This excellent series of Rakehell Regency Romance novels continues with the love story of Jonathan Deveril, the third of the Rakehells in the series we have met so far.

Jonathan has led a colorful life in the past, but thanks to the Peninsular War, has found God, and devoted himself to the Church, duty, and honor.

All of his good intentions are nearly undone when he meets Pamela Ashton, the most glamorous of the local Brimley beauties. He sees vast potential within her, if only she will use her head for more than just holding up her stylish hair-do.

Pamela starts falling in love with Jonathan almost before she realises it. Included in his Rakehell set, and on a trip to Bath to stay at the Duke of Ellesmere’s townhouse, Pamela grows more in love with Jonathan every day.
She works hard against worldly temptation and social injustice as she aspires to be a better woman and good wife to the young vicar. The joy and wildfire passion she experiences from their almost daily contact is like nothing she ever imagined possible even in her wildest dreams.

But Pamela soon begins to wonder why, just as they seem to get so close she is sure he will propose, he backs away from their growing intimacy.

Soon news reaches her ears of the most appalling scandal touching Jonathan. In view of how he has treated her, the nightmarish tale seems to make sense. That he has betrayed her in every way possible, the better to get his hands on her considerable fortune.

But Pamela’s heart tells her a different tale, to trust to love. With the help of the Duke of Ellesmere, Pamela uncovers the dark secrets of Jonathan’s past that have prevented him from sweeping Pamela off her feet as he longs to. Only through her love and the vanquishing of his enemies can Jonathan ever move from his darkness into the light of love, hope and joy at last.

This is an excellent novel, a true love story as we share all the delight and turmoil of this wonderful couple falling in love. Pamela grows up wonderfully thanks to Jonathan, his sister Sarah, and the Rakehells, and surprises us as well as herself with all she is capable of.

Jonathan is a delight, his marvelous character taking center stage amid his beguiling Rakehell companions.

The Rakehells, as usual, are excellent secondary characters that support but do not intrude upon the flow of this compelling love story.

The Gothic elements of the book are spine-tingling. The sensual elements are just perfect, promising an explosive passion which does not disappoint. The book is fast-paced, and the interaction between the couple is enthralling. Jonathan is an enigma, and really keeps us guessing as to whether he will choose duty, or love. The suspense elements are great. I was really on the edge of my seat seeing what would happen next.

Readers of traditional Regency romance novels will be captivated by the author’s command of the Regency period, the wonderful but tasteful love scenes, and her sumptuous attention to detail.

This is what historical fiction, and historical romance novels, should be: Great characters, fantastic meaty plot, and gorgeous love scenes with a couple who well and truly fall in love and get their happily ever after, despite all the trials and tribulations they endure. The Miss Matched is definitely a keeper!