A Brilliant Match

Jennie Goutet

Nov 2023 · Millefeuille Press

About this ebook

A love match would not do. She would make an advantageous match—a brilliant match!

At the age of nineteen, Lady Dorothea Rowlandson was practically on the shelf. Had she not suffered her father, the earl’s, untimely death weeks before last year’s season, she would surely by now be a married lady—the established wife of an illustrious peer. With such a regrettable delay, time was ever more of the essence if she wished to secure her own future and that of her sisters.

Miles Shaw holds an encumbered estate. It is only logical, therefore, that he commence the London Season on the hunt for a well-dowered wife. His personal code of honor requires he be upfront about this goal, so that he deceives no one. And as he fully intends to love and cherish the wife of his choosing, he will naturally bring as much to the union as he receives. After all, he is a landed gentleman with no shortage of charm.

When chance forced Miles and Dorothea to partner one another for the first dance of the first crush of the season, Fortuna could only have been in a funning mood. To have fostered so unsuitable a connection was nothing short of absurd. For what could a peer of the realm’s daughter and a gentleman of no consequence, with his pockets to let, possibly have in common?

"A witty romp that’s sure to charm fans of Regency romance." — Kirkus Reviews

Ratings and reviews

I found this novel interesting and enjoyable, however, Miles is a much nicer person than Dorothy. Driven by the dictates of society and limited by the need for power and prestige, the couple are both trying to remedy their family's situation through an advantageous marriage. Unfortunately, Dorothy's double standards did not endear her to me, but I was glad that Miles had the courage to challenge her on her stance.

A strong start to this new series! Dorothea is the daughter of an earl and is seeking a titled, wealthy husband. She meets Miles who is neither of those things (in fact he is in serious need of money) but who is handsome and sweet. Dorothea did a lot of growing in this book (something I always appreciate) before she could realize the importance and desirability of having a love match. I loved that her family was so important to her, though her view of them was another area of growth for her. I also enjoyed how Miles brought out the best in her and inspired her to be even better. I enjoyed this first book in this new series, and I look forward to reading more about Dorothea's sisters.

I just adore Jennie’s books, and this book did not disappoint. The characters both go through fantastic character arcs and learn a lot, particularly Dorothea, who ends up eating a good dose of humble pie. I liked how Jennie navigated the struggles both Miles and Dorothea were facing. She doesn't gloss over, or provide instant resolutions to issues at hand, which I love. I also love her writing style, and recommend this book for fans of regency romance everywhere.

About the author

Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of twelve Regency romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and Daughters of the Gentry series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into five languages.

Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her best-selling proper Regency romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website: jenniegoutet.com or purchase her books at jenniegoutetbooks.com.