The Matchmaker's Cottage by Kat Sloane: Review

There are books that you know you have to read due to specific reasons. Sometimes that cover calls you. Sometimes the synopsis does, or it is recommended by a friend. Other times, it is all of the above.

This new author release is said to be due to multiple reasons. I was looking for a small-town fall romance story, and it hit the spot. A warm and fuzzy romance to get you ready for fall. Read the full review below.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Link
The Matchmaker’s Cottage by Kat Sloane
ASIN: ‎ B0FX8CB191
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication date: ‎ August 11, 2026
ISBN-13:‎ 979-8217189519

OVERVIEW:

Julia Schaeffer might run the most romantic little bed-and-breakfast in Upstate New York, but as far as that infuriating Ethan Duchamp is concerned, this older, wiser Julia has a strict “no vacancy” policy. Sure, she’s teetering on the edge of a financial cliff, and his half-baked plan to pair up his celebrity clients at her inn will undoubtedly be good for business…but how much forced proximity with the man who abandoned her is she supposed to take?

Ethan needs this to work. The dreamy, autumnal—and blissfully secluded—cottage from his childhood summers is the ideal setting for playing matchmaker to Hollywood’s next power couple. It’s the only way to save his PR career from the tabloid toilet. He knew that the inn and Julia’s warm, comforting homemade touch would inspire real feelings—he just didn’t expect them to be his. Again.

But as old wounds reopen and their connection rekindles, Julia and Ethan are forced to confront the truths they’ve both tried to bury. In a town where nothing stays hidden for long, they’ll have to decide if they can rebuild what was lost—or if their second chance will be derailed by scars that have yet to heal.

The Matchmaker’s Cottage by Kat Sloane Review

Small-town romance. Fall feels. Second-chance romance. Yes, please

The author definitely fulfilled the promise to hit the main tropes in this story, and I am here for it.

Her descriptive mode was on high, and the visualization of the story was in full effect throughout.

But there are some books where the author seems to love tormenting you. The Matchmaker’s Cottage is one of those stories where best friends become lovers, and their breakup issues are fractured throughout the entire story.

Tidbits of the breakdown are scattered throughout, but it’s not until about 75 to 80% in that we learn why the fracture occurred. Call me frustrated with that.

I felt separated from the story in many spots. I enjoyed the characters, but it was hard to connect with their feelings for each other until later in the story.

Don’t get me wrong. Sloane wrote an emotional story as the two characters were deeply intertwined, and she delivered several emotional scenes. She also adds the right amount of spice for the story.

Overall, The Matchmaker’s Cottage is perfect for those loving a hometown second chance romance with secondary characters who add much to the story in a fall setting you will remember.

3.5 STARS

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.