The Miss Matched
The Rakehell Regency Series
Book 3
Sorcha MacMurrough
Too Many Men?
Pamela Ashton finds herself driven to distraction by the number of suitors beating a path to her door now that she has come of age. From the handsome but reticent Earl of Ferncliffe to the dashing but impecunious Captain Breedon, she is confronted with a bewildering array of men all determined to make her their own.
But does she want to be a mere ornament or possession of a greedy fortune-hunter? A breeder of children and the queen of knitting and tatting? Or is she destined for something more?
Only the debonair local vicar Jonathan Deveril seems to see Pamela as something other than a curvaceous but empty-headed socialite with a huge fortune. Is it possible that Jonathan holds the key to her future, and her heart?
But as Pamela and Jonathan grow ever closer, the dark forces from his past begin to swarm all around the couple, threatening scandal and ruin which will pull them apart forever. Jonathan is accused of betraying Pamela in the worst possible way. Pamela must trust her heart and love to seek the truth, and ally herself with Jonathan despite the censure of Regency society if they are ever to defeat their enemies and secure their hearts' desire.
The Miss Matched
Book Three of The Rakehell Regency Series
Sorcha MacMurrough
Rating: Moderately sensual
Word count=93,000
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An Excerpt from The Miss Matched:The Earl of Ferncliffe came up just then, and was about to offer Pamela the last dance. Jonathan took her hand before the other man could utter a word. "Sorry, old chap, she's mine."
He led her onto the floor for the final quadrille, ignoring her stunned look.
Once they were in their correct places in the set, she asked, "What was that all about? You and Sarah were leaving. Now you've forced her to stand up with the Earl. Not that she'll mind, but you didn't even ask me."
He raised his brows. "Did I not? How remiss of me. I meant to."
Pamela stared at him, resplendent in a dark evening suit with a russet embroidered waistcoat and russet silk cravat. "Just what game are you playing, Mr. Deveril?"
Jonathan smiled at her as if he had not got a care in the world. "Game? No game. Am I not allowed to dance with the liveliest young girl in the room?"
"I suppose," she said doubtfully.
"Unless of course you really did want to stand up with the Earl?"
She shook her head, setting her blond ringlets dancing. "I did not have any strong preference one way or the other. I just wondered at your abrupt decision to join in the ball at last, and the manner in which you took me over."
A small smile played upon his lips. "I am sorry, I shan't do it again. Obviously you would rather dance with any other man in the room than an elderly, paternal chap like myself."
"Oh, please, don't start another quarrel. I never meant to say you were--"
"I know. I was teasing. I do apologise."
Her blue gaze met his grey one, and she could see a jovial twinkle.
"I'm sorry, Pamela. I should never have brought it up again. I know you were not being critical and I should not tease you so." He bowed. "I ask your pardon. And for the dance as well. In future, I shall most certainly give you advance notice before I drag you on the dance floor and step all over your feet."
She smiled back at him now. "You know full well that I find you the best dancer in the County, of all the men I have ever had the privilege to stand up with, of course."
"Why thank you." He inclined his head once more. "You have never spoken so warmly to me before. If I may, I would like to return the compliment. You are the best dancer of all the women in my acquaintance. Now, if you can only recognise that there is more to your life and character than endless seeking of balls and other entertainments, we shall all be very happy."
The Miss Matched
Book Three of The Rakehell Regency Series
Sorcha MacMurrough
Rating: Moderately sensual
Word count=93,000
Order now, download in minutes.
Reviews:
Five stars, Gorgeous love story, vivid Regency romance
This excellent series of 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!
Evelyn Trimborn
The Miss Matched
Book Three of The Rakehell Regency Series
Sorcha MacMurrough
Rating: Moderately sensual
Word count=93,000
Order now, download in minutes.
OR, get the first THREE titles in the Rakehell Regency Romance Series for one low price!
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