A Match of Wits by Jen Turano is the 5th book of the Ladies of Distinction series that revolve around the same group of characters since Ms. Turano's first book, Gentleman of Her Dreams, a novella (short novel available only as an e-book). Gentleman of Her a Dreams is more of a companion book to her first full novel (2nd book of the series), A Change of Fortune.  I loved A Change of Fortune. It was a great first novel that had me searching for more of her work, only to find out that she doesn't have any other books yet.  It was a long 7 months before I get to read her 3rd book, Most Peculiar Circumstances.  If you're already confused with all the titles of the series, scroll to the bottom of this post for a look of the full series' (to date) covers.  Now, it's been awhile since I read the previous books of the series, so let's get back to A Match of Wits. 

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

If you have not read the first 4 books of the series, no worries, this can act as a stand alone book to read. However, the characters in this book also appears in the first 4 books, and Ms. Turano does a marvelous job as a writer to allow me, as the reader to want to read about these characters in the other books (even though I already know who end up with whom).  To be honest, I missed the 4th book of the series, A Talent for Trouble. I'm not sure why, but it just passed my radar. Anyhow, I will be sure to go backwards a little and read that as well afterwards. (Update: purchased on Amazon).

Back to A Match of Wits, (sorry for sidetracking, yet again). So this book is about Agatha Watson, who by the way is my favorite character since the 2nd book (first full novel), A Change of Fortune, and her adventures. In the process, she came across her first and only love (unrequited though), Zayne Beckett, who by the way, is also a fave male character of mine from the first book, A Gentleman of My Dreams and A Change of Fortune. They are both stubborn and this story talks about how Zayne went through a traumatic event, and Agatha wants to save him. And to Zayne, Agatha is the one that needs saving. Each in their own way attempts to save the other, but their actions causes heartbreak. Are they meant to be, as others seem to think so, or can they no longer salvage what was broken?

As mentioned, Agatha was my favorite character, and her bantering and interactions with Zayne has always been a hoot from the first 3 books I've read. She's feisty, smart, independent, compassionate and just plain FUN.  Zayne was a gentleman with a great wit and his love and loyalty to his family sold me early on. However, I do not see that at all in this book. True, his character is written to have suffered a traumatic event, and that can change a person, but to change to a dim-witted idiot is too much for me. I did not like him here, not only because of the events, but his character is no longer the ladies' man that's charming and witty in many respects.  Agatha is still the feisty and independent heroine one expects in a novel and I believe she's the saving grace in this part of the series.

As to other characters, I love the interaction between her an her "bodyguard", Mr. Blackheart and banter between them is much more enjoyable than with Zayne's.  The pig, Matilda and Agatha's companion, Mrs. Swanson are also wonderful additions to this series. I hope there will be a 6th, and possibly final book of the series on these characters. And of course, my second favorite character/couple of the series, Eliza and Hamilton also added to the charm of this book. To me, the title isn't well chosen, because as I said, the "match of wits" falls short, if it was meant as between the two main characters, Agatha and Zayne.  Even though it is not the best book of the series, I do find the book funny and Ms. Turano's sense of humor is shown through most of the characters. Therefore, it was worth the read. I would recommend this series.

Ladies of Distinction Series by Jen Turano