Jemma Fielding would stop at nothing to honor the final promise she made to her dying grandmother : She would find love and get married.
Unsure of her ability to ignite such feelings in another person and herself, Jemma asks her longtime friend Miles for help. The thing is that Miles was secretly in love with Jemma for years, but never dared to confess his love.

A Gentleman's Confession is the kind of predictable and wholesome rom-com that will probably not be your favourite read of the year, but that will keep you entertained for a while.
It is a historical romance that takes place in the early 1800s : the time periode and everything that comes with it (the rules of propriety, the pining... etc.) was my favourite aspect of this book. The Matchmaking Mama's and The Rebels "squads" were also an original and interesting aspect, I only wish that they took more space in the story, but since this is the third installment of a series, I guess that they must've been more present in the first couple of books.
One thing that I didn't like in this book though was our MMC Miles, the vicar of Brookeside, who acted, in my opinion in a very "un-vicar-y" and borderline manipulative manner towards Jemma. He was just not the type of love interest one would wish for that lovely young woman.

🎧 Audiobook : 3.5/5 nice work from both narrators, even though I had a preference for Mary Jane Wells' perfomance.


Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Funny, serious and romantic - such a great combination. While this is the third in a series of the Matchmaking Mama's, you would not have known as there was not a lot of assumed knowledge from previous books in the series. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrators were great. Both Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph did a wonderful job o f conveying emotion and differentiating between characters. Again, this is a fabulous example of when you don't need spice in a book for it to be a great listen. I have enjoyed this book so much I will be going back to listen to the first two books and I am very excited for the last book, the last of the rebel's to marry!

Big thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Select, Shadow Mountain Publishing and Anneka R Walker for a copy of this audiobook. This is my honest opinion.

the gentleman's confession is one of those book i read at just the right time—because i loved it.

jemma fielding is finally ready to marry, thanks to a promise she made to her grandmother. the matchmaking mamas society has a suitor for her, but to win his heart, she needs help from her best friend, miles jackson. miles agrees to help her, of course, despite his own affections for her. will he really lose his hope for romance to the society's record of success?

what a delightful friends-to-more historical romance. it involves so many elements i love, like matchmaking, love lessons, "it's almost too late," and an auction, and the story is fairly low-stress as it all plays out. i just enjoyed it all so much—and if you love feel-good historical romance, i think you'll love this one, too.

(i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)


considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: he's a rector
—content: none

This is a lovely, heartwarming tale set in 1822. The story revolves around the main characters of Jemma and Miles as Jemma sets to fulfill the dying wish of her grandmother, who insists that she abandon her modern rebellious ideas of being a spirited spinster, get married and fall in love.
She enlists the help of her best friend Miles who is a much chased after, handsome local vicar.

I quite like both the main characters, Miles is the ideal book boyfriend and his pure love and adoration of Jemma is beautiful. Jemma is the regency equivalent of Bridget Jones and is clumsy, independent and stubborn. They together with their group of rebel friends give the words love triangle and even love quadrilateral a run for their money and a thorough workout!

The term rebels isn't one that I have heard of in (slightly post) Regency era books or movies and it threw me a bit although I came to realise that they were a group of modernish thinking people who do good for big causes. I never came to know who or what they were rebelling against but that doesn't impact the story in a big way. I also think there may be a book that came before this one due to mentioned bits about other characters.

As for the matchmaking mamas, they get a bit of mention in the book and their scheming ways see and have seen a few happily matched couples. I quite liked the sound of them although we don't know what really goes on there due to the point of view only being from Jemma and Miles.

I guessed the ending quite early on in the book although quite a bit of the story line surrounding it such as the cricket match, injury and picnics were unexpected and great listening prior to the ending.

The narrators were fantastic and the female one had me in stitches when Jemma got hysterical and awkward. It really was funny to listen to Jemma's character being fully brought to life at her stubbornist, most 'in denial' moments.

A romantic and cheering book that had me wanting to read (listen) more. Thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Select and the author and publisher for allowing me to listen to the ARC audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

A delightful romance.

Confirmed spinster Jemma makes the dreadful promise to marry and find love, but how can she deny her grandmother's dying wish?

She enlists the help of the Matchmaking Mamas... and her childhood bestfriend, Miles. What could go wrong?

(This contains an audiobook Review)

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for this opportunity to listen to this book.


This audiobook has two narrators due to the book being in a dual POV which I absolutely adored since it helped me get in the head space of each character. Both narrators do a fabulous job of making sure their words are pronounced and clear, while also bringing their characters to life. I loved how I was able to feel the chemistry of the two main characters through the narrators.

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.

(This contains an audiobook review)

This book is part of the Matchmaking Mamas series by Anneka R. Walker. The story itself is a standalone one, but I enjoyed having read the previous books in this series prior to this one. Many of the characters are recurring and the premise of the Matchmaking Mamas is developed earlier in the series. If you haven't read the others, you can still enjoy this story very much.

I found this book to be delightful. Jemma and Miles are so precious How they care for each other and their friends is touching. This story has plenty of humor as well. I believe this is one of my favorite series by this author. I am really looking forward to the next book too!

I was able to listen to this book. It is told in third person, but there are 2 narrators, This added to my enjoyment of the book. The male narrator's deep voice was very pleasant to listen to. I didn't feel that the female narrator's voice exactly fit Jemma's character in my mind, but since it wasn't a first person story, I didn't let that detract from the reading. Rather than picture her as the character, I just felt she was telling me about her.

I'd like to thank Netgalley, Dreamscape Select and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this advance audio book. I'm happy to leave an honest review.

✨ALC Review✨

Listen. When I saw Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph narrated this book, I could not request the ALC fast enough. I mean, these are two of my tippy top favorite narrators. They did an exemplary job as I expected.

Jemma is a wealthy young woman who imagines living her life as a spinster rather than giving up her independence. But then, as her grandmother is on her deathbed, she asks Jemma to promise she’ll marry for love.

She sets the Matchmaking Mamas group on to finding her a husband and she turns to her best friend, Miles Jackson; local vicar, heartthrob and known Mr. Romantic to help her learn to love. Y’all think he can help?

So, this story was good and I definitely enjoyed listening to it; however, it was suuuuch a slow burn. I actually love a slow burn, but this moved a glacial pace. Like, we don’t even know if Jemma has any romantic feelings for Miles until well into the book. I just wanted more. Like, I knew this wouldn’t have spice. The dude’s a vicar! But I absolutely wanted more longing on Jemma’s part.

I received this ALC via #netgalley and #dreamscapeselect. All thoughts are mine alone.

#romance #romancebooks #historicalromance #jemmaandmiles #audiobooks #narrators #bookreview #bookrecs #bookstagram

This book is a friends-to-lovers romance that had me hooked till the end. Jemma Fielding, seeks advice on love from her loyal friend Miles Jackson after a agreeing to an arranged marriage. Miles, a true "cinnamon roll" hero and also, secretly in love with Jemma grudgingly agrees to do so, even if it means she might choose another. This is a heartfelt, humorous story filled with swoonworthy moments, making this a must-read Regency romance.

Anneka Walker’s story of Jemma and Miles is a sweet, slow-burn romance that explores love, loyalty, and the class dynamics that often complicate relationships. Jemma's struggle to recognize her own feelings for her best friend, Miles, contrasts well with his awareness of their social differences. The dual perspective adds depth, letting readers fully appreciate the characters' insecurities and internal conflicts as they navigate their emotions.

The book is highly focused on these two characters, making it an intimate journey of self-discovery. While the story is enjoyable, the ongoing miscommunication about Miles’ supposed affection for Jemma’s cousin grows a bit repetitive. You can’t help but root for them to see what seems obvious to everyone else—that they’re meant for each other.

Though it occasionally drags, it’s a heartfelt story that brings Jemma and Miles to a rewarding conclusion. A recommended read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven romance.

**Book Review: The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker (5⭐️)**

In this delightful installment of the Matchmaking Momma’s Society, Anneka R. Walker introduces us to Jemma, a charming and feisty heroine who embarks on a journey of courtship lessons with her best friend, Miles. Their dynamic is both playful and heartfelt, as Miles navigates the complexities of helping Jemma while grappling with his own feelings.

The chemistry between Jemma and Miles is palpable, making their relationship a joy to witness. Walker’s writing captures the sweetness and humor of their interactions, drawing readers into their world. As Jemma learns the nuances of romance, the story blossoms into a tender exploration of friendship and love.

With a guaranteed happy ending, "The Gentleman’s Confession" is a charming and uplifting read that leaves you smiling long after the last page. A perfect choice for fans of sweet romance!

“Mr. Romantic was about to become the best teacher Jemma Fielding had ever had.”

The handsome vicar has been in love with his friend Jemma for forever, but she has always refused to marry until one day she changes her mind. What ever shall he do when she starts courting another!

This was such a fun, slow burn regency romance between two childhood friends Miles and Jemma! The obstacles they had to overcome, the emotional roller coaster! Phew what a ride this book took me on! A very enjoyable ride indeed!

I loved listening to this audiobook. It really brought the story to life. I felt like I was watching a Jane Austen adaption. Both voices had lots of personality and fit the characters so well. Miles’s voice is so sooo dreamy and so is he!

I love Miles. He is just the sweetest. He is so gentle and thoughtful. You are going to fall in love with him like all of the other ladies in town!

Jemma is spirited and independent. The growth she goes through is wonderful!

My favorite part of this story are the childhood memories and the romance lessons from Mr. Romantic himself!

Read for:
🤍childhood friends to more
🤍the matchmaking mamas
🤍seeing beloved characters again
🤍the lovely forced proximity
🤍fun scenes
🤍fighting for each other
🤍the happiest happily ever after

I love this series. I loved seeing all of the beloved characters again in the most gorgeous setting! I love the rebels and the matchmaking mamas. What an enjoyable read! The ending had my heart pounding with happiness!

I have read all of Anneka Walker's books and this one is my favorite! Once I picked it up, I did not want to put it down and I finished it in a few hours!

Miles and Jemma are two of the kindest, most generous characters I've read. Their playful banter and sweet friendship are delightful. My heart broke for Miles as he was forced to hide his feelings for Jemma, since she was "matched" with another.

The "Love Lessons" will make you swoon and their kiss is 100% worth the wait! The full circle moment is everything!!!

These Matchmaking Mamas know their business! I can't wait to see what they have in store for Ian!

After reading, I had the opportunity to listen to an ALC of the audiobook and it did not disappoint! The male narrator is one of my favorites. His deep, rich voice portrays so much emotion. The female narrator brought so much life and humor to Jemma's character. Their performances made for a highly entertaining listen.

Whether listening or reading, I highly recommend this book!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Dreamscape Select for the ARC/ALC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I listened to the audio and it was a pleasure to listen to.
Both narrators did an excellent job with their tones for each character, I could easily identify who was speaking. I did find it a tad annoying when the female narrator used a more squeaky voice with the FMC, the high picked, childish voice didn't sit well with the character I envisioned. But other than that I loved listening to the audio. Our male narrator had a fabulous voice, very natural and smooth.

The story was just as great. I loved the angst the author created and I absolutely loved the relationship our MC's had. The lessons were fun, I was always looking forward to their lessons together. The ending was a bit predictable I had a feeling her cousin was going to end up with the man she did. However it didn't bother me, I like to be right, lol. And the chemistry was perfection.

This was a clean, historical romance. Easy to real/listen to, fast paced, and will warm your hearts. Miles is definitely book boyfriend material.

I really enjoyed this regency romance novel by Anneka Walker. The premise is simple, it’s a story about an unspoken love between two friends, but especially for a clean romance, the angst and emotion between the two is so on point, I found myself listening it over and over. The male/female two narrators approach is used, but both are pros and it’s lovely to hear. Looking forward to more works from this author! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

The matchmaking mamas are at it again!! This time though, they were enlisted for their services. Jemma promises her dying grandmother that she will get married, and after swearing to live a life of spinsterhood, she needs help. After they find her a great match, she also enlists the help of one of the Rebels- Mr. Romantic 😍
And romantic he most certainly is. I just adored Miles and the devotion he had for Jemma. He was so sweet, and thoughtful. And patient 😅 he waited so long for Jemma to figure out her own heart, and he fought so hard. Loved. Him!

This book was so cute, and I really enjoyed it!! It was fun to watch the Rebels back together in action, and seeing more of them get their love stories. I highly recommend anything by Anneka, and this one is no exception 😉

I was able to read the book and listen to the audio, and I enjoyed both so much!! I can absolutely say that you will be happy with either format. (But with that gorgeous cover, you better snag a physical copy for your shelf!!)

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for advance copies. All my opinions are my own.

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

A million stars for The Gentleman’s Confession! Anneka Walker delivers another new favorite in the Matchmaking Mamas series. Childhood friends to more is such a fun trope & I loved the creative spin she put on it. Miles & Jemma have such a delicious slow build romance with Miles’ pining & unrequited love. The pages just flew by as I devoured their story.

Jemma Fielding’s sworn off marriage until she promises her grandmother on her deathbed that she’ll marry. Now to find a suitor. She turns to the matchmaking mamas for a match & they find a handsome neighbor newly returned from India. But, Jemma doesn’t know much about falling in love & so she turns to her best friend, Mr. Romantic himself, for lessons.

Miles Jackson’s a poetic, humble vicar who’s secretly been in love with Jemma since childhood. When she needs his help, though it pains him, he agrees to help his friend. But as he teaches her about love, he falls even deeper & has to determine once & for all if he’ll reveal his heart.

I LOVED this story! Miles is just the sweetest, swooniest hero. He’s got such a delightful personality full of a little mischief & good natured teasing, but also kindness, romance, & depth. I adored his letters to Jemma. I also loved reading his point of view. The achingly longing he suppresses while trying to help Jemma fall in love with another man tugged at my heartstrings. When he finally can’t hold back, I was cheering all the way!

Jemma is a fun, spunky heroine who though a bit naive, has a heart of gold. She loves designing clothes & wants to help others. I was fascinated by the little known Chios massacre through Jemma’s efforts to raise money for the victims & had to Google it. There were times I wanted to shake her though, as she fights her feelings for Miles all the way. But when she finally wakes up, I loved how she goes after what she wants.

I listened to an advanced listener’s copy & absolutely adored the narrators. I especially loved the male narrator. Both of them put in just the right amount of emotion & really made all the characters come alive. It’s a fantastic alternative if you enjoy audiobooks or don’t have much time to read a physical copy.

There are so many funny, sweet moments in this fantastic Regency romance. Definitely a not to miss read! Though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. But, you’ll definitely want to read the previous books in this favorite series. I received an advanced complimentary copy & audiobook from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

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 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?

Thanks to @netgalley for the outstanding audio. It was SO good! That male narrator. Whew.All the banter and funny situations that were brought to life and dual POV provided excellent swoon.