT and not making a move to fix things when you understood why he lied, it’s selfish and stupid.
Epilogue was good but I wanted to see how they’re doing after 1 year ou 2, not just weeks after.
I recommend it.
December 14, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and Declan delivers another winner. Perceptions and deceptions play a role throughout the book. Finn splits hairs about himself, only revealing small bits about the 'real' him. It's very understandable that he wants someone that sees that and his unwillingness to be open about his public self made me cringe. Alex's past has made him fearful and when he thought Finn was repeating his ex's behavior I didn't fault him for his reaction. Finn's grand gesture was sweet. I hope to see these two again in the next book.
January 13, 2020
Another great M/M love story through the Match Made matchmaking services…
Finn Weston aka “Thunder Michaels” is the action-figure actor on TV and in need of companionship. He’s tired of being alone and staying out of the public because of his celebrity. He contacts Match Made, a matchmaking service for people wanting a same-gender relationship. His fans think he’s straight. What would happen to his acting career if he decided to come out? Can he keep his celebrity secret from a match/date? Would that be wrong to do?
Alex Ramsey is the local zookeeper in charge of the red wolves, the female is pregnant and almost ready to have her pups. (I love how Mr. Rhodes reveals the affection the male and female wolves have for one another. How Timber protects Leia is actually quite beautiful.) Alex has had past connections which didn’t work out because of deception so he’s always cautious. What will happen when Alex decides he needs companionship too and goes to Match Made? Will he be successful?
I loved this story. I do wonder which came first: the cover picture or the narrative? It was a perfect cover. Right? This is a steamy, sweet story with a few explicit scenes of passion between Finn and Alex. I volunteered to review this book and promised Mr. Rhodes that I would review this book since I have read virtually all of his work. It comes highly recommended for readers who like M/M romance with medium steam.
Finn Weston aka “Thunder Michaels” is the action-figure actor on TV and in need of companionship. He’s tired of being alone and staying out of the public because of his celebrity. He contacts Match Made, a matchmaking service for people wanting a same-gender relationship. His fans think he’s straight. What would happen to his acting career if he decided to come out? Can he keep his celebrity secret from a match/date? Would that be wrong to do?
Alex Ramsey is the local zookeeper in charge of the red wolves, the female is pregnant and almost ready to have her pups. (I love how Mr. Rhodes reveals the affection the male and female wolves have for one another. How Timber protects Leia is actually quite beautiful.) Alex has had past connections which didn’t work out because of deception so he’s always cautious. What will happen when Alex decides he needs companionship too and goes to Match Made? Will he be successful?
I loved this story. I do wonder which came first: the cover picture or the narrative? It was a perfect cover. Right? This is a steamy, sweet story with a few explicit scenes of passion between Finn and Alex. I volunteered to review this book and promised Mr. Rhodes that I would review this book since I have read virtually all of his work. It comes highly recommended for readers who like M/M romance with medium steam.
December 16, 2019
“Yes, they do pay me well. Do you like the view?”
I have to say that "Match Made," the matchmaking service that all our heroes are using in the Matchmakers series, by Declan Rhodes, has some unusual clients, and they have made some interesting matches! In the third book of the Matchmaker series, "Duped," Match Made, paired an action TV star, Finn Weston, with a zookeeper, Alex Ramsey. Finn is an "in the closet," inadvertent, action TV star, who wants to be matched up with a compatible male. He's never been with a man, but he knows that his star status, may sway or skew the opinion, and actions of a guy, and he wants to be loved for himself. He wants his star-status, to remain under wraps. That's all good and well, except the zookeeper and animal activist that Match Made paired Finn with, strongly believed that any dishonesty, is toxic to a relationship. So, it begins. Great characters, and loved all the scene-stealing animals! An interesting pairing of Finn nd Alex with relatively minimal drama. Humorous situations, great sexy, and romantic scenes. I really can't wait to see who the folks at Match Made, match up, next. A unique and engaging read. I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.
I have to say that "Match Made," the matchmaking service that all our heroes are using in the Matchmakers series, by Declan Rhodes, has some unusual clients, and they have made some interesting matches! In the third book of the Matchmaker series, "Duped," Match Made, paired an action TV star, Finn Weston, with a zookeeper, Alex Ramsey. Finn is an "in the closet," inadvertent, action TV star, who wants to be matched up with a compatible male. He's never been with a man, but he knows that his star status, may sway or skew the opinion, and actions of a guy, and he wants to be loved for himself. He wants his star-status, to remain under wraps. That's all good and well, except the zookeeper and animal activist that Match Made paired Finn with, strongly believed that any dishonesty, is toxic to a relationship. So, it begins. Great characters, and loved all the scene-stealing animals! An interesting pairing of Finn nd Alex with relatively minimal drama. Humorous situations, great sexy, and romantic scenes. I really can't wait to see who the folks at Match Made, match up, next. A unique and engaging read. I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.
December 21, 2019
For this third book in the Matchmakers series, the Match Made computer has paired Finn and Alex, and I have to say I think this may be my favorite couple so far. Of course, every time I say that Declan Rhodes proves me wrong with another fabulous couple to love. Nevertheless, Finn and Alex are absolutely adorable together. The story is pretty lighthearted overall, although we do get a wee bit of angst as this pair works through a few things. Both characters are as likable as it gets, and they just fit. The story is engaging, the characters practically leap off the page, and the romance is equal parts sweet and sexy. You simply can not read Duped without falling for both of these guys, hook, line, and sinker, and rooting for this relationship is just a given with the chemistry between them. We also get to visit with the faces behind the Match Made computer, and we get Daniel's backstory, including what led him to start a dating service. All in all, Duped is another super fun read in the Matchmakers series, and I can't wait to see what's next. This is part of a series, but it stands on its own just fine, although, I would recommend reading from the beginning because you don't want to miss any of terrific couples paired by Match Made.
February 17, 2020
🐺 A lone wolf joins Alex's pack: sweet romance with a dollop of 🔥heat 💕
💕Declan Rhodes' Midwestern romances usually carry some out-of-the-ordinary characters and I really liked this one about a television action star and a zookeeper!
The conflict, though it does threaten their budding relationship, is minimum angst and pretty easily resolved. Both Alex and Finn are good, down to earth guys who end up using a matchmaking service when friends and family push them to find companionship and get something going in their lives other than their work. I also liked the unexpectedness of the star being the novice and his earnest, save-the-world's-animals fella taking the lead in the intimacy. Including cute and/or highly personable animals is always a good idea and, in this case, we have Alex's new charges at the zoo and a cameo from a big, lovable puppy. Alex's fellow zookeeper Gary adds a bit of snark and 🌇The Windy City streetscapes, ballpark and lake shore provide an iconic backdrop for the story.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
💕Declan Rhodes' Midwestern romances usually carry some out-of-the-ordinary characters and I really liked this one about a television action star and a zookeeper!
The conflict, though it does threaten their budding relationship, is minimum angst and pretty easily resolved. Both Alex and Finn are good, down to earth guys who end up using a matchmaking service when friends and family push them to find companionship and get something going in their lives other than their work. I also liked the unexpectedness of the star being the novice and his earnest, save-the-world's-animals fella taking the lead in the intimacy. Including cute and/or highly personable animals is always a good idea and, in this case, we have Alex's new charges at the zoo and a cameo from a big, lovable puppy. Alex's fellow zookeeper Gary adds a bit of snark and 🌇The Windy City streetscapes, ballpark and lake shore provide an iconic backdrop for the story.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 27, 2025
Finn Weston is a successful TV action star who, despite his fame, seeks a partner who appreciates his true self. He uses the Match Made service and is paired with Alex Ramsey, a zookeeper who prefers a solitary life with animals and classic TV. Finn and Alex are instantly drawn to each other, but their budding relationship faces challenges. Finn struggles to reveal his TV career to Alex, while Alex becomes consumed with caring for an endangered family of red wolves. Their relationship hits a rough patch, and the hope is that their friends, fans, and co-workers can help them navigate these difficulties and save their future together, despite their individual competencies in their respective fields not translating to their personal relationship.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who were opposites in so many ways but found as appreciation for each other and their world. There was some angst when they hit the rough patch but I did feel bad for Finn as much of their interaction was all around Alex and his precious red wolves. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who were opposites in so many ways but found as appreciation for each other and their world. There was some angst when they hit the rough patch but I did feel bad for Finn as much of their interaction was all around Alex and his precious red wolves. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
February 3, 2020
A Little Bit "Meh"
First of all, I generally love Declan Rhodes' books, and even though they were a bit uneven I liked the first two in this series. In this one we are taken into the realm of a world-famous television actor who has "known" he was gay since he was a teenager. However, has never had sex with a man but is now seeking a discreet hookup through the Match Made agency so he can find out if he can handle his feelings and find a man he can more than dream about.
OK, right.
So we have Finn Weston who was a skateboarder in California when he was accidentally discovered as a potential action TV star and is described by everyone in the book and his fans as the most gorgeous man alive. And he is hooked up with Alex, a zookeeper whose drive to save the red wolf species is currently dominating his life in Chicago following three years of doing similar work in South Africa. Alex is very experienced and out, and coming off a really bad break up in South Africa, so he is prime for pursuit.
Right there I stop and shake my head. The focus of this book is supposed to be Finn, the most gorgeous man in the world. However, there is no question that the guy on the cover is Alex (he is cuddling a wolf cub, don't you know?) Why in the world do publishers do dumb things like this--put them both on the cover and let us see if we can imagine them as insta-love candidates (and it might also sell more copies).
Besides, the way I got through this book was following Alex's life and routines, which as far as I'm concerned turned Finn into a bit of a cardboard character. Which disappointed me and really should have prompted me to give the book three instead of four stars, so even though there was plenty to keep me reading, consider the review three-and-a-half.
First of all, I generally love Declan Rhodes' books, and even though they were a bit uneven I liked the first two in this series. In this one we are taken into the realm of a world-famous television actor who has "known" he was gay since he was a teenager. However, has never had sex with a man but is now seeking a discreet hookup through the Match Made agency so he can find out if he can handle his feelings and find a man he can more than dream about.
OK, right.
So we have Finn Weston who was a skateboarder in California when he was accidentally discovered as a potential action TV star and is described by everyone in the book and his fans as the most gorgeous man alive. And he is hooked up with Alex, a zookeeper whose drive to save the red wolf species is currently dominating his life in Chicago following three years of doing similar work in South Africa. Alex is very experienced and out, and coming off a really bad break up in South Africa, so he is prime for pursuit.
Right there I stop and shake my head. The focus of this book is supposed to be Finn, the most gorgeous man in the world. However, there is no question that the guy on the cover is Alex (he is cuddling a wolf cub, don't you know?) Why in the world do publishers do dumb things like this--put them both on the cover and let us see if we can imagine them as insta-love candidates (and it might also sell more copies).
Besides, the way I got through this book was following Alex's life and routines, which as far as I'm concerned turned Finn into a bit of a cardboard character. Which disappointed me and really should have prompted me to give the book three instead of four stars, so even though there was plenty to keep me reading, consider the review three-and-a-half.
December 19, 2019
Love me for me is the cry of a lonely soul called Finn. It is challenging to be known, accepted and loved for the person you truly are in a regular relationship. I would think having a public persona would make it even more of a challenge to really trust that a person want who you are an not the celebrity, There are lots of fun moments and you will enjoy this story.
Finn and Alex are a great fit and they really build a good start for their getting to know you dates, until Finn's public person is imposed on their private world. I enjoyed this story and the conflict was handled creatively and MC's found their way to each other and the HEA.
i am once again intrigued by Daniel the owner of the matching making business and hope to see a future story about him.
This is book three in the Matchmakers series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Finn and Alex are a great fit and they really build a good start for their getting to know you dates, until Finn's public person is imposed on their private world. I enjoyed this story and the conflict was handled creatively and MC's found their way to each other and the HEA.
i am once again intrigued by Daniel the owner of the matching making business and hope to see a future story about him.
This is book three in the Matchmakers series and can be read as a stand-alone.
December 23, 2019
Stop! Train Wreck Ahead!
I love Declan's books but come on guys... Lying is never a good idea! Neither is omitting important information...especially after the third date.
Relations are tough to navigate...so give yourself a break and if you feel uneasy about something that is probably a good indication that you need to share. If you're worried about something it probably means you've something to worry about!
I love the wolves. Timber seems to have his family under control. Now we need the humans to follow suit!
After some grief, tears and confessions there is hope for a wonderful future for both guys. The men at Match Made sounds like they'll be changing some of their policies too!
I love Declan's books but come on guys... Lying is never a good idea! Neither is omitting important information...especially after the third date.
Relations are tough to navigate...so give yourself a break and if you feel uneasy about something that is probably a good indication that you need to share. If you're worried about something it probably means you've something to worry about!
I love the wolves. Timber seems to have his family under control. Now we need the humans to follow suit!
After some grief, tears and confessions there is hope for a wonderful future for both guys. The men at Match Made sounds like they'll be changing some of their policies too!
December 17, 2019
This is a fun and entertaining story with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. I like Alex and his attachment to the animals he works with. It took me most of the book to really like Finn and I wish that he had been more open with Alex. Their relationship seems a bit forced at times and I wanted more interaction between them as well as a stronger connection. They don't fit together as a couple for me until nearly the end of the story when they actually deal with the obstacles in their relationship. The secondary characters are great, I like the ending and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 17, 2020
An undercover romance, till it's not.
Finn is a celebrity star. A looooong time closeted, he wants to finally explore his sexuality. So he goes to Matchmakers with a request for someone who does not know who he is. Alex is a biologist trying to save an endangered wolf species. He’s been out of the country in extremely rural sections of Africa, a match! Alex has had some experience, mostly bad.
They get off to a good start till Alex realizes the truth - he has been duped!.
I found the story a bit of a stretch. I understand why some celebrities are closeted, but the second half of the story, seems a bit contrived to me.
Finn is a celebrity star. A looooong time closeted, he wants to finally explore his sexuality. So he goes to Matchmakers with a request for someone who does not know who he is. Alex is a biologist trying to save an endangered wolf species. He’s been out of the country in extremely rural sections of Africa, a match! Alex has had some experience, mostly bad.
They get off to a good start till Alex realizes the truth - he has been duped!.
I found the story a bit of a stretch. I understand why some celebrities are closeted, but the second half of the story, seems a bit contrived to me.
December 14, 2019
This is the second book in the Matchmaking series. The author brings strong characters in Finn and Alex , gives them a strong connection and growing love. He brings a sweet romance with a bit of drama and adds in the adorable animals , creating an entertaining and fun read. It's not all smooth sailing and they need a bit of help from the Matchmakers along the way. The story moves fluidly with descriptive scenes and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 20, 2019
Mostly Disappointed
The storyline has potential and none of it was realized. The characters are disinterested for the most part - there is no heat. The willingness to hide and deliberately miscommunicate is frustrating and not really believable. Finn’s insecurities concerning sex were juvenile and out of character. Eventually this story bored me to the point I just quit.
The storyline has potential and none of it was realized. The characters are disinterested for the most part - there is no heat. The willingness to hide and deliberately miscommunicate is frustrating and not really believable. Finn’s insecurities concerning sex were juvenile and out of character. Eventually this story bored me to the point I just quit.
June 29, 2021
Disappointing
This book was seriously disappointing. It reads as though the author had a deal to deliver a product regardless of quality. I can’t imagine an editor worth their salary would have green lighted this. The first in the series was engaging and the second book had merit, but this was regrettably a waste of money.
This book was seriously disappointing. It reads as though the author had a deal to deliver a product regardless of quality. I can’t imagine an editor worth their salary would have green lighted this. The first in the series was engaging and the second book had merit, but this was regrettably a waste of money.
April 18, 2020
Duped is the third in the Matchmaker series and continues the high quality. Declan Rhodes has managed to create a uniqueness to each story so there is no humdrum.
I believe this is Declan’s best series so far. I enjoyed Duped and recommend it.
I believe this is Declan’s best series so far. I enjoyed Duped and recommend it.
June 15, 2020
Finn kept something important from Alex. He kept telling himself he should tell him, but didn't want to spoil the moment. When his secret is revealed it doesn't go well.
A major event at the zoo and a few words from friends get this couple back on track.
A pleasant read.
A major event at the zoo and a few words from friends get this couple back on track.
A pleasant read.
December 17, 2019
Love story
Great story ,,,, love the way this writer gets to the point,,so the author has not disappointed me this series is great
Great story ,,,, love the way this writer gets to the point,,so the author has not disappointed me this series is great
December 17, 2019
Another entertaining story by Mr. Rhodes. It's got some great characters, a unique storyline, and an adorable ending.
December 17, 2019
This is a fun read. Alex is a zookeeper and Finn is an actor. An unlikely match that works in the ends.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews