Title : “The Gentleman's Confession”
Author: #AnnekaRWalker
September 14, 2024

Anneka Walker has crafted yet another charming Regency romance with Jemma and Miles’s story. I found myself smiling throughout, as this lighthearted and giddy tale follows Jemma asking her longtime friend, Miles, for advice on how to win over another man—while Miles has secretly loved her for years. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their deep friendship adds a layer of emotional complexity to the romance. Miles, a humble rector with a surprising sense of humor, is endearing, and his tender care for Jemma makes their connection even more heartwarming. Watching him wrestle with his growing feelings while helping Jemma fall for someone else is both sweet and bittersweet.

The pacing was well-balanced, with enough witty banter and charming moments to keep me engaged. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, like the Matchmaking Mamas and Jemma’s cousin Lisette, who brought extra flair to the story. While the book delivers a lovely blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt emotion, it’s not without some predictable moments. Still, fans of slow-burn romances with depth and wit will find much to enjoy here. Jemma and Miles’s journey from friends to lovers is a satisfying read. Four solid stars!

I received an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I am sharing this review voluntarily.

Many thanks to the author #AnnekaRWalker , the publisher #ShadowMountain, and #NetGalley. #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #Romance #Regency #RegencyRomance

I'd already read a book in the "Matchmaking Mamas" series (which had only partially convinced me), and I'm sorry to say this one was much the same.

There were some good elements: rather well-developed characters with distinct personalities, historic elements such as the Chiros masacre, etc., but also many less good elements that weakened the story.

Jemma Fielding could have been an interesting character: strong-minded, independent, loyal and devoted, she was at first reluctant to marry — understandable and justifiable by the fact that she was wealthy and well connected. However, when her Grandmother, on her dying bed, asked her to fall in love and marry, Jemma accepts to renounce to her independence and doesn't look back or question her future, she's ready to marry the first stranger that the Matchmaking Mamas propose, which was very disappointing! I would have wished for more reflection from her about the place of women in society, especially at a time when they "belonged" to their husbands and had to renounce to so much upon their marriage. So much for being "independent-minded".

Miles was a character I liked more than Jemma (she was sprouting too much nonsense after the cricket match) but he annoyed me by not daring to contradict society's expectation that he marries Lisette. And then he basically completely changed character and kept declaring to Jemma that he loved her in a way that basically made her uncomfortable, which wasn't very romantic at all. I don't think his surname "Mr. Romantic" was quite justified. His "love lessons" were disappointingly not romantic, and his book of poems could have been completely removed from the plot without making any difference.

Overall, I wasn't convinced by this book, especially the second half, and would only give it 3 stars.

I couldn’t put it down. A good blend of humor and swoony sweetness, it was *almost* perfect.

SPOILERS

My issues were twofold
- did not like the kissing of an unconscious woman and the “scandal” that ensued.

- did not like that Lisette got a love story in the margins that made everything easy for our two MCs. I’ve seen this ploy used countless times, but I think it’s lazy and unrealistic (rare). I think it would have been more real and relatable if Lisette stepped aside (bc what other choice would she have) without having an alternate plan and Miles and Jemma chose each other come what may. Then Lisette could have had a proper story of her own (which she totally deserved) and the time to grieve and heal and grow.

That said, my feelings on these matters were not enough to sour my enjoyment of this story. Can’t wait for Ian’s turn, it looks like it’s going to be a good one.

He is a vicar. She is a lady of wealth.
A wonderful story of love finding a way as hearts slowly change. Miles has loved Jemma for years but she is a woman of wealth and has no desire to ever marry which everyone knew. Now Jemma is about to lose her grandmother, who had raised her since she lost her parents. Her grandmother’s one final wish is that Jemma marry and as Jemma promises to do just that, she realizes she wants family like grandmother had provided. Vowing to keep her promise Jemma contacts the unofficial matchmakers of the village. With them in motion, she approaches Miles to teach her how to fall in love with the man chosen by the matchmakers, Mr. Bentley. As he struggles to help her fall in love, while keeping his feelings in check, they are met with one difficult situation after another, and her cousin who she lives with, Lisette is left to entertain Mr. Bentley when he comes to visit. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6833466975

Such a fantastic book! I think Anneka Walker really has a knack for storytelling. I've loved the other books in the Matchmaking Mamas series, and this was a wonderful addition. I thought Miles and Jemma were darling, and I loved their story. This is one I will buy in hard copy!

This was a fun read, a friend's to lovers, but with some complications in the way.

Jemma was raised by a loving grandmother, and she has no desire to marry. As her grandmother is dying, a wish is made for Jemma to find love. And so she decides to try.

The Matchmaking Mamas pick out the perfect man, but Jemma can't get herself together around him. She keeps running to Miles, her friend and confidant, to help her learn how to fall in love.

And so the twists and turns begin. This is a sweet, clean read. The characters are fun, and generous in spirit. They tend to spend more time caring about others, than themselves, which is ber refreshing.

1#TheGentlemansConfession #NetGalley

Jemma Fielding makes a promise to her grandmother, just before she passes away, that she will find someone to marry. Jemma wants a love match. She asks the Match Making Mama's to help find someone for her. Jemma recruits her best friend Miles Jackson to teach her better relationship skills. This book was so fun, I loved it.

All the hearts, all the stars, it was amazing. I loved it. So glad I got an early copy! Thanks Shadow Mountain for letting me read it.