A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

Read First Chapter Excerpt Here

After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes, by hook or by crook, she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home... until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they'll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano was a sweet and fun novel that kept me laughing to the point of tears and had me pulling for the Agatha and Zayne. This novel is the fourth in the Ladies of Distinction series and while it would be possible to read this novel on its own, you would be missing out on a lot of interesting back story concerning the two main characters as well as the multitude of other characters that are mentioned. This novel even ties in with the novella, A Gentleman of Her Dreams, which is the prequel to the series and stars Charlotte St. John. The plot line of A Match of Wits centers around the antics of Agatha and Zayne, which have always been two of my favorite characters in the series. The story is interesting and moves at a quick pace. It also includes great moments of humor, sarcasm, and comic relief, especially between Agatha and Zayne as well as between Agatha and anyone. There are also more tender moments, which is nice to see because Agatha had never really shown much vulnerability in past novels. One thing that I did not really like about the plot was that at about three fourths through the book, the plot kind of gets hung up on Zayne's botched proposals, but then immediately jumps into a not very believable kidnapping. While I have enjoyed the larger than life nature of the characters and the danger, I thought a little more development of that part of the story would have been helpful. However, the fantastic interactions between Agatha and Zayne more than made up for this minor detail. They definitely have the best comments and actions between the two of them, and Zayne's clueless attitude is just great. I also liked how both characters had to learn to grow up a little bit and to begin to let go of pride and to trust one another and God with their lives. Both Agatha and Zayne had flaws that hindered their relationship until they began to work through their weaknesses. Piper, of course, stepped in and saved the day in her little wise way, which was great. Overall, I found A Match of Wits to be highly amusing and a fun summer read, and I look forward to seeing if there will be another novel in the series. I would love to see what happens to poor Jeffrey Murdock.

EDIT: I cannot believe I almost forgot to mention Matilda. Possibly the best and most intelligent pet ever. Who thought a pet pig could be so hilarious or get Agatha in even more trouble than she can herself? Definitely an excellent part of the story. She really is quite funny and even manages to save the day a few times.

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.