Series Name: A Gentleman’s Match #1
He raised both eyebrows. “Have you? Because I sense more things to say, right there on the tip of your tongue.”
She held her breath, she tried not to say anything, but then her loud exasperation sounded from her now opened lips. “Fine. I do have more things to say, but I’m simply responding to your thoughts. I can think a man is handsome, even mention the fact, and not have it mean anything personal at all to me.”
This is a sweet Regency romance filled with delightful banter.
Lord Featherstone has the world on his shoulders. Or at least his world. With two brothers and a failing estate he must make funds somehow. But what happens when he falls for a woman? Will his tactics work when the situation is so close and personal?
Everyone thinks Lady Loveluck is a wealthy widow. What they don’t know is that she is on the brink of hiring herself out as a Governess in order to pay for her next meal. The only thing keeping her from employment is a growing reputation as a matchmaker. As long as she never falls for another man, as long as she doesn’t allow herself to be fooled into marrying, she will be just fine.
But she never counted on being caught up in the beguiling tactics of London’s renowned and not so secret matchmaker for men.
To Win Her Hand is an absolute delight. I think this is the first regency romance I’ve read with a male matchmaker. Lord Featherstone and Lady Loveluck are two matchmakers in London. Both are driven by their needs to better their lives: Lord Featherstone needs money to save his family and his estate; Lady Loveluck is a widow whose husband gambled away his money. Neither are interested in love for themselves but help others find their perfect match. However, they have feelings for each other that have begun long before their story begins. Lord Featherston and Lady Loveluck, or rather Charles and Emmeline, are a strong and well-paired couple. Watching them succumb to their attractions was such a delightful part of the story. Their banter is top notch and I really enjoyed their interactions together. They are smart and respect each other’s strengths.
Of course, Charles and Emmeline have clients they are matching. I loved learning how they picked their clients and what they looked for to accept, or refuse, working with someone. When the story opens, Charles and Emmeline are working with Mr. Hartsworth and Miss Anna, who are both looking for love. Of course, while seeming like an odd couple at first glance, the two fall in love, and I loved watching their relationship grow and see how Charles and Emmeline worked to support them.
This is such a sweet romance with a gorgeous slow burn and a perfect amount of angst.
Thank you to Austenprose for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
