I really liked the dual narration of The Gentleman's Confession. The book is written in dual perspective so having a female narrator for Jemma and a male narrator for Miles helps the book flow for the listener. I enjoyed the different voices for the different characters. Miles was swoony but humble. Jemma was confident and secure in her friendships. I love friends to more storylines and Anneka R. Walker wrote Miles and Jemma story perfectly. I loved the ending best. A great book to listen to.

I really wanted to love this book. Well I did enjoy the banter and some aspects of the story. The problem was the lack of communication through all the characters involved. The only thing really keeping the main characters apart was that they were not being honest with anyone else about how they felt. . The book was very predictable, and there was no growth in the main characters either. I did enjoy the narrators.

Oh my goodness, The Gentleman’s Confession (published by Shadow Mountain) was absolutely incredible! Anneka Walker masterfully added to her series about the matchmaking mamas, and I believe that this is my favorite installment yet. Unlike the previous books that seemed to primarily focus on the female viewpoint, this book focused on Miles, the male main characters’ point of view. And his point of view was wonderful. It had me glued to the book every moment that I got a chance to read.

If you like friends to lovers, regency romance, meddling friends, and characters who want to right moral wrongs, then this book is for you! Also if you want the most interesting and fun first kiss story, you can’t miss this story. I never thought a game of cricket could get so exciting.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. A review was not required.

When Jemma's grandmother dies, she promises her she will marry and she will fall in love. Jemma is a strong and independent woman, but for her grandmother, she will do anything. She enlists the help of the matchmaking mamas, much to her best friend Miles disapproval. Jemma and Miles the Vicar are the best of friends. Miles is in love with Jemma, but also feels unworthy to be with her. He desperately wants to show Jemma that she deserves someone who loves her, while also helping her find someone she loves, even if it's not him.
Jemma wants Miles to help her charm her arranged match and help her to fall in love with him. Jemma has convinced herself that Mr. Bentley is exactly who she should try to fall in love with. But what is the lessons with Miles make her see things differently or feel things she didn't know possible.
What happens when shenanigans go awry and feeling change? Will they both admit what they truly want? This was a delightful story and the friends and mamas made the humor so fun. Miles doesn't want anyone but Jemma, but the ladies of all ages just can't help but want the attractive and kind vicar. There are many scenes that had me giggling especially with the ladies were after Miles.

The narrators for this book were simply perfect. Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph were wonderful and just perfect for this story. The accents and strong personalities of the characters came across easily in this story. They were playful but also proper. James did a fantastic job at adding charm to our sweet vicar Miles and I look forward to more of his narrations.

Thank you for letting me listen and review this book.

I easily enjoyed this sweet regency romance with its cute banter, lessons on love, and best friends turned lovers. The humble MMC was too easy to fall in love with, while the FMC kept me chuckling. With all the love triangles and twisted communication lines, I was kept entertained and wondering how things would sort out in the end. The dual narration kept me extra engaged and definitely added to the storytelling.

While this is part of a series, I think it can definitely stand alone— with that said, the other books in the series have now made it onto my TBR and I’m looking forward to more shenanigans from the matchmaking mamas.

Another absolutely FABULOUS book from Anneka Walker! Gah, my smile is so big as I write this review just thinking about how giddy Miles and Jemma's story made me. I was hooked from start to finish by this charming Regency romance. There were so many elements and moments to just simply LOVE in this story. From the dynamic between Miles and Jemma, to the rest of the Rebel and matchmaking mamas cast, the characters stole my heart and I wanted to be their real-life friend.
I really enjoyed the way this book balanced depth, humor, and swoony romance. It had some surprises I did not see coming that made me just squeal in delight and excitement. I felt like the pacing was so well composed, I never wanted to skip ahead because each page and chapter offered me so much enjoyment. I also appreciated some top-notch banter and witty one-liners in this book. Miles had an unexpected humor and wit about him I absolutely loved for the character of a Regency vicar.
I totally loved listening to the audiobook version. I loved the dual narrators. The male narrator, James Joseph, may be my new most favorite Regency male narrator. He just got Miles and brought his character to life so vividly for me. I swooned. Seriously, I could listen to him as Miles every day. I also think Mary Jane Wells did well with Jemma's POV. Their accents and emotions just captured the essence of this story so much. I completely recommend the audiobook version.
If you want a fun take on the friends to lovers trope, with some creative twists and such believable motivations, do not miss this book.
I received an advance listening copy of this novel from Netgalley and Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a clean romance with some super sweet kisses.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Anneka R. Walker for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC audiobook for The Gentleman's Confession coming out October 22, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own. .

I really enjoy this author’s writing so I was excited to receive this book. I haven’t read the other two books in this series. I really loved the narrators and it was nice there was a male and female narrator for the two parts. I enjoyed the childhood friends plot. I think it works for regency era books. I really liked Miles’ character and I thought he was honorable and flawed. Jemma was slightly flighty to me. I didn’t enjoy her shenanigans as much. Miles’ decisions at the end were slightly sus as well. I won’t give anything away, but it wasn’t my favorite regency book. I’m sure other people will enjoy it.

I really wanted to love this book, but Miles and Jemma really annoyed me. I don’t understand why Miles led everyone, including Lissette, to believe that he loved Lissette and would marry her. Had he put a stop to the rumors years ago, all of this drama could have been avoided. I’m not a huge fan of the MCs playing the martyr and sacrificing their happiness for others.
Also, Jemma had feeling for Miles and refused to tell him. Lissette also could have been honest that she didn’t want Miles anymore. No one even asked Lissette or Miles what they wanted…or seemed to care. All their friends kept trying to push Miles to choose Lissette even after they knew he was in love with Jemma. Honesty and communication would have gone a long way. A few simple conversations would have had this whole mess cleaned up. The only honest person in this whole book was Mr. Bentley.
I did enjoy the writing style and would be interested in going back and reading the rest of the series. This storyline just wasn’t for me.

The audio was done really well.

This is a slightly different historical romance from I’m used to but I liked it. It’s set outside of London for one- a nice change. It has dual perspectives(and narration). And most of the characters are involved in social change and/or charitable works. Nice to see characters with a different perspective. This is the 3rd book in the series- I started it without realizing it’s part of a series. I mostly picked it up because of the striking cover. And I liked the premise. Romance lessons between friends who don’t realize their feelings for the other. Not spicy at all but you do feel the chemistry between the two. I enjoyed it even more when Miles decided to pursue happiness for himself. There’s a little more banter from that point which was fun. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

Where do I even begin with this book? It was such a joy. I laughed so many times and never stopped smiling. I have so many treasured highlights to look back on. Walker is one of my favorite authors.

Sweet Miles has loved Jemma since they were children. I absolutely love he falls first and secret pining. The love lessons were so delightful and funny. 

Miles and Jemma were perfectly written and still can’t get over how funny this book was too. I read several scenes over and over, just to relive the fun again and again. Their banter and the romantic tension was perfectly done. The dual POV was magical. I loved Jemma’s realizations and both perspectives of the love lessons.

I also listened to some of the audio and the narrators did an excellent job. They helped me picture these lovely characters, while listening to Walker’s beautiful words. Both narrators were wonderful. Thank you to the audio publisher for the NetGalley approval.

Ian is next for the matchmaking mamas and I can’t wait.

'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