A Wager with the Matchmaker

A Shanahan Match, Book 3

De: Jody Hedlund

Narrado por: Susan Hanfield

After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer together, but a future with him seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle—or a wager with the wily matchmaker—to bring the unlikely couple together.

Be swept away in a tale of love, danger, and destiny in this captivating historical romance from bestselling author Jody Hedlund.

©2025 Jody Hedlund (P)2025 Tantor Media

The Irish tradition of a matchmaker. Strong family bonds, strong women, real men.

I never like the repeating emotions or any long drawn out feelings. These story lines were smooth and intermingling seamlessly. Action, emotions, surprises are hard to write and keep a reader interested. She kept me interested.

Great story and performance

I really enjoyed this continuation of the series. The story is well written and the narrator did a great job.

Thrilling and Steamy

Such a good book 3, I knew this one gonna have a little steam to it. It was worth the wait. The matchmaker made it another successful match, but it had a lot of difficulties.. the ending have you thirsty for more. Ready for book 4.

Loved this story! Narrator is fabulous!

“A man who gave her books was a man who knew the way into her heart.”

All the love for this story! A Wager with the Matchmaker is my new favorite in the Shanahan Match series. Jody Hedlund weaves an utterly romantic, forbidden relationship, Cinderellaesque, historical romance with sizzling kisses, delightful humor, endearing characters, & a touch of faith. 1849 St. Louis comes alive with rich historical detail & I adored getting a peak into Irish traditions with a cheeky, charming matchmaker whose story I can’t wait to read.

When Alannah Darragh’s brother Torin incurs the wrath of an Irish gang, Alannah becomes the leader’s target. She finds safety & employment with the Shanahan family as a maid, but the close proximity of her handsome rescuer proves all too tempting. As the attraction sizzles between them, Alannah’s determined to avoid Kiernan. To keep her safe, she agrees to a match orchestrated by Bellamy, the local matchmaker who has an uncanny ability to find the perfect match. When he suggests Kiernan, she balks at the idea, but she agrees to a wager with the crafty matchmaker & she might just win for losing.

After losing the woman he thought he loved, Kiernan Shanahan agrees to seek out Bellamy for an arranged marriage. He has a list of qualifications for his future wife which Bellamy balks at. Kiernan also agrees to a wager which if he loses, he’ll agree to the match Bellamy suggests, list or no list. His growing attraction to Alannah doesn’t help matters. The more he gets to know her, the harder he falls, but, he needs a wealthy dowry to get his brick building business off the ground. Is he willing to risk everything for his heart?

I devoured this story! I loved knowing things the characters don’t know & seeing how everything plays out. Bellamy’s such a brilliant strategist & I loved seeing how he out maneuvered Kiernan & Alannah. Kiernan’s such a swoonworthy hero. I loved how he pays attention to Alannah’s likes & wants. He frequently brings her books & I loved their stolen meetings under the stars. Holy cow, Jody Hedlund knows how to bring the sizzle without the steam. That first kiss was infused with passion & irresistible longing & I loved every moment. Alannah’s a bit stubborn & needs convincing that love’s worth the risk.

Along with the achingly lovely romance, there’s the constant threat from the gang. There are several heart pounding moments that had me on the edge of my seat. There’s also a light faith thread subtly woven into the story. I enjoyed Torin’s advice to trust that God’s plans are far superior to our own.

I listened to the audiobook version & thoroughly enjoyed the way the narrator brought these characters to life. Loved hearing that delightful Irish brogue throughout.

Highly recommend! Though this could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order. Now I’m dying to read Bellamy’s story!

A most original and enjoyable tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed every book I have read or listened to by this author. It is well read also. I particularly enjoyed the different voices in their Irish accents. Worth a listen. I look forward to the next book in the series.