In summary aside from a sweet 6 year old, this falls short of her previous novels. Heroine had too much focus on beauty, hair colour and scandalous role as an actress
Hero spends too much time rescuing other people
Byronic poet and silly nephew are stereotypes and sadly the book falls short for me.

Overall an ok read, not on the same level as the previous books by this author.


Wrote a long review but goodreads Kept crashing so lost it three times!

Absolutely lovely book. The character development was superb and I felt like I was part of the book. The writing style is high quality too.

I am so great full for being introduced to this author. Jane Dunn is one of my favorites now.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

Angelica Leigh is an actress that plays an amazing Ophelia in Hamlet. She is gorgeous, but not of noble birth. There are many men interested in her, but most want her for a mistress, all but one. Lord Charles Latimer is in love and wants to marry Angelica. His mother, The Duchess of Arlington sends her brother, Lord Ivor Aspry to convince Charles that she is not for him. The widowed Lord Aspry doesn't want to get involved, he has enough going on with his work trying to get reforms passed in the government as well as raise his young daughter Eleanor. At the end of each performance, Ophelia drowns and to make it realistic, Angelica is in a tank of water. Taking seriously ill with a lung infection, Charles goes to his uncle to allow her to convalesce at his estate to keep her safe from a doctor who just wants to bleed her. While there she recovers and develops an unlikely friendship with Eleanor. Of course, feelings develop between Angelica and Ivor, but will it go anywhere?

This was another enjoyable Regency Romance by Jane Dunn. I thought that Angelica was a very realistic character and although I prefer women who can take care of themselves, it seemed more realistic to have her taken advantage of men and needing to be rescued. She is a smart young woman, but there were limitations during this time in history. Lord Ivor Asprey is a respectable and honorable man who finds himself in a spot where he has to defend Angelica, but at what cost. Eleanor was a lovely young woman. She wanted a mother figure in her life and she really liked Angelica. There are a couple of other plot points in this story such as a friend who is penniless, but is trying to get her inheritance back, a dirty nobleman who wants to use Angelica for his own purposes and blackmails her and a question of her parentage that all add to the story. I really enjoyed this one, and of the three I just read, I think I liked this one the best, although there are mixed reviews.

This was surprising to me and I liked it. The main chractgers really were drawn well and robustly. I enjoyed this.

I am loving all of Jane Dunn books and this is as good as the others I have read. Set in the Regency Period England this is a story of Angelica and her life, her not belonging and her upbringing. This is a story of a woman and her strength and her fearlessness. She is a great character for this story but I must say I like the other characters in the=is book too as they add more depth to the story.

This is more than just a romance it is a great read of life, adventure, heroism and even friendship. It is very interesting and although the romance was slow to get going the story itself was not and I enjoyed it from start to finish. A wonderful read and look forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for giving me the opportunity to read adn review this book.

Looove Jane Dunn, have now read all of her books and enjoy the way she writes and tells her story with ease and the characters capture you in a way that helps you lose yourself to the time and place. A highly recommended read.

Romance and regency novels are a favourite of mine at the moment. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a creative and absorbing tale! Definitely recommend this one!

I loved this book!!!! I could not get enough of this!!! I quickly devoured this book and would have read more!!! I was completely swept away into Regency England and this amazing romance. I love love love this!!! Give me more please!!!
I just reviewed A Scandalous Match by Jane Dunn. #AScandalousMatch #NetGalley
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This was a delightful turn through the Regency period we readers know and love, with characters you won't want to forget.

Angelica may have been the Jane that some set their sights on, but Ivor was not one of them...initially. He had far better things to do, or so he thought, but when lives are on the line, reputations are at stake, and what must be done is the unexpected, the unheard of, the exact opposite of what he initially set out to do, Ivor is the main to follow through. Watching him get closer to Angelica was tedious... in the best ways possible! You had to appreciate his efforts on his family's behalf to keep the family bloodline in check, but I had to applaud her determination to not be told what to do. It was great fun seeing them get closer and closer much to the surprise of them both, and when the moment of truth comes, all the more pleasing to see their hearts give in.

All in all, a great addition to the author's body of work, and another must read for Historical Romance fans looking for their next adventure between the pages.

Jane Dunne has done it again. I absolutely loved Anjelica's love story - so passionate and so fraught with danger and drama.
A heartwarming HEA and a MUST READ for all regency romance lovers.

Angelica was the perfect heroine in this story. I loved every minute of this read and know all my historical romance fans will love it too!

Blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources

http://ramblingmads.uk/2024/01/17/blog-tour-a-scandalous-match-jane-dunn/

I have adored the characters created in the exquisitely written novels of Jane Dunn since I read her first novel. A Scandalous Match is the third novel in her Regency series, and is crammed to the brim with multidimensional characters who come to life on the page. The majority of recent Regency romance has been moved away from the historical element and been given a modern outlook. In many ways, Jane Dunn’s novels bridge the gap between traditional Regency romance in the style of authors such as Georgette Heyer, and the more modern style of Regency romance novels by authors like Julia Quinn. The result is delightfully faithful to Regency style, location and language, with modern, more open opinions from the characters.

Angelica, the heroine of this story is a talented and exceptionally beautiful actress and the toast of the town. Raised as a lady, by her mother who is a kept woman, Angelica does not fit in, either with the Ton or with the lower classes. She is tenacious and brave, and unlike the women of her day, has a voice and opinions that are valued by the men around her. Although she clearly likes Charles, he is young and impetuous and quite immature in comparison to Angelica, and it does seem that she likes the idea of being married to an heir to a dukedom, rather than being in love with Charles. When she meets his uncle Ivor, she finds herself being torn between Charles and his title, and Ivor who arouses a passion in her that she has never known.

Ivor was very different to the stereotypical brooding hero in the novel. He took his work as a politician very seriously in terms of wanting to make a social impact for the benefit of the neediest in society, but was willing to put his social status at risk to assist Angelica or her friends and family. I found his character admirable and refreshing compared to the standard hero in a classic Regency romance, and loved the way in which Angelica unleashed his humorous and light-hearted side.

I loved the relationship between Angelica and Ivor’s 11 year old daughter, who was feisty, inquisitive and a matchmaker in the making. Angelica always made time for Elinor, even for them to spend time alone together.

In addition to the romance which blossomed over time between Angelica and Ivor, Charles diverted his interest to a mutual friend, with Angelica’s blessing. There was a villain in the story, in the form of a fellow member of Parliament who wanted Angelica at all costs, and was jealous of the dedication Ivor had to his position in Parliament and his connection to Angelica, and he manages to cause some trouble, but nothing that the hero cannot manage to handle.

As with her previous novels, Jane Dunn keeps the steamy moments to a minimum, while hinting at it in such a way that it is neither needed nor missed because it leaves a lot to the imagination, with the romance being both modern and tender. A Scandalous Match is a beautiful Regency romance with excellent historical accuracy and the subtlety of modern feminism relating to consent and the treatment of women.

This was a first time read for me by this author. This was a clean regency and well-written. Angelica is an actress and has captivated London with her portrayal of Ophelia. Lord Charles Latimer seems to be completely enchanted by her and fancies himself in love. But of course the ton would never accept a match like this. And that is why his mother sends for her brother, Ivor, to intervene. Ivor is a widower with a young daughter and a highly respected lawmaker. Although he himself is still very much considered marriage material by the ton, he has no interest in romance or marriage. He reluctantly agrees to help his sister, but when he himself meets Angelica, he is instantly drawn to her, and constantly finds himself coming to her rescue. A lovely romance then begins to develop between them.
The characters were interesting and well-crafted and the story kept my attention from start to finish. This was a charming and clean romance and I enjoyed the story and would love to read more of this author's work.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

4 1/2*STAR
Ivor Asprey may be a mister, but he is a highly respected, wealthy lawmaker. A widower of six years, he has a lovely young daughter who loves to play matchmaker. Angelica Leigh is an actress, considered a very beautiful woman. Admired by Ivor's nephew, heir to a dukedom, Ivor is "persuaded" to nip this romance in the bud. It may be a slow burn, but the stuff shirt lawmaker and the beautiful trusting actress find a bond when he continues to come to her rescue. A lovely clean romance with kissing only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is an entertaining read which takes you back to Regency England and the social pressures on everyone, no matter what their standing in life. I enjoyed meeting Angelica and found her to be quite a complex character. Her background and profession as an actress exclude her in many people's eyes from marrying into the higher levels of society. Yet she is also able to socialise and attend functions with the aristocrats.

Jane Dunn's knowledge of the period shines through. I found many of the supporting characters added to the humour and humanity of the story. Ivor Asprey's Parliamentary work gives you an insight into the social conditions in England. This gives his character some interesting layers and shows that he has a compassionate side despite his raucous youth. You also see how difficult getting reforms through Parliament was.

In short: Regency England brought to life

A Scandalous Match was a good read.I enjoyed the writing, the storyline and the characters.

Angelica is an actress, the most successful of London at this time, for her Ophelia role. She is acclaimed and courted by men of all walks of life, she has even caught the eye of a dukedom heir. Despite she doesn't show much interest in the marriage she'll find herself at the center of power games, intrigues and blackmailing.

I liked our heroine. Angelica is witty, fearless and daring, but as a woman in Regency era she, reluctantly, has to ask for help when she get herself into a tricky situation.
I got involved so much into this story that I felt helpless like our heroine and her friends, but the most disconcerting thought is that women still have it harder, and they still have to fight to assert themselves and to defend their liberty.

The romantic side of this novel is pleasant, the affection between the characters is endearing, and their relationship warmed my heart.

I really like the author and her stories. It is easy to get into the new world in them and I like the characters a lot. It is very nice that they are not a usual romantic stories, even though one knows quite quickly who is going to be love interest. Simultaneously I like to guess the obstacles they will need to overcome on their way. In this book I noticed quite a lot of new vocabulary for me, I had to use the dictionary a lot, but it can be a problem of me not being a native speaker. On the other hand the vocabulary enhanced the feeling for history for me, so it was well employed.
I will certainly follow the author and am looking forward for her new books.

A Scandalous Match is Jane Dunn’s third Regency romance and I have really enjoyed every one.

This has all the elements fans of the genre will love.

Angelica is a beautiful young actress who is taking London by storm with her performance of Ophelia. Her nightly drowning scene is drawing the crowds and the attentions of the men of the Ton.

Young and eligible, Lord Latimer sets his heart on winning Angelica despite the objections of his family. Angelica is definitely not seen as a suitable bride for a future duke. His uncle, serious and respectable but somewhat gruff and grumpy, Ivor Asprey is sent round to intervene to warn her off.

Of course sparks fly between them all. As well as being, beautiful Angelica is well-read, charming and interested in politics. And while some of the men see her merely as an object of sexual desire, Asprey realizes there is more to her than others may think.

The romance is a slow burner. A series of adventures and tricky situations being Angelica Ivor closer together, but there is still the weight of society’s expectations to overcome.

There’s lots of action with disasters and drama galore. The scenes in the Georgian theatre were a real eye opener.

Angelica is a wonderful character. She is positive and brings joy wherever she goes. Her relationship with Asprey’s young daughter, Elinor is particularly lovely.

There’s lots of nice historical details and the descriptions of Angelica’s clothes are delicious.

If you enjoy a historical romance, then add this one to your tbr pile.

A Scandalous Match has a very "old school" type feel about it.

It just was not my cup of tea on an enjoyment level. Too many side plots, too many problems, it was slow and drawn out and not enough "romance" or chemistry between the leads.

Probably closer to 2.5 stars.

Thank you to NegGalley for an ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.