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Matchmaking Mamas #3

The Gentleman's Confession

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Inexperienced in love, Jemma seeks help from her best friend, Miles, unaware that he has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Trapped by his own selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2024

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About the author

Anneka R. Walker

22 books474 followers
Anneka Walker was raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and History. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she's busy living her own together with her husband and adorable children.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
291 reviews57 followers
October 25, 2024
"The Gentleman's Confession" by Anneka Walker is such a charming romance! I had a smile on my face as I read this wonderful story. Readers will fall in love with this friends-to-lovers romance and even more so with our hero, Miles Jackson. Jemma Fielding feels she needs to marry to honor her late grandmother’s dying wish and goes to the Matchmaking Mamas Society. Jemma is matched with someone but feels she does not know anything about love. Jemma decides to go to her old friend Miles for advice. Miles is one of the best male protagonists I have read in a long time. He is such a sweet cinnamon roll. The way he loves Jemma, even when his feelings are not returned, is so romantic. He is willing to teach Jemma about love so she can fall in love with and marry someone else, even though he secretly loves her. He is nicknamed “Mr. Romantic” for a reason! There is even a lake scene with a wet shirt! It is very reminiscent of the infamous lake scene from the Colin Firth “Pride and Prejudice” movie! Be prepared with your smelling salts!

Jemma, our headstrong, lovable heroine is a bluestocking and loves fashion. She also loves to support causes. Miles and Jemma have a group of friends called “The Rebels,” many of whom readers will recognize from previous books. You need not have read the previous books to enjoy this one, but I look forward to reading all the rest of the books in the series! The friendship between the Rebels is so fun and heartwarming. It is admirable how they come together for worthy causes and to fight injustice. There are also lots of historical tidbits in the story including cricket, fashion, and the Chios massacre of 1822. The author writes in a witty way and there are several humorous scenes that I enjoyed.

The author calls this book “romantic, witty and uplifting!” It surely is all those things, and it is also a clean read. I highly recommend this book!

Content: I give this book a G rating. Examples of the content: the word “devil” is used; there is a rumor that someone was drunk; it says that someone almost uttered a swear word; there’s mention of a woman showing too much of her chest.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jenny.
295 reviews407 followers
October 28, 2024
This book was such a delightful escape into a charming, Regency love story! Jemma and Miles are captivating characters, each so wonderfully developed. Jemma, trying to honor her grandmother’s last wish, finds herself in an unexpected journey of the heart, and watching her grapple with love felt so relatable. I especially adored Miles—his selflessness, mixed with that classic "falling first" pining, really tugged at my heart. He’s that perfect mix of honorable and human, struggling with his love for Jemma while coaching her to win someone else’s affection.

The dual POV added such depth, letting us experience both sides of this sweet, tension-filled story. Even though it’s a clean romance, the chemistry between them was undeniable, and their banter only made their connection feel deeper and more genuine. The way the plot developed, with a few twists I could see coming, actually made it all the more satisfying as it played out.

The author’s writing completely transported me to the Regency setting—the details, language, and atmosphere were spot on! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators brought Jemma and Miles to life in the best way. They made the story even more engaging and enhanced that sparkling chemistry.

I haven't read the previous book yet and can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series! This was such a lovely romance, perfect for those fall evenings.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 20, 2024
"I am here to request a favor. I am in need of Mr. Romantic's assistance."

THIS BOOK IS A TOTAL 10!!!

This is my all-time favorite book from Anneka and I seriously cannot get enough of it. I have been loving this Matchmaking Mamas series since the beginning, but now I'm legit obsessed!

If you like friends to more...stop reading this and just run to Amazon and buy it ASAP!

Jemma is a fun character. She's independent, determined and a little bit naive. She's got a lot of heart and just wants to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish-that she find love. How hard can that be? She's only sworn off marriage since book 1, but with the help of her best friend, Miles (aka Mr. Romantic) he can help her fall in love with anyone.

The only problem is...Miles has been in love with Jemma basically his whole life.

Oof.

This is reader's gold, friends!

There are hilariously awkward parts, swoony parts, banter galore and a group of friends I seriously want to adopt. I will be here for each and every single one of these books. I hope and pray there are more!!!

If you like historical romance, best friends to more, a great group of side characters and best friends, matchmaking mamas and a happy sigh type of book...this needs to be your next read.

The Gentleman's Confession is available in all formats tomorrow and I've spied Amazon shipping books out early :) I'll link them in my stories today.

Happiest of reading to anyone who picks this one up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content: death of a loved one, romance-kisses only.
Profile Image for Abigail Selway.
96 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2024
4.5 stars!
“The Gentleman’s Confession” is a clean regency book. I actually didn’t realize this was the third book in the series, i wasn’t lost at all, however I will definitely be going back to read the rest of the books! The match making mamas sure know how to make a perfect match! This was a friends to lovers, sweet romance.I really liked this one. Gemma and Miles were so cute. There was some miscommunication with their feelings and Gemma wanting to protect Lisette. But I definitely saw that coming with Gemma being gone while Mr. Bentley was at the house and sweet Lisette being there to keep him company. I loved the cricket tournament and the note sending. I found myself smiling and grinning just reading this hilarious scene. This book is charming and all regency lovers will have to read this one!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. These are my honest opinions.
Profile Image for Kim.
782 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2024
This is an easy to read, entertaining proper romance with a bit of humor, endearing characters and lots of heart. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll know what to expect and won’t be disappointed. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Heather (heathers.clean.reads).
149 reviews42 followers
October 22, 2024
The Matchmaking Mamas strike again and boy did they have their work cut out for them this time! Those mamas sure are sneaky, let me tell you!

Miles has loved Jemma long as he’s known her, but she never had intentions to marry anyone. So when her Grandmother’s dying wish was for her to marry and fall in love, she decided to ask the Matchmaking Mamas for assistance.

But Jemma needs help in the love department, so she turns to Miles for love lessons. What she doesn’t expect, though, is to start catching feelings for the man she least expected to. Can Miles convince Jemma that her one true love has been right in front of her the whole time?

I adored Miles and Jemma! Their friendship was beautiful and the slow burn on Jemma’s side was worth the wait. I enjoyed this take on the friends to lovers trope, where both parties had valid reasons for not revealing their true feelings.

This story was so unique with lots of twists and turns, and unexpected surprises. Those love lessons definitely were swoony and flirty!

If you love historical romances full of laughter, heartfelt moments, true friendships, fun side characters, and so much love, then this is the book for you!

This is book three in the Matchmaking Mamas series, but can be read as a standalone. But you will want to read them all!!

What to love:
🤍Vicar MMC
🤍The dress debacle
🤍“Love” Lessons
🤍Best friends to lovers
🤍The bench scenes
🤍Teasing
🤍The waltz
🤍The letters
🤍The charity auction
🤍The poetry book🫠
🤍The kiss!!!!!
🤍Those Matchmaking Mamas!
🤍The Rebels

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sherry Deatrick.
552 reviews23 followers
September 24, 2024
I was truly hoping to love this book. And I was anxious to read it.
This is a new author to me and I liked the description of the story.
The book was easy to read and I loved that the main male character was a rector.
But the book fell flat for me. It felt like I’d read something familiar which is probably true.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Cait | GoodeyReads.
2,322 reviews542 followers
October 25, 2024
Thank you Shadow Mountain for the ARC.

I’M TRYING.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I have realized that friends to lovers is a trope I struggle to get on board with and this unfortunately became another case with reading this book. I thought the writing was just fine and I did like the characters, I didn’t love the plot choices though.

There was too much focus on Miles and the girl that everyone thought he was supposed to be with even if there wasn’t any legs for that plot line to stand on. I was tired of hearing about Lisette and how forceful Jemma and others were about the situation. I didn’t mind the dating lessons and thought those provided good opportunity for some closeness.

I’m not going to keep going on here, this one wasn’t for me, and that’s okay.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,670 reviews205 followers
October 22, 2024
This is my absolute favorite book by Anneka Walker!!! It is fabulous!!! I loved it so much after reading it that when the opportunity to listen to an early copy of the audiobook, I jumped on it and listened to it right away!!! So yes, I've enjoyed this book twice now! And will enjoy it more!

The Matchmaking Mamas series is truly delightful! These Mamas keep their children on their toes! And they all know it! The Mamas and the children! And the lengths they go to on both ends to facilitate everything or to avoid everything is comical and delightful. And to watch it all come full circle is so much fun! That whole adage of moms having eyes in the back of their head, or knowing everything...very apropos in the case of this series!

Jemma and Miles have been friends for years and years. When Jemma surprises him and all of their friends with the fact that she's ready to get married, Miles can't stand by and let anyone but him be the one to marry her. Of course it takes some time for him to come around to that. But Miles, aka Mr. Romantic, agrees to give her romance lessons and teach her how to fall in love with the man the Matchmaking Mamas have in mind for her. And what ensues is perfection!!! Seriously!!! All the heart eyes and swoons and sighs for this book! I just adored Jemma and Miles so much! They are both such wonderfully good characters with sweet and good hearts. You're not going to want to set this one down at all. You'll want to enjoy every moment of lessons and backfired plans and humorous moments!

And that kiss!!!! Oh! My! Heart!!!!!!! So worth the wait for these two!!! Read it! Or listen to it!!! You're going to love it!!! The narrators of the audiobook were so much fun to listen to bring these characters and story to life. I was very happily entertained while listening and enjoying this book that has been added to my favorite's list!!!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publishers, Shadow Mountain Publishing and Dreamscape Select, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading and Listening!!!
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
294 reviews43 followers
October 11, 2024
Needless to say, I loved this story! I never even got a chance to mark it as "currently reading" because once I started I couldn't put it down!

Yes,it is the best friends to lovers trope, but it's more than that.

It's forced proximity as Jemma has Miles give her "Love Lessons" when he doesn't want to teach her how to love someone else.

And it's forbidden romance because Jemma and Miles have both been promised to/expected to marry someone else!!!

Miles has always loved Jemma, and he had always wanted to marry her. But she was always above his station. And then when he saves her cousin Lisette, the expectation becomes that Miles and Lisette will marry. It's whats expected and what's being forced on them. But, Miles only ever loved Jemma. But her friendship was always enough. That was until she announces she is getting married , an arranged marriage, and she wants him to teach her how to win over her future fiance! Miles never expected her to even court, much less marry. And now she wants him to spend one/one time with her, teaching her to love, someone else. It would be all too tempting to want to use that time helping her fall in love with him. But he is first her best friend, and a man of honor. And with them both promised to another, many hearts would be broken if he declared his feelings for her. So he holds back, but for how long? Should Jemma at least know his feelings? How would she feel if she knew, would it make her call off her arrangement with Mr Bentley? Even if she did... Miles is still promised to Lisette! There is no way to stop loving her, and no way to be with her, other than their lessons.

You all, this story gave me all the feels. My heart was breaking for Miles and the love he couldn't act on. The fact he penned his feelings into his journals, poetry and letters was oh so aweet! Jemmas self control was admirable. I don't know many that could withhold their affection for Miles. I totally understood his appeal, and yet, he only ever had eyes for her. This story is everything!

I can not wait to read Ian's story! ❤️
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,398 reviews77 followers
October 22, 2024
This book was so much fun! Miles has been in love with Jemma forever, but she has always insisted that she will not marry. After a deathbed promise to her Grandmother, Jemma is ready to marry, but she’s asked the Matchmaking Mama to find her match, and it isn’t Miles. But she does ask him for lessons on how to fall in love. Could this be his chance to get her to fall in love with him?
Oh my goodness, this story was so funny! I loved Miles’ lessons and the confusion they gave Jemma! I couldn’t wait for her to see what was before her eyes. I couldn’t believe that none of their other friends had seen through him. This book is full of embarrassing moments, true friendship, swoon worthy meetings, and a happily ever after. I stayed up far later than I’ll admit to my husband reading it!
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
528 reviews195 followers
October 16, 2024
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 can’t wait for the next story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Beauty in the Binding.
586 reviews42 followers
October 6, 2024
In The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker, readers meet Jemma Fielding and Miles Jackson, two affectionate, life-long friends whose relationship changed when Jemma’s dying grandmother exacted a promise from Jemma that she will marry. The beginning of Miles and Jemma’s story was one of friendship and felt largely absent of romantic tension. It wasn’t until Miles truly started pursuing Gemma that the pull between these two grew and my interest piqued.

My favorite aspects of The Gentleman’s Confession were the witty letters that Jemma and Miles exchanged and the theme about being brave enough to pursue what is good and right above pleasing others. It is the introduction of this theme that changes the direction of the story and the relationship between Miles and Jemma. I marked several quotes related to this theme and it has stuck with me since reading the story.

The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker lands a book three in the Matchmaking Mamas Romance series. The romance between Gemma and Miles stands well on its own, but their meetings and work with the Rebels gave me a sense of being out of the loop because I had not read the prior novels. Three stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,179 reviews87 followers
November 7, 2024
Dearest Anneka,

I absolutely, totally, completely loved this book with my whole heart! It was so charming, so wonderful, so much fun. I will admit that I’m a big fan of friends-to-lovers, so I loved that aspect right away, but the entire book is just so sweet and darling!

Miles is truly the hero made of dreams. Don’t get me wrong, he isn’t overly perfect, so that isn’t going on here, but his thoughtfulness and kindness toward ___ was the sweetest. I loved how much he tried to serve her and help her, the lengths he would go to make life good for her. And that scene at the cricket match! *mega swoon* I just adore this man.

Jemma is cute in a misguided sort of way. But I admire her tenacity and her wholehearted gusto in the ways she approached her mission. I thought it was funny how long it took her to figure out her heart, but I loved the journey to get there. And honestly, it felt believable to me, because when you’ve been doing something one way your entire life, you never question it. Your relationships just exist; you don’t wonder if something has changed. Anyway, I loved Jemma’s slow path to figuring out her heart. Her spirit and fire make her a lot of fun.

Also, the Matchmaking Mamas are hilarious! Definitely a fan of them! Ha!

This book has risen to the top for my favorite of yours, and I am so happy about that. The book made me smile all throughout and was the perfect diversion from the monotonies of life. Like laundry. Mile’s women admirers, the romance lessons, his care for people, Jemma’s impetuous and well-meaning ways, and the matchmaking all made for a most enjoyable time. I loved it.

Yours,
Jessica

**many thanks to the author and publisher for the lovely book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Jeni | StoryTimeReviews.
326 reviews40 followers
October 21, 2024
If you love slow-burn romance, prepare for a deliciously frustrating (and swoon-worthy) ride! 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 is a classic friends-to-lovers story with so much heart, humor, and emotional tension, it’ll have you turning pages late into the night. Anneka Walker delivers everything you want—an adorable hero stuck in the friend zone, a clueless heroine, and a few hilarious moments that’ll leave you shouting “Just kiss her already!” at the book.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸:
💔 Unrequited Love: Miles has been head over heels for Jemma for years—she just hasn’t noticed.
🤣 Witty Banter: Their playful back-and-forth will leave you smiling like a fool.
💫 Slow-Burn Romance: The kind of tension that builds so perfectly, the payoff is chef’s kiss.
👩‍❤️‍👨 Friends-to-Lovers: Watching two people fumble their way out of the friend zone is just so satisfying.
📖 Regency Charm: A delightful backdrop of polite society, matchmaking mamas, and romantic misunderstandings.
🤦‍♀️ Clueless Heroine: Jemma’s obliviousness is both hilarious and maddening—but in the best way.
🌸 Lovable Hero: Miles, the humble rector, is sweet, selfless, and quietly pining.
🙌 Satisfying Payoff: When these two finally figure things out, it’s worth every moment of tension.
📝 Standalone Romance: Part of the Matchmaking Mamas series, but no need to read the others to enjoy this gem.

⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
• Mild romantic tension
• Brief mention of grief
• Emotional whiplash from all the will-they-won’t-they

⭐ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 stars
This book hits every note—sweet, funny, romantic, and deeply satisfying. If you love slow-burn romances with lovable characters and just the right amount of tension, The Gentleman’s Confession will steal your heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Shadow Mountain. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa.
10 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2024
All the stars! I have enjoyed this series very much, and this book is my favorite so far.

Miles Jackson is the local vicar, and has been in love with his childhood friend, Jemma Fielding, since they were young. Frequently referred to as an Adonis, and hounded by the unwed women of Brookeside, Miles hides his love for Jemma because of an uncorrected misassumption from their childhood. Miles once saved Jemma's cousin Lisette's life when they were much younger, and for some reason, everyone decided from that moment that Miles and Lisette were destined to be married. He doesn't want to hurt Lisette, so he doesn't say anything about the expectations that are placed on him, and over the years it gets harder and harder to set everyone straight, especially since he knows hurting Lisette will also hurt Jemma, who is very devoted to her cousin.

Jemma Fielding is an independent woman with a passion for charity work, righting injustices, and helping those who are in need. Miles Jackson is her best friend and a constant source of support and wisdom. She ruthlessly quashes any potential romantic feelings for Miles out of love for her cousin, and plans to remain a spinster for the rest of her life, using her fortune to fund charitable causes wherever she can.
She was raised for most of her life by her grandmother after the death of Jemma's parents, and when her beloved grandmother is dying, she makes Jemma promise that she will marry - and fall in love!

Jemma turns to the Matchmaking Mamas for help in finding her future husband and is determined to do whatever it takes to fall in love with the man they choose for her, Mr Bentley. After having spent so much of her life avoiding love and marriage, she is at a loss as to how she can win Mr Bentley's affections and make herself fall in love with him. So, of course, she turns to her best friend, Miles, for help. Miles very reluctantly agrees to give her lessons in love, while desperately trying to hide his feelings for her. As Jemma struggles to connect with Mr Bentley, Miles finally decides he is tired of stepping aside and starts using his lessons to subtly woo Jemma for himself.

Who knew Miles would be so swoony? Sure, his nickname is Mr Romantic, but I was not prepared for this!! The waltz and the eye-contact lesson! Be still my heart. I will be getting my own copy as soon as I can, and I can't wait to see what comes next when it is Ian's turn.

I received an ARC of this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,274 reviews297 followers
October 23, 2024
The Matchmaking Mamas is one of my most favorite Regency series. Anneka Walker never fails to bring a charming and delightful story that has all the romcom feels and laughs, along with the sweet and tender romance I’ve come to expect.

In this installment, independent Jemma decides to honor her grandmother’s last wish and try to get herself matched with a certain gentleman, but she has no idea how to win him over. She asks her dear friend, Miles, who is also a rector, for help, not knowing his deep and true feelings for her.

There are so many vulnerable moments, along with many laughs and adorable situations. I fell head-over-heels for these characters and couldn’t listen to this story fast enough. With dual narration, the narrators bring this book to life and are fantastic voices. I loved everything about this one!

Each book in this series holds a place in my heart and I can’t wait for more!

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary audio copy through Netgalley from Dreamscape Select. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Profile Image for The_Power Of_The Page.
336 reviews22 followers
October 10, 2024
The matchmaking mamas have struck again. After promising her dying grandmother that she would marry for love Jemma has no clue how to go about it. So she enlists the help of her longtime friend, the vicar, Miles Jackson. She asks him for lessons on how to fall in love with the man that’s been chosen for her.

Miles has secretly been in love with Jemma since they were children. But since she’s always said she never wanted to marry he’s kept his feelings secret. Reluctantly he agrees to help her. The lessons are at least a way to spend more time with her before she marries. Of course the more time he spends with her the more difficulty he has keeping his feelings in check.

I especially enjoyed the lesson on “the power of eye connection” and its disastrous effect when she tried to use it on her intended. There are so many fun and awkward moments in this story! (My favorite).

Friends to more is not my favorite trope but Anneka did a great job of making it fun and engaging. This is part of a series but can totally be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Readingintheweehours.
300 reviews45 followers
October 22, 2024
Jemma’s intentions to live life as a charitable spinster is challenged after a promise made to her grandmother to find love. Her life long friend Miles knows her better than anyone else, but is assumed as intended for someone else. Jemma seeks Mile’s help in love lessons to prepare to marry - but Miles has only ever wanted her. This friends to lovers story is adorable and sweet - but has some angst as well!
My ultimate favorite scene is the cricket. Hello, swoon alert!
Tender love, heart realizations, and the gentleman turned into ardent pursuer make this story a worthy read.
Can be read standalone but may be fully appreciated in context of the series.
854 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2024
This was more like 3.5 start but I rounded up as I think most of my negative feelings about the book resulted from having listened to it on audio rather than reading it. The readers on the audio book made Jemma sound like a shrieking shrew and when she slipped into her “sacrifice all for Lisette” mode, the voices and the sentiment were pretty annoying. That being said, I laughed out loud in many places and there were some very tender parts. The ending was predictable but I was okay with that. I would have liked to have had less worry over Lisette and more scenes with the “matchmaking mama’s”. They were alluded to more than they were actually part of the story. I am looking forward to Ian’s story in the next book. He has been an intriguing character throughout the series.
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
513 reviews10 followers
September 9, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Kristi W.
122 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
This was my first book by Anneka Walker.
Unrequited love meets matchmaker mamas.

Miles! Miles had my heart from the very first. He was such a sweet, caring vicar and devoted friend. His inability to tell Jemma no lead him to a few troubles.

Jemma was such a determined, head-strong woman. Her work bringing awareness and funds to the Rebels’ causes was interesting. I enjoyed the little snippets of her interest in fashion design too.

The scrapes that Jemma and Miles found themselves in were entertaining. I absolutely enjoyed the banter between the Rebels.

Favorite lines: “We have sufficiently rebelled against the rules of Society, have we not?” “Our relationship is rather unorthodox. After all our secret meetings about love, it was time for us to make a public statement.”

This ARC was provided through the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cheri.
1,979 reviews65 followers
July 19, 2024
#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. -
Profile Image for Voyage.
216 reviews
September 15, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
Author 1 book5 followers
October 19, 2024
“The truth was, she wanted to read his soul. She craved to know it backward and forward.”

“Finally, she was his. This moment was the beginning of the story he had longed not just to write but also live.”

* We’re only 1 paragraph into his pov and I already love him hahaha
* Ugh she’s so oblivious
* Not him spying on her 😂
* Oh these two…
* Ahh the tension!
* I absolutely love this discussion in kissing
* You truly just can’t force love
* I did not see that coming
* Ah! I knew it!
* If everyone could just have a conversation that’d be great

Oh man, I adored this story! This is the first one of the series I’ve read and now I just go back and read the first two!

Jemma is a delightful character. I love her spunk and her good heart that desires to do good and help others. She definitely has a tendency to get in her own way but.. it all worked out the way it was meant to.

And Miles? Oh, Miles. I love him. He’s so cute and so swoony and so.. pining. I love it! He’s a good vicar and a good friend and I loved that he was a writer!

And their friend group? And the Matchmaking Mamas? Hysterical! I loved them all.

This was such a good book! 100% recommend.

“It was no simple kiss but a love letter to his heart.”

“Romance does not take talent; it takes love.”

“Her every movement caught his gaze, her words his attention, and her presence his heart.”

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook. A positive review wasn’t required and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanine Reed.
467 reviews14 followers
October 7, 2024
I absolutely adored this newest installment to the Matchmaking Mamas series. The “Rebels” have provided many swoony romantic moments and the camaraderie/loyalty between the friends is noteworthy.

In the newest matchmaking scheme, Jemma has enlisted the mamas to help her making a deathbed promise come to fruition. Her grandmother couldn’t pass without the knowledge that Jemma would change her stance on marriage and to find, not only a husband, but love. As a self proclaimed spinster, she hasn’t the faintest notion of how to go about it. So the mamas are called upon. But she also turns to her greatest friend and fellow rebel, Miles Jackson aka Mr. Romantic, for some lessons to help increase her romantic abilities.

When Jemma surprises Miles with the news that she is in search of a husband his world is knocked off its axis. He has been in love with her for years and hasn’t acted on the feelings because she had sworn off marriage. And now she has asked him to help her secure her match.

Through conversations and lessons, Miles realizes he can no longer suppress the emotions and decides to let her know just how much he truly cares. But Jemma cannot betray her cousin who has been in love with Miles since he saved life when they were children.

I loved Miles’s dedication to his profession and his parish. He cares deeply for his family and friends and his responsibilities. His romantic abilities are formidable and quite irreplaceable once he turns his sights on Jemma.

There were so many wonderful secret moments and conversations between the two. All innocent, yet achingly revealing. My favorite moment definitely coming during the cricket match.

I highly recommend this entire series. And I am super excited for Ian and his marriage of convenience!!

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,237 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2024
Summing it up: At her grandmother’s death bed Jemma promises to get married to someone she loves. She asks her bestie for help. He’s had a secret crush on her since forever. Cue the torture. Start the fun.

You know those moments where you’re literally yelling at the main character to stop being so daft? Like out loud? Maybe it was the gorgeous cover or the fact that I’ve met this guy in previous books, but I was totally Team Miles. So clearly Jemma was daft.

I also listened to the audio and hearing his swoony voice would have melted me on the spot. See? Daft? I also wanted to yell at his friends. Basically, I was like a mama bear trying to protect Miles’ heart. You? Yes. Now your mean. No. You? Nope. Absolutely stay away. You? Ok. Maybe. But I’ve got my stink eye on you. The struggle was real!

Melting points:
🫠love lessons
🫠his big vicar heart
🫠the cricket match
🫠his letters
🫠his inner turmoil
🫠the ending

Rhyme: When Jemma takes advantage of her friend, she doesn’t know his heart. Will Miles survive watching her choose a life that will keep them apart?
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,804 reviews190 followers
October 28, 2024
THE GENTLEMAN'S CONFESSION is a delightful Regency romance full of friendship, family, and humor. The comradery between a group of friends and then the two main characters were so fun and automatically brought deep relationships built over years of this group knowing each other. The heroine has plenty of spark with a less-than-traditional hero. Some moments of introspection and heartbreak bring a depth to the story, while the sweet romance and friendships inspire. Highly recommended to fans of the genre!

I laughed so much during this story while equally swooning. Jemma definitely is in denial while Miles is very aware and trying to get through to her. This story is a case of someone making choices based on what they think is best for someone else, and with what is best for themselves being the last consideration. I enjoyed the group of friends and the family dynamics, but Jemma and Miles definitely are the focal point as they should be. Of course I had a bit of frustration with Jemma, but she eventually figures things out, and some other frustrations with the characters not seeing things a bit clearer sooner. There is a bit of silliness, but all in good fun. I knew how the story would eventually end, but not all the twists and turns to get there. The humor and emotional drive towards the end were especially entertaining.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was such a fun read! So much humor, friendship, and swoon-worthy romance, with loveable characters and a sweet small-town country setting. Highly recommended to regency romance readers and fans of the Proper Romance line!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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