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The Earl's Sisters #1

A Brilliant Match

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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?

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2023

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About the author

Jennie Goutet

48 books709 followers
Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of eighteen historical romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and The Bridwells’ Grand Tour 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 six languages. Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris, but her imagination resides in Georgian England, where her proper historical romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.

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5 stars
414 (36%)
4 stars
404 (35%)
3 stars
268 (23%)
2 stars
55 (4%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
1,083 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2024
This was a disappointing read. I didn’t like Dorothea’s character at all. I liked Miles and thought that Dorothea certainly did not deserve a good man like him. The whole “peer of the realm” thing is a part of this genre but the author made the whole story about what may be an acceptable match. There was nothing else to the story and the ending was so unbelievable. You may want to skip this one but it looks like the first in the series so may provide some background for future books that may be better.
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,457 reviews198 followers
February 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet regency era story. I listened to it, and the narration was so well done. I enjoy this author because I can count on her stories to be sweet, clean, and low stress. Think of a regency era Hallmark story. It will leave a smile on your face and your spirit lifted.
*I was given a copy of this book to listen to, and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,407 reviews641 followers
November 23, 2023
This was a sweet, clean historical romance. I enjoyed all the characters & how everyone was with each other. I look forward to reading more from this series.
Profile Image for Danielle.
731 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2023
"Miles had never doubted his own worth. He had never struggled with thinking that it came from wealth or position."

"She had been just as ambitious as Miles had been. Only for her, it had been the ambition to secure a man with a title. What she had condemned in him, she had been guilty of."

"Your family requires only that you love them without condition. They will sort their own lives out for themselves-and much better than you ever could, talented though you are."

I absolutely loved this! It felt almost like a reverse Pride and Prejudice, where the hero was a good-natured but impoverished sunshine, and the heroine was titled, principled, but arrogant. Jennie Goutet did a fabulous job crafting a heroine who was a bit unlikeable but you could empathise with and root for.

With a selfish father and rather detached mother, Dorothea carries the weight of her family on her shoulders and feels their future success rests on her finding a titled match her first season. And as the daughter of a peer, she deserves nothing less. Miles is a gentleman trying to keep his late father's estate afloat, and is in desperate need of a wealthy wife to help. But when he meets Dorothea, he senses the depths she hides and delights in drawing out her wealth of character and spark of humor. His heart very quickly becomes involved in desiring her for herself, while feeling conflicted over the reality of needing her fortune.

I loved the progress of these characters and their relationship. I could understand and empathize with Dorothea despite her arrogance, and I truly enjoyed her journey of growth. And Miles was such a wonderful hero! The progression of their story kept me fully engaged and wondering how it would resolve. A creative and delightful historical romance, especially for lovers of a good P&P-type story!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,480 reviews99 followers
November 22, 2023
Loved loved loved this one. It was an engaging, historical romance that led me into a ballroom and gave me my first experience with the opera. I received guests for tea and went to Hyde Park. I felt the pressure from the ton and family responsibilities. And was enduring. The romance was all the things I look for. I loved Dorothea and Miles and their HEA!
I recommend this book.
Thanks to the author for letting me be apart of the Instagram launch team. All thoughts were my own!
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,993 reviews219 followers
January 29, 2024
A Brilliant Match was such an enjoyable beginning to a new clean Regency series. I listened to the audio version of this story and thought that the narrator did a very good job.

Dorothea and Miles each had certain objectives when they came to London. Although Miles did not desire to have to marry for money, his estate was in dire need of funds. Dorothea was very focused on making what she had been taught was a good match, meaning marrying a peer. These two didn’t plan to fall in love, but it was clear that the attraction was there right from their first meeting.

I really felt for them both. Dorothea had a lot to learn about matters of the heart and it was a sweet journey to see her discover what really mattered. And Miles was such a great character. I liked that he valued what he felt for Dorothea more than money. They had a rocky road to finding happiness and I wondered how the author would bring a solution around that was believable, but she did!

I am looking forward to reading more books in this series and following along as Dorothea’s siblings find happiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Lavins.
1,435 reviews84 followers
May 1, 2025
1.5 stars

I sure hope this book was a one off for this author, because one can hardly go lower than this. Annoying characters, no plot whatsoever, insanely repetitive (and by that i sadly mean using even the same words).

" I am charming. I easily charm others. Others find me charming. My charm is making things easy for me. I've used my charm to impress others." This is how the author describes Miles Shaw. And no, this is not throughout the book, this is in consecutive sentences.....

And then we have Lady Dorothea Rowlandson who hasn't been in London recently, she's newly arrived in London, she doesn't know anyone because she just arrived in London, she must make new acquaintances because she wants to attend events since she is new in London.....and so on...

On top of this, I couldn't stand Lady Dorothea. I found her beyond annoying, infatuated, false, presumptuous, stuck up, false, boring.


Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
744 reviews24 followers
August 1, 2025
[3.5 stars]
This is a good book with smooth writing and solid character development. Unfortunately, I found the FMC so wholly unlikeable that I spent most of the book affronted, murmuring about how ridiculous and terrible she is. She’s prideful, judgmental, elitist, and condescending. Well written (for that was the intent), but near torture to endure. The MMC was excellent, but that only served to make me despise the FMC more.

The pace is a little slow, but maybe that was just me wanting to get to the personal growth the FMC so desperately needed (and was VERY long in coming).

For those who enjoy audiobooks, the narrator does an excellent job.

Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God
Profile Image for Lyssa.
874 reviews25 followers
January 30, 2024
I had mixed feelings on this book. I didn't like the narrator (audiobook), which I do think colors my impression of the characters. I will stick to ebooks for this author in future.

But I also didn't like the main character Dorothea very much for the first half. She worries a lot about being uninteresting, which... makes her uninteresting. I did not see what Miles saw in her other than a pretty face. She is haughty and cold, kind of dull, and looks on those around her with too critical an eye (unless they benefit her). This may actually be the norm for the ton, but it doesn't earn my respect or admiration.

That said, I did appreciate that both Dorothea and Miles were initially following traditional (ton) values in their search for a match (money and connections) - more realistic and a less traversed story line. I also liked Miles alright. And their friendship, if nothing else, developed into something more enjoyable to me by the end.

I will probably read the next in the series (but again, not the audiobook) because I really like this author.
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
938 reviews424 followers
November 17, 2023
I loved this story! Lady Dorothea wants to make an advantageous match; a love match is out of the question. Miles has an estate that needs funds desperately. He needs to find a wife with a large dowry, but he also wants a love match. He intends to use his charm to get the woman he needs. I loved both of these characters so much. Miles was so sure of his charms; it was fun to watch him pursue Dorothea. Dorothea puts so much undue responsibility upon herself to take care of the family. I loved watching them become friends. I felt bad for Miles and his situation. I loved how much Dorothea and Miles cared for one another. I also enjoyed watching Dorothea fall in love with Miles and realize love matches are important. The siblings were also wonderful! Overall, I thought this was a great story and I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
674 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2024
2 stars
It wasn’t bad, it just was. It was more descriptive than romantic and the last few chapters raised it from flat to a slight bump of interest in determining how to achieve the HEA (death, maturity, inheritance, a fairy godmother). I skipped the middle third of the book but was still able to pick up as if I’d just turned the page. I enjoy a well, written, predictable, trope but unfortunately, this was just the trope not a story not a journey.
Profile Image for Sandra Moreira.
162 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2026
It's always refreshing when a Regency's HR praises a Lord for having all his teeth and a flat stomach! It really sets the tone!!

This is my first book from this author and I was not let down! The characters are well written, life isn't easy, not even between London Ton 😉!

Dorothea is a Lord daughter, with four sisters, a brother, and a frail mother. But her father an habitué in London Season "forgets" to take the family to London with him... He dies, Dorry came out is postponed, the Season will have to wait. When it finally comes, Dorry takes the weight of the all family in her shoulders. It's up to her to marry well, and them find husbands to all her siblings. It's a hard endeavour but she is set on it! For that only a Lord of the Ton can serve for husband!

Miles Shaw is a gentleman, with propriety, sadly in a terrible state, but a proprietor nevertheless. Miles is a nice man, he knows his value and doesn't have any problems mingle with the Ton. He needs a dowry but intends to let the bride know, that despite that need he will love the wife he chooses.

He chooses Dorry, but he can't tell her the truth, even so, Dorry refuses him, he's not a Lord, so he is not husband material...

Will they solve their problems? Will Miles be capable of changing Dorry believes? Will Dorry accept less than a Lord, will she accept an impoverished gentleman?!

The trope seems the usual impoverish good man in need of a good marriage with a rich dowry, but the way the story evolves, the characters work is not the usual and that is very refreshing in a HR. I totally think you should read it! 😉
Profile Image for Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!).
806 reviews41 followers
November 21, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Jennie Goutet and I am so glad I did! I now have a new to me author that I love and need to read all of her other books. This sweet regency romance pulled me right into the world of Miles and Dorothea and would not let me go! I enjoyed the dual perspectives so I could truly understand each main character.

The sparks between Miles and Dorothea were palpable and I was rooting for them the entire time. But I had no idea if it was even possible. They both were wanting something in a marriage that the other didn’t want. Their goals were so different, would they ever get together? I enjoyed watching Dorothea grow and change throughout the book. I loved the gentleness and kindness of Miles. He was steady, gentle, and confident. I loved his character, he was so good. I could picture him clearly in my mind. I also loved Dorothea’s family and watching her relationships with them. Evo was a favorite and I am hopeful we will get his story one day. If you love regency romances, you need to read A Brilliant Match by Jennie Goutet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi.
482 reviews26 followers
October 14, 2025
“You are always thinking of others. I hope you will also make a love match this season. You deserve as much.” Uncomfortable with praise that she knew to be unwarranted, Dorothea gave a short laugh. “A love match—I? No, sister, I do not seek a love match. I seek an advantageous match—a brilliant match. Only with that will I be content.”

A delightful friends to more story with different social classes, sibling relationships, chemistry, and plot twists.

Dorothea is strong, determined, and knows her mind. She sees Miles as ineligible (and stubbornly holds that opinion) but quickly accepts his friendship. Her determination to marry only for a title is definitely challenged. I loved her relationship with Sophia and Evo. I enjoyed Dorothea’s character growth and her realizing the error of her thinking. I loved when she and Miles finally had an open, honest conversation. Miles is kind, persistent, and devoted to his mother. I loved his friendship with Rock! Miles falls hard and fast for Dorothea. I enjoyed seeing how he dealt with the twists and turns in his life. I loved his pursuit of Dorothea even when he realized where she stood concerning marriage. I enjoyed Dorothea and Miles’ banter and friendship. I loved seeing happiness and love win in the end. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the Earl’s Sisters books!

A few more quotes:
“Your family requires only that you love them without condition. They will sort their own lives out for themselves—and much better than you ever could, talented though you are.”

“Dorothea, I want to marry you. I think I have wanted to marry you from the very first moment I met you, and not entirely for the wrong reasons. For although I needed your dowry, I have never met a woman I wanted to be with day after day, every day, for the rest of my life until I met you.”
Profile Image for Sarah Nolan.
203 reviews22 followers
November 21, 2023
I received a free copy of this book but I am leaving a review voluntarily and happily!

This sweet regency romance was delight to read from beginning to end!

Lady Dorothea embarks on her first London Season with the goal of finding a husband, but not just any man will do. He must have a title, an estate in good standing, and being handsome is preferred. A love match is not required.

Miles Shaw has come to London for the season to find himself a wife, but again, not just any woman will do. She must have a large dowry, enough to save his crumbling, (legitimately crumbling) estate from further ruin. And he wants some passionate emotion to exist between him and his bride, so a large dowry and a love match is the ideal scenario.

When Dorothea and Miles meet at the first ball of the season and dance the first set of dances together, sparks fly and their connection begins, to the dismay of them both.

This story was the perfect depiction of two characters who fall in love with each other even more as they each try to convince themselves that being with each simply will not do, both for reasons in and out of their control.

There are many moments of character growth for both Dorothea and Miles, as their love for each other causes them to reflect on particular personal flaws that are both keeping them from being together, and affecting the ones that they love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this regency romance! So many moments had me smiling, swooning, laughing, crying, happy, and heartbroken. There are so many characters in this story who I am eager to read about in future books and I cannot wait to see their love stories unfold-hopefully Rock is also included!
Profile Image for Natasha.
382 reviews
November 21, 2023
What an incredible story of love that triumphs over expectations, prejudices, and walls over hearts! The well-developed plot, incredibly relatable and beautifully crafted characters with a setting in a Regency London make it into a sweet, clean Romance story. However, what kept me turning pages way into the night is the beautiful portrayal of love that causes people to see faults but still see value, to change expectations and opinions even if they have felt right in the beginning, to examine oneself and stop judging others, to be honest and vulnerable when it is not easy, and much more. The novel is full of gems like that.
And I can’t wait to see every character getting their HEAs.
I’ve read an ARC copy but my opinion is my own and my review is voluntary.
246 reviews
July 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75, zero spice
A Brilliant Match is a well written, enjoyable story. It was 253 pages so the story moved fast which made it even better. I love a book with an epilogue and this had a good one. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
1 review1 follower
January 29, 2024
Such a fun book and set up for the series. The main characters were relatable and had depth. Their behaviors matched historical norms. There were funny moments that added to the interest of the story and developed character traits. Great closed door regency book.
I really enjoyed the relationship development between Miles and the young earl. So fun to see the brotherly banter in this kind of book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MK.
533 reviews14 followers
November 21, 2023
I loved this new book that is the start of a new series, The Earl’s Sisters. I immediately loved this family and can’t wait for all of the unique sisters to get their story.

Regency romance is a favorite of mine and the author did this time period justice. I loved the storyline as each character learns more about themselves and what they want. Regency is a time where the old ways of marrying for status and prosperity is fading out and marriage for love is gaining traction. These two find themselves figuring out what they want with the influence of the past and the uncertainty of the future before them. I loved the character growth, the side characters, and every moment the two main characters spent together. I thoroughly enjoyed the regency romance and can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Word.
50 reviews
July 2, 2024
Didn’t like the heroine at all, which obviously puts a damper on things. Miles deserves better & I was left completely clueless as to how such a vibrant, wonderful hero could end up (happily) with Dorothea’s shallow character.
Profile Image for The_Power Of_The Page.
417 reviews31 followers
November 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this new Regency romance from Jennie Goutet. It’s the story of two very different individuals who discover they are not so different after all.

I really enjoyed the back and forth in the relationship between Miles and Dorothea. It was instant attraction from the moment they met, but both were fighting against it for different reasons.

Dorothea was the eldest daughter of an Earl and felt responsible for her family. She felt she had to marry well in order to assure her sisters’ future happiness. Only a man with a title and wealth would do. Love was not needed.

Miles was in need of a wife. He really wants a love match like his parents had. But he also needs money to save his failing estate. Because of this he finds himself in need of a wife with a large dowry as well. He wants to be upfront and honest about his needs and intentions even if it scares off the marriage prospects.

This is a sweet story with characters you will want to cheer on. If you like Regency romance I really feel you would enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,479 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Miles needs an heiress to survive. Dorothea wants a titled guy. Is there hope for them?

This latest book by is super sweet. It hit different because there was real growth and communication between the couple. And all kinds of ups and downs. And a heroic carriage scene! Miles was so incredibly patient and I adored him.

There are all kinds of supporting characters that I need to know more about so I’m invested in these series.

When love is available will Dorothea grab for it? Or will Miles not be up to snuff and be a bad fit?

Check out this book!
Profile Image for Holly.
128 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2026
Lady Dorothea was looking for a match suitable for an Earl’s eldest daughter rather than love; Miles Shaw is looking for a rich partner rather than love. They’re both from different classes, looking for entirely different things. A forced first dance brings them together, will love conquer all, or will they find what they’re both looking for?

A clean, romantic, period book. Dorothea is headstrong, determined to find a suitable match that’ll set up her family’s future. Miles is desperate for a bride’s dowry to restore his poor finances. This was well written and an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Madalyn.
109 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2024
Enjoyed this one! Excited for the other books in the series to come out to see what happens to Dorothea’s sisters and her brother Lord Poole!
Profile Image for Maegan.
100 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2024
Loved it!

It won’t change your life but it is a fun, fast paced and relatable regency romance. Great characters and storyline.
Profile Image for Morgan's Endless Bookshelf.
483 reviews65 followers
August 1, 2026
Sweet regency romance; kind of like Pride and Prejudice if they'd had a younger brother. Dorothea was great, and I really liked Miles, as well.
Profile Image for Books & Aerial.
373 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2024
I found this lovely, and enjoyed our characters' struggles and reasoning for their choices.

One thing did bother me though, and that is the author's reserved writing in letting us know how Dorothea and Miles were developing feelings for one another. I certainly could see a shift towards that feeling in the second half of the book, but prior to that I did not "see" enough of their own realization and their own "advances" at it.
Also, it was not sweepingly romantic. There was room for that but not explored the possibilities.
This also was not very memorable; story, characters, writing style -wise - nothing out of the ordinary.
3/5
audiobook
p.s. I really like Stevie Zimmerman's but sincere simplistic narration.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews