The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A society matchmaker realizes she’s in danger when her clients' weddings are sabotaged in increasingly disturbing ways.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Aoril 2025; Bantam; 978-0593871157
audio, ebook, print (320 pages); thriller

Have you ever pulled a book out of the depths of your TBR pile, and immediately wondered why you hadn't read it sooner? That's exactly how I felt after reading The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed. 

Released in April 2025 (!!), this book sat at the bottom of my TBR pile because I mistakenly believed it was a traditional rom-com. However, it is far from the standard rom-com. In fact, I'm not sure it could be classified as romantic suspense even, as it leans much closer to a fast-paced thriller.

Exploring Desi Culture and Unique Matchmaking Dynamics

I love adding diversity to my reading, and I appreciate how heavily the story leans into Desi culture and South Asia representation. When Nura's aunt tells her about the early days of the family's matchmaking business, I felt like it was very similar to what we saw when Rose Maisel became a matchmaker in the television show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Character Spotlight: Why Nura Shines as a Protagonist

I loved the characters. Nura is great. She is portrayed as a workaholic, but truly, I think it is more that she cares deeply for her clients. Sure, there might be a little bit of avoiding her own emotional needs. And this is where the slightly romantic part of the story lies. She has feelings for her best friend, and she does not think he has the same feelings.

From Reputation Management to High-Stakes Thriller

It's definitely a thrill ride. Nura has always dealt with internet trolls who don't agree with her business model, or so they say. It's probably more likely jealousy. She is the matchmaker to the rich and famous, and she is very good at it. 

When the first wedding is sabotaged, you think it is just her reputation and business they are wanting to mess with. But quickly the stakes rise, and it becomes much more of a life-or-death situation. 

Relentless Danger and Unexpected Twists

The danger seemed to be wrapped up about two-thirds of the way through. I thought that was when the plot would turn to the obvious romance avoidance between Nura and Azur. The romance trope of best friends falling in love is one that least bothers me. I think it is one of the more fun tropes as it usually has a little less angst (unlike the enemies-to-lovers trope). I kind of resigned myself, though, to it turning into a romance novel with so much left of the book. 

So imagine my surprise (and delight) that the thrill ride wasn't over. Like Nura, the reader lets their guard down, and what comes next is totally unexpected. While this twist is saddening, it isn't out of left field. It makes enough sense for fiction to feel plausible. 

Final Verdict

I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable story. It was just the fictional escape I needed after the emotionally fraught week I had. This is the first book I've read by Aisha Saeed, but I would read more if they are all like this.

Buy The Matchmaker at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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