'The Gentleman's Confession' is the third book in the Matchmaking Mamas series and it presents a clean historical romance.

The story is told through a double POV, which enhances the longing and the enjoyment of the romance.

However, it got frustrating after a while because of the miscommunication about their feelings.

Still, it is a cute story and the characters were adorable. In addition, the narrators did a great job portraying them.

Also, it should be noted that even though the book is the third in the series, it wasn't difficult to read it as a standalone, though, I suspect that the rest of the books are as good.

This was a mediocre romance. It was predictable, and there was no growth in the main characters. The only thing keeping them apart was that they were not being honest with anyone else about how they felt.

I received the audiobook as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love the Matchmaking Mamas series by Anneka Walker. It releases next week!

First I love the cover so much! This whole series has amazing covers that pop and the colors are vibrant with floral in the background. I loved having a male model on the cover and the next book cover has been revealed and it’s another male model too! 👏🏻

Jemma loses her aging grandmother and one of her grandmother’s last wishes is for Jemma to marry and experience love. She asks the Matchmaking mamas for help and within a few days - so conveniently a new gentleman has moved into the village and agreed to marry Jemma. They’ve given themselves time to get to know each other before anything formal is announced. Jemma goes to Miles, her BFF - he’s like a brother, practically engaged to her cousin - for help on getting Mr. Brantley’s heart. But she doesn’t know that Miles has unrequited love for her. If this doesn’t sound like a Shakespeare plot then I don’t want to be wrong 😉

It was fun to see the uncomfortable moments where out of politeness, many characters held their tongues and refrained from making declarations.

I do feel it started to slow in the middle and I wanted more tension to hurry up. But it ends in lots of drama and HEA. I didn’t see how Miles loved Jemma so much. She was an okay character. I really felt for Lisette, for being passed over so much and not getting her own book even though she’s in the Rebel group.

This book can be read as a stand alone, past characters makes appearances. And I can’t wait for Ian’s book! 🎉

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers, I was able to listen to the audio and loved the narration. Both narrators brought the story to life with soothing voices. I received an e-arc and paperback from the publisher. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker

I read this as an ARC from NetGalley. It was so sweet. It’s been a while since I read a regency romance without spice, but honestly the tension was 10/10. The story itself was a bit predictable, but when you’ve read as many romance novels as me, it takes a lot to be surprised. I didn’t even realize this was part of a series! I’m so excited to read the first two books! Friends to Lovers, he’s loved her since they were young and she’s clueless to his affections.

📚 4.5/5

I have so many feelings about this book! I’m a sucker for the he’s-always-secretly-loved-her trope, so I requested this audiobook on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed it. I was smiling so much reading parts of the story, and the book was so well-written, despite the ridiculousness these two goofballs engage in. The characters were likable, the writing style was engaging, and the historical detail was well-done.

True, it’s hard to believe a loving grandmother would exact a promise from her marriage-averse granddaughter to marry. And yes, the things keeping Jemma and Miles apart could have been resolved with one conversation. Furthermore, the idea of a young lady needing lessons in love - from an unmarried man - strikes me as a little silly. And should a vicar marry a woman indifferent to church and religion? Yet I could have overlooked all of those and would have given this five stars if not for a non-consensual kiss.

Overall, Miles and Jemma are both just so lovable. They supported each other so well as good friends, and I love that they’re both passionate about helping others. This book is wonderful if you’re looking for a feel-good historical romance that is just nice, predicable, and tropey with a happy ending.

As for the audio, I’m not usually an audiobook person, but this one is absolutely delightful. The voices for each character are so perfect and made experiencing the story even more wonderful. It’s convinced me to give audiobooks another try. I’m certainly going to look for other Anneka Walker’s books, too!

Thank you to NetGalley for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

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This was a very sweet romance. Both were trying to deny themselves to make others happy, but all came right in the end. While it looked like the HEA was an impossibility, I could see the resolve coming a mile away and it was perfect. I enjoyed how it all played out. It was a lovely romance, and I think everyone was happy in the end except maybe Ian. And of course, all the ladies who had hoped to capture the vicar. Jemma's assistance in batting them away from Miles was rather amusing. She was quite clever about such things.

The narration in the audiobook was well done. I like a dual POV. My one problem with this set up - not just this book but a number of dual POV I've listened to lately - is that I would prefer that the male read the male character lines in both chapters, not just the male chapters and the female read the female character lines in both chapters. When the male voices the woman's speech, it just doesn't sound the same and the same goes with the female voicing the male's speech. So with each change in POV I have to readjust to who is who. I'm mostly referring to the main characters. I get why it is done the way it is. I'm just stating what my preference would be if I could choose. That being said, I liked both of the narrators.

I always like matchmaker stories. These matchmakers aren't too invasive really, but they are spot on in their choices.

Very enjoyable read and listen.

No sex, language or violence

Another charming installment in the Matchmaking Mamas series, Anneka Walker's latest book kept me riveted and gave me all the feels. It's friends to lovers, and the friendship between Jemma and Miles was clearly bound for the perfect romance.
I loved the role of the matchmaking mamas--it was all background, but I sensed what was happening, and it was fun to read the ending and watch the characters react.
Anneka always infuses humor and joy into her stories that is not often seen in Regency romances. Her heroines are sometimes awkward or bold--not the demure ornaments that society asked for. Embarrassing situations provide opportunities for endearing vulnerability, and I always become the intended couple's cheerleader. It's easy to get invested, and that's down to Anneka's writing skills.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy of the book and an ebook and audiobook as well.

Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape select for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

If you want to have your Bridgeton itch scratched this is definitely your book. I throughly enjoyed the characters and the dual POV. There were a couple of liberties taken for the time period. But, it was enjoyable all the same.

One thing I enjoyed was that it was a clean romance. This is definitely a friends to lovers story. But, that was my favorite Bridgeton season. I haven’t read the first two books but this one definitely worked as a standalone novel.

Blurb: Jemma’s grandmother passes away. Before she does Jenna promises to fall in love and get married. She doesn’t know anything about falling in love. So, she asks the mothers (a matchmaking group) to find her a husband. She also calls on her friend Miles to help instruct her in falling in love. She begins to be courted by a gentleman named Mr. Bentley who recently moved to town.

Miles is a clergyman and in love with Jemma. They have been friends for many years and he is trying to keep his feelings a secret while helping Jemma with her courtship.

I admit I don't pick up clean romance often but I really loved this. Friends to lovers is not my ideal trope but the way it was written, loved it. This book was sweet and I loved the narration. Absolutely would recommend.

I received this audio as an ARC and I'm leaving my opinion honestly and voluntarily.

Fantastic! I relished every moment of this delightful book! I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the audiobook through Netgalley, and it was an absolute treat. The dual narrators brought the story to life with their captivating performances, offering a fresh perspective that felt distinct from the first two audiobooks in the series, "The Matchmaking Mamas."

The premise is wonderfully intriguing: the mothers of a lively group known as 'The Rebels' come together, cleverly disguising their matchmaking efforts as a music group. Each installment in this series possesses its unique charm and appeal, making them all enjoyable in their own right. One notable aspect is the wholesome content—there are no swears, no alcohol, and only sweet, innocent kisses.

It's a mystery to me why I had yet to explore the earlier books in this series. Jumping into this story felt effortless, and I can only imagine how much I would have loved the first two installments. The Rebels themselves are a remarkable and compassionate collective, their bond and shared experiences adding depth to the narrative. Overall, this book left me eager for more! #thegentlemansconfession

Soo good! I enjoyed every minute of this book! I was able to get an ARC for the Audio through Netgalley. The dual narrators were wonderful. I think they are different than the first two Audio books in this series: The Matchmaking Mama's. The premise is that the mom's of 'The Rebels' get together under the guise of a music group to matchmake their children. Each one of these books have been very different and good in their own right. They all have no swears, no alcohol, and kissing only.

This is book 3 in the series but it definitely works as a standalone. However, the other two are fantastic so I recommend them! Anyway, this time we are back with Miles and Jemma. Poor Miles, he loves Jemma so much but she just doesn’t see it or want to see it. She thinks Miles and Lisette are destined to be married. Jemma made a promise to her grandmother to fall in love and marry. So she enlists the matchmaking mamas help and they find her a suitor. But she doesn’t know the first thing about love so she asks for Miles to teach her. Again, poor Miles, but he agrees. As they spend more time together, Jemma realizes she may have feelings for Miles!
I really loved this story! I felt bad for Miles, he tried so hard to get Jemma and she just keeps being stubborn! I thought it hilarious that Miles was a vicar and had so many women after him. I really enjoyed how Miles and Jemma got together it was so sweet. I also listened to the audiobook and thought it was great. I really loved how there were two narrators! I can’t wait for the next story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Wow definitely a book of managing and meeting expectations. A lovely book of friends who fall in love but are forced into situations some beyond their control. Good dialogue, good characters overall a nice feel good book. The narration was great, but I am a huge fan of Mary Jane.

#netgalley #TheGentlemansConfession

Squuuueeeealllll!!! I’m in Regency heaven! Well, if you can call being rapturously tortured by a kinda/sorta love triangle heaven. It isn’t usually for me but…oh…my…word!!!!!!! Miles as the silently besotted friend, forced to assist Jemma in her bid to make herself fall in love with another man. Gasp! My emotions were in tatters for most of the book .

I have a certain fondness for brooding heroes, though I will confess wanting to throttle Miles on more than one occasion during the course of this read. He’s his own worst enemy — being all noble and vicar-ish. Bwahaha! So much of his misery is caused because he doesn’t take action so situations spiral out of control and it sent me into a tizzy of the vapours. I so needed my fainting couch to see my way safely through to this happily every after.

And while it might sound like the dreaded LT is all angst…it isn’t really because it’s obvious that Jemma and Mr. Bentley are not a good match. And, the author has written some truly hilarious scenes that make this more of a lighthearted read. Plus, I could clearly see ahead of a few of the plot twists so that provided me with a comforting safeguard and upped by bibliophile bravery so I could soldier on.

And then, oh….my….THUD…when Miles finally makes his move! Toe-curls and swoons ensued and I was one very happy reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening the audio edition of this novel. Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph’s performances were stellar! They captured all the angst and the humour to perfection.

Of note: This is the third book in the ‘Matchmaking Mamas’ series but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other books…yet…and I had no problem jumping into the series here.

My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Select and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

I really enjoyed the Gentlemen’s Confession, and devoured it in a single sitting.

The writing was engaging and perfectly captured the regency context, characters and setting. Gemma and Miles shared a similar dynamic with Emma and Mr Knightly, which I loved. Whilst based on a miscommunication, which isn’t normally a favourite, it felt authentic, and the ending beautifully wrapped it up and justified this trope.

The narration was engaging and both narrators did an amazing job of capturing the voices of not only the main characters but the various supporting characters. The dual narration brought a wonderful depth to the story which Jemma and Miles banter all the more biting!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for a copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.

I love the characters and writing style in this book. The narration is entertaining. I’m not a fan of the “it was all just a misunderstanding” trope, where the conflict could be removed with a conversation. The pacing of the book is too slow for me.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.