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Matched by Stratagem
One minute they are friends, the next they are enemies, but all they have ever wished to be is lovers.
Miss Javenia Harris has loved her next door neighbor for most of her life, even if their friendship often vacillates into enemy territory. But with a match between them forbidden and Algenon’s father determined to choose his wife, Javenia is left with only two fight to win his heart or risk being miserable forever.
Two truths have always haunted Mr. Algenon Roberts. First, Javenia Harris is the only woman he will ever love. And second, she can never be his thanks to the secret his domineering father holds over his head. But when Javenia pushes the boundaries of propriety, tearing down the walls he's built to protect her, his heart can’t help but respond…even if it leads to tragedy, scandal, and social ruin.
Will bringing long buried secrets to light destroy their chance at happiness or eliminate the obstacle keeping them apart?
As part of the Harrowed Hearts series, you can expect humor, scandal, deep friendships, found family, along with the swoony kisses and happily ever after’s readers have come to expect from Teah Kemp Weight’s closed-door romances.
Miss Javenia Harris has loved her next door neighbor for most of her life, even if their friendship often vacillates into enemy territory. But with a match between them forbidden and Algenon’s father determined to choose his wife, Javenia is left with only two fight to win his heart or risk being miserable forever.
Two truths have always haunted Mr. Algenon Roberts. First, Javenia Harris is the only woman he will ever love. And second, she can never be his thanks to the secret his domineering father holds over his head. But when Javenia pushes the boundaries of propriety, tearing down the walls he's built to protect her, his heart can’t help but respond…even if it leads to tragedy, scandal, and social ruin.
Will bringing long buried secrets to light destroy their chance at happiness or eliminate the obstacle keeping them apart?
As part of the Harrowed Hearts series, you can expect humor, scandal, deep friendships, found family, along with the swoony kisses and happily ever after’s readers have come to expect from Teah Kemp Weight’s closed-door romances.
- GenresRegency
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
11 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2026
Matched by STRATAGEM
(Harrowed Hearts Book 4)
by: Teah Kemp Weight
@teahthewriter
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~One minute they are friends, the next they are enemies, but all they have ever wished to be is lovers...
-My friends, Matched by STRATAGEM, is a dear story where you can absolutely find delightful humor, a clever witty banter, scandal, deep friendships, mystery, found family, swoony kisses, and of course, some twists and turns within. I adored watching the progression of dear characters going from being at odds, to friends, to odds, to something more. I simply could not get enough of the witty banter and battle of wits within this story. It was so good. Also, there were surprising and a few unexpected twists and turns I didn’t see coming yet, they added an extra layer to this story. I really loved watching walls that had carefully been built up, be torn down. While there were great risks and high stakes with this process, the tender and significant impact & difference that came as a result was heartwarming! It was in the decision that characters bravely choose to work through obstacles for a chance at happiness, that had my heart! Now while this is book 4 in the series, and technically could be read as a stand alone, I greatly recommend it’s best to read the series in order for full satisfaction! This is a dear story blended with pain, loss, tenderness, hope,love, and is worth the read! 🙌🏻📚❤️
•Content: hurried secrets that will be brought to light, tragedy, mild danger/suspense, attempted abuse (in the past, vague- with only minor details), scandal, some social ruin, mentioning of pregnancy loss, no language. Kisses only. Closed door!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#matchedbystrategem
#harrowedheartsseries
#teahthewriter
#allaboutthebestreads
(Harrowed Hearts Book 4)
by: Teah Kemp Weight
@teahthewriter
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~One minute they are friends, the next they are enemies, but all they have ever wished to be is lovers...
-My friends, Matched by STRATAGEM, is a dear story where you can absolutely find delightful humor, a clever witty banter, scandal, deep friendships, mystery, found family, swoony kisses, and of course, some twists and turns within. I adored watching the progression of dear characters going from being at odds, to friends, to odds, to something more. I simply could not get enough of the witty banter and battle of wits within this story. It was so good. Also, there were surprising and a few unexpected twists and turns I didn’t see coming yet, they added an extra layer to this story. I really loved watching walls that had carefully been built up, be torn down. While there were great risks and high stakes with this process, the tender and significant impact & difference that came as a result was heartwarming! It was in the decision that characters bravely choose to work through obstacles for a chance at happiness, that had my heart! Now while this is book 4 in the series, and technically could be read as a stand alone, I greatly recommend it’s best to read the series in order for full satisfaction! This is a dear story blended with pain, loss, tenderness, hope,love, and is worth the read! 🙌🏻📚❤️
•Content: hurried secrets that will be brought to light, tragedy, mild danger/suspense, attempted abuse (in the past, vague- with only minor details), scandal, some social ruin, mentioning of pregnancy loss, no language. Kisses only. Closed door!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#matchedbystrategem
#harrowedheartsseries
#teahthewriter
#allaboutthebestreads
May 6, 2026
Javenia and Algenon's friendship has been one of teasing, digs and repartee for years, however much each might have wanted more. Neighbours since childhood, the fact that their fathers can't stand each other is a major bar - but only Algenon knows that there's more to it than that. As the pressure mounts for both to marry, and for Algenon specifically to marry a woman he despises, Javenia decides to make one last attempt to capture his attention - but there's more at stake than she knows. Will their respective attempts to find happiness backfire and result in misery, or actually achieve what seems increasingly impossible?
It's been clear from previous books that these two belong together, but not what keeps them apart. So seeing them finally get together despite the tangled web behind the scenes attempting to separate them forever is delightful, not to mention special. I appreciated the way Algenon was prepared to sacrifice his own happiness in an attempt to protect Javenia, even if I can't help thinking she would have been happier if he'd talked about his reasons long before. And Javenia's efforts to frustrate his would-be wife are amusing (and she definitely deserves even more than she gets). It's also nice to see a bit more of the couples from previous books, though this can easily be read as a standalone story. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It's been clear from previous books that these two belong together, but not what keeps them apart. So seeing them finally get together despite the tangled web behind the scenes attempting to separate them forever is delightful, not to mention special. I appreciated the way Algenon was prepared to sacrifice his own happiness in an attempt to protect Javenia, even if I can't help thinking she would have been happier if he'd talked about his reasons long before. And Javenia's efforts to frustrate his would-be wife are amusing (and she definitely deserves even more than she gets). It's also nice to see a bit more of the couples from previous books, though this can easily be read as a standalone story. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 28, 2026
This was such an enjoyable read for me, especially with the strong connection between the characters from the very beginning.
The story follows Miss Javenia Harris and her longtime neighbor, Mr. Algenon Roberts, whose relationship shifts between friendship and frustration, even as deeper feelings have always been there. With expectations placed on Algenon by his father and the match between them seemingly impossible, both are left navigating love, duty, and the risk of scandal.
I really liked both Javenia and Algenon. Javenia is unconventional in the best way. She is sweet, fun, and a little spunky, and she felt like exactly what Algenon needed. Algenon, on the other hand, is trying to live up to his father’s expectations, which adds a layer of tension to everything. I could really feel the connection between them, especially in moments like the dinner scene with the subtle hand placement, which added such a memorable touch. ☺️
What stood out to me was how well this book blended mystery, villains, scandal, and ballrooms. It had all the elements that make a Regency romance so enjoyable, while still keeping it a clean and engaging read.
This story left me feeling invested in both the characters and their journey, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
May 6, 2026
One of my absolute favorite things about Teah Kemp Weight’s books is that each gets even better than the previous book! I had high expectations for Matched by Stratagem and Weight additionally exceeded them.
Javenia and Algenon’s story had all the wonderful elements of friends to lovers, with a very real set of obstacles to their relationship becoming more. Even with it being the fourth book in the series, there were several twists to the plot that I wasn’t expecting and plenty of nuance to why Algenon in particular wasn’t confessing his feelings.
The best part of this book is definitely the banter! The banter between Javenia and Algenon was top notch - AI clever and well timed throughout the book!
While this book technically could stand alone, it’s definitely the best experience to read it as part of the series. The background from the previous three books adds so much context to Algenon and Javenia’s relationship, as well as giving background to their friends who were the main characters in previous books.
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
Javenia and Algenon’s story had all the wonderful elements of friends to lovers, with a very real set of obstacles to their relationship becoming more. Even with it being the fourth book in the series, there were several twists to the plot that I wasn’t expecting and plenty of nuance to why Algenon in particular wasn’t confessing his feelings.
The best part of this book is definitely the banter! The banter between Javenia and Algenon was top notch - AI clever and well timed throughout the book!
While this book technically could stand alone, it’s definitely the best experience to read it as part of the series. The background from the previous three books adds so much context to Algenon and Javenia’s relationship, as well as giving background to their friends who were the main characters in previous books.
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
April 30, 2026
4.5 stars!
This is the 4th book in the series! You can read them as standalones but I recommend reading them all to get the full experience. This story centers on Javenia and Algenon. They are definitely frenemies who obviously love each other. I loved their bantering! There is some scandal surrounding Javenia’s past that causes some issues with them getting together. But Javenia decides to try to get Algenon’s affections anyway with a list of steps to do that. She is a bit forward with her actions, leading to a touch of heat in this story. (More than I personally prefer but it’s mild) I loved both Javenia and Algenon and have been waiting for their story! And I just loved it! I love how they decided to just throw aside scandal and try to be together even if it was against his father’s wishes. I loved seeing characters from the previous books again. Overall, a great story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Content: woman places hand on man’s thigh, man places hand on woman’s thigh
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is the 4th book in the series! You can read them as standalones but I recommend reading them all to get the full experience. This story centers on Javenia and Algenon. They are definitely frenemies who obviously love each other. I loved their bantering! There is some scandal surrounding Javenia’s past that causes some issues with them getting together. But Javenia decides to try to get Algenon’s affections anyway with a list of steps to do that. She is a bit forward with her actions, leading to a touch of heat in this story. (More than I personally prefer but it’s mild) I loved both Javenia and Algenon and have been waiting for their story! And I just loved it! I love how they decided to just throw aside scandal and try to be together even if it was against his father’s wishes. I loved seeing characters from the previous books again. Overall, a great story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Content: woman places hand on man’s thigh, man places hand on woman’s thigh
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally, it’s Javenia and Algenon’s turn!
They’ve been my favorites since the first book, and I lived for every one of their interactions, arguments, and jokes.
Their verbal sparring is so funny, and together they’re a perfectly matched pair.
Every time they were together, sparks flew between them, and I was so excited to read this book.
I loved everything about it! It was a story filled with so many emotions—pain, hope, tenderness, love... And I felt every single one of them.
Javenia and Al didn’t have an easy path, but they never lost hope for a future together.
There were many unexpected moments in this story, with mysteries that were revealed throughout the book.
I’m thrilled with this ending! But I’m sad that the series is over; I’ve grown so attached to this group.
I recommend this book and the entire series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Javenia and Algenon have known each other almost their entire lives. As neighbors, they grew up together and became closer than the rest of their friends.
Over time, their feelings grew beyond friendship, but they soon realized that theirs was a forbidden love.
After many years of longing and trying to forget the romantic dreams they each kept secret, they are finally determined to fight for love.
Although they find themselves on a fine line between friends and something more, they are still unsure of each other’s feelings.
Therefore, the time has come to make their intentions clear and give it their all for the love of their lives, even if their families, secrets from the past, and scandals stand in their way.
You will find:
💘Strong and determined FMC
💘Protective and honorable MMC
💘Childhood friends
💘Girl/boy next door
💘It’s always been you
💘Witty banter and flirtation
💘Forbidden love
💘LONGING
💘Strategies to win him over
💘Secrets and revelations
This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.
⚠️Content guide: past abuse (not depicted), mention of pregnancy loss.
💐 For aesthetic reviews with edits, quotes and more, follow me on Instagram: @sina.venus.booklover
They’ve been my favorites since the first book, and I lived for every one of their interactions, arguments, and jokes.
Their verbal sparring is so funny, and together they’re a perfectly matched pair.
Every time they were together, sparks flew between them, and I was so excited to read this book.
I loved everything about it! It was a story filled with so many emotions—pain, hope, tenderness, love... And I felt every single one of them.
Javenia and Al didn’t have an easy path, but they never lost hope for a future together.
There were many unexpected moments in this story, with mysteries that were revealed throughout the book.
I’m thrilled with this ending! But I’m sad that the series is over; I’ve grown so attached to this group.
I recommend this book and the entire series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Javenia and Algenon have known each other almost their entire lives. As neighbors, they grew up together and became closer than the rest of their friends.
Over time, their feelings grew beyond friendship, but they soon realized that theirs was a forbidden love.
After many years of longing and trying to forget the romantic dreams they each kept secret, they are finally determined to fight for love.
Although they find themselves on a fine line between friends and something more, they are still unsure of each other’s feelings.
Therefore, the time has come to make their intentions clear and give it their all for the love of their lives, even if their families, secrets from the past, and scandals stand in their way.
You will find:
💘Strong and determined FMC
💘Protective and honorable MMC
💘Childhood friends
💘Girl/boy next door
💘It’s always been you
💘Witty banter and flirtation
💘Forbidden love
💘LONGING
💘Strategies to win him over
💘Secrets and revelations
This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.
⚠️Content guide: past abuse (not depicted), mention of pregnancy loss.
💐 For aesthetic reviews with edits, quotes and more, follow me on Instagram: @sina.venus.booklover
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars! I so enjoyed Javenia and Algenon’s story. It seemed so hopeless, but was a lesson in never giving up. It is sad to think how fickle Regency society was, and that it was perfectly acceptable for men to have affairs, etc., but women were held to another standard and easily ruined. I found Algenon’s love and protection of Javenia so attractive and alluring, while her determination to press forward despite their obstacles was inspiring. Make sure to read the author’s note on legal marriage and assault during this era as it was quite enlightening regarding their story. It was fun to see glimpses of the characters from previous books in this series, and I do hope the author will give some of the side characters their stories for us to enjoy, too. Thanks to the author, I received an ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
April 29, 2026
Yes, yes, yes, and once more…yes!
I have been waiting for Javenia and Algenon’s story for FOREVER! It is finally here and it does not disappoint!
The banter and friendship between these two is absolutely perfect! For someone who doesn’t typically like friends to lovers stories, this one was fabulous! I loved their sparring and care for each other and how they would pick on each other one second and then defend each other fiercely the next.
The amount of struggles these two had to overcome to be together really solidified their friendship and relationship.
I absolutely recommend this story to all lovers of historical/regency romance!
Content Warning:
Attempted SA (in the past, minor details)
I have been waiting for Javenia and Algenon’s story for FOREVER! It is finally here and it does not disappoint!
The banter and friendship between these two is absolutely perfect! For someone who doesn’t typically like friends to lovers stories, this one was fabulous! I loved their sparring and care for each other and how they would pick on each other one second and then defend each other fiercely the next.
The amount of struggles these two had to overcome to be together really solidified their friendship and relationship.
I absolutely recommend this story to all lovers of historical/regency romance!
Content Warning:
Attempted SA (in the past, minor details)
May 5, 2026
The fourth book in the Harrowed Hearts series is here and it was fantastic.
Al and Javenia I have been waiting for your story.
I adore friends to lovers, flirty banter, sarcastic humor, and forbidden romance. This story has all that and more including some surprise family secrets.
After witnessing Al and Javenia’s roller coaster of a relationship in the previous books, I loved watching these two fight each other and fight for each other. They had much to overcome which made their love story one that pulls you in and keeps you until the end. Oh how I wanted to take some matters into my own hands sometimes, ahem Miss Weston, but I think how Javenia handled her was absolute perfection.
On top of the delightful, sweet, and hard fought romance is a group of friends who would do anything for each other adding heart and even more hilarity to any situation. Oh how I adore them!
Thank you to Teah Kemp Weight for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Al and Javenia I have been waiting for your story.
I adore friends to lovers, flirty banter, sarcastic humor, and forbidden romance. This story has all that and more including some surprise family secrets.
After witnessing Al and Javenia’s roller coaster of a relationship in the previous books, I loved watching these two fight each other and fight for each other. They had much to overcome which made their love story one that pulls you in and keeps you until the end. Oh how I wanted to take some matters into my own hands sometimes, ahem Miss Weston, but I think how Javenia handled her was absolute perfection.
On top of the delightful, sweet, and hard fought romance is a group of friends who would do anything for each other adding heart and even more hilarity to any situation. Oh how I adore them!
Thank you to Teah Kemp Weight for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been trying to be good about writing a full review as I finish a book. I stayed up a bit too late to give this one it's full due. Loved getting Al and Javenia's story!
This is the 4th book in the Harrowed Hearts series. It is a kisses only Regency Era romance. I would say that for the most enjoyment this should be read after the other books in the series rather than as a standalone. These two have had an ongoing relationship throughout the series, so finally getting to see how things work out after reading the other books is the most fun.
I enjoyed this series so much, especially finally getting Al and Javenia's happy ending. And then the author's note.... I'm so excited!
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the 4th book in the Harrowed Hearts series. It is a kisses only Regency Era romance. I would say that for the most enjoyment this should be read after the other books in the series rather than as a standalone. These two have had an ongoing relationship throughout the series, so finally getting to see how things work out after reading the other books is the most fun.
I enjoyed this series so much, especially finally getting Al and Javenia's happy ending. And then the author's note.... I'm so excited!
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 6, 2026
Javenia and Algenon have been childhood friends who seem to hide their love for each other by carefully disguising it with repartee and joking. Algenon is being blackmailed by his father to propose to a flirtatious lady. Javenia feels she is ruined due to an encounter with a supposed suitor seven years ago. How they find their HEA makes for a good read. There are several villains in the story. There is reference to a sexual assault but it is not depicted. There are a few kisses, but it is a clean romance. The book could be read as a standalone but there are secondary characters who have had their own stories told, who are referenced in this book.
May 8, 2026
FIIIIIIIINALLY!!!! The long-awaited Javenia and Al book has arrived. I'm been dying for these two get their relationship in order since the very beginning, and Teah did not disappoint. I love Javenia's fiery and witty personality. She and Al are so perfectly suited for each other. The teasing, the banter, the secret harboring of feelings—we get it all. If only their fathers didn't despise each other. The romantic tension was just SO good, and I was desperate for things to resolve the whole way through. Definitely a roller coaster of emotion with this one, and I loved every second. A perfect conclusion for this series and definitely my favorite of the bunch. Excellent book
May 5, 2026
This story had a huge emotional impact! The rules of society during the Regency era were set out here, and had a large part to play in this book. The romance was clean and uplifting, even though some dark subjects were addressed, and the way the main characters treated each other regardless of circumstances showed how much they loved each other! The character growth arc for both main characters was amazing, and I was impressed by the author’s ability to take a hard situation and create such a beautiful story from it! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved “Matched By Stratagem” by Teah Kemp Weight. The book was riveting with a well developed story line and many twists and turns that made it hard to put down. The characters were well developed and loveable and they had to pass through many difficulties to reach their happily ever after. I enjoyed reading the book so much and I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes clean Regency romance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enjoyable read.
This was an imteresting, clean story with two main characters that were not overly concerned about others opinions, even though they were mindful of society's rules...to a point. The twists and turns in the story made it interesting. The reveal was very surprising. Lovely ending.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This was an imteresting, clean story with two main characters that were not overly concerned about others opinions, even though they were mindful of society's rules...to a point. The twists and turns in the story made it interesting. The reveal was very surprising. Lovely ending.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
May 5, 2026
I was hooked from the very beginning. Javenia is so spunky, kind and a true friend. Algenon is loving, wants the best for his sisters and is a very loyal friend.
I love the banter between these two characters. The chemistry is off the charts. There are several twists and turns that the story takes that make things interesting. I loved this book.
I love the banter between these two characters. The chemistry is off the charts. There are several twists and turns that the story takes that make things interesting. I loved this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved this book. I had been waiting for Javenia and Algenon's story. Their interactions in the previous books had already sparked my interest, and this book does justice to their love story. Their teasing interactions with each other made this a five star read for me.
I was given an ARC of the book, and all opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC of the book, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was the best in the series! It really brings all the other books together! Can’t recommend enough.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews