I truly enjoyed reading this book by an author I have not yet experienced! I was impressed by the depth of her characters, and how well she built each of them up. I was not quite as impressed by how much of the book was dragged out and made considerably longer than it needed to be. It appeared like the author was trying to build up suspense in a couple of areas that felt too forced. It also made the the twists and turns too predictable. I rather enjoy books that have plot twists that are more unique and imaginative. This was the main reason for one lost star in my review.

I rather love historical fiction as my "go to" genre when I am seeking a "comfort read". This book did not disappoint! I enjoyed how much the author clearly invested in researching her material for her storyline. I fully intend to watch for more books by Ms. Barker!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I liked the main characters. They had good chemistry and were likeable.
Even though a happily ever after is expected, the author took a couple of events and characters in directions that surprised me.

This beautiful cover first caught my eye. It made me want to look inside. The novel opens in Hertfordshire, 1822 as Rebecca says to her horse Stella, it’s been a while since they’ve … “ ridden as far as the wind would take them. Then they were off They drank in the freedom and the exhilaration of the moment.” They sneak away to enjoy this freedom because this was not something a proper lady would do in public arena.

Rebecca Rowley finds herself struggling to keep all the rules required of her station in her family and that of society. Right from the get-go Rebecca runs into trouble, she must act fast. She hears something alarming, then sees a head bobbing up and down in the water. “Then a scream pierced the calm summer air. “I froze, my spine stiff as the scream faded into the wind. What on earth?” The cry came again, shrill and panicked, echoing through the trees like a ghostly wail. My head whipped to the left. It came from the lake.” She kicked Stella and off they went to save this young girl.

Unexpectedly this drowning girl brought them Nicholas and Rebecca together. They both agreed. She would be honest with Nicholas. She told him about her secret love. So why this inner struggle and dialogue Rebecca had with herself as she spent time with Nicholas Avery, he was her friend nothing more she told herself. Why didn’t she believe it?

I enjoyed Rebecca’s bluntness, it was funny and refreshing for woman of that time. I loved how the characters Lieutenant and Rebecca got to know each other through William’s sister. She was a feisty one who kept them alert and ready for anything that might happen. This is a fun get away and the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This was a lovely romantic story where you like both characters right from the start. They are flawed and have need for growth but they actually help each other. The relationship developed over time rather then all at once . Interest led to friendship and finally to romance. Just like what a good relationship should be. I enjoyed it throughly and look forward to more from this author.

Do you ever read a book where you are so stressed about the character that the book gets a little slow for you, not in a bad way, but because you just want them to figure it out and stop making a mess of things? Rebecca Rowley was that kind of character for me. She drove me bonkers at times and I just wanted to shake her and open her eyes to what was really in her heart. Such a great character (and writing).

Who I loved even more as the story progressed though was Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. Charming, strong, alert and totally skilled in the art of wooing a woman (need I say more) is the kind of man Lieutenant Avery is. Most people might not see him as so but a certain event that transpires at the beginning of the story throws Rebecca and Nicholas together in a way that allows her to see just how special he is. With the help of their delightful family members, horses and even a little marksmanship training, Rebecca and Nicholas' delightful story unfolds.

Joanna Barker nailed this story. She pulled together a story filled with the perfect amount of romantic tension, witty conversations, strong lead characters and complimenting side characters making it was thoroughly enjoyable to read. I loved this book and can't wait to read Joanna Barker's next book! Add this one to your library today!

This is a very enjoyable story. It is well written with well defined characters. Rebecca the main character is a bit naive and has flaws and these cause some problems in her life. Not being completely honest with her family and with herself puts her in a rather awkward position. She does not know how to tell her family she is engaged to someone her family would never approve of. Then she meets her near neighbor Nicholas and cannot believe she is so drawn to him. Also she can share things with him that she cannot bring herself to tell her family. I loved how the story developed, the character growth of Rebecca and even the secondary characters were so interesting. The story was also inspiring! A delightful romance with a perfect ending. …….. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What's a young lady to do when she finds herself attracted to a man her family would never approve of her marrying? Get secretly engaged of course! Rebecca Rowley is a spirited young lady who goes against the constraints of her time by riding without a groom, secretly riding bareback and keeping her engagement a secret from her family. She plans to break it to them in due time, after she and her betrothed, Edward Banbridge, find out why their families, who were once close associates, now despise each other.

How can you not love a book that starts off with a love letter? Who doesn't love a love letter? Anyone? Of course not! They're lovely, sweet and oh so swoony. Then we have a hilarious and embarrassing (for both parties) first meeting between our destined lovers. I could just picture Rebecca in full riding habit (including hat with a plume) in the water trying to save a young girl. Oh my! I loved how Rebecca quietly rebelled against the constraits put upon her--riding bareback and learning to shoot a pistol! My first thoughts of Rebecca's secret engagement were: "what a tangled web we weave, when we first we practice to deceive" and if the best laid plans can go awry, and this one was far from a 'best laid plan', then something is bound to go wrong, and of course it does in the most spectacular way. I thought it was funny that although she couldn't lie convincingly she thought she could hide her snooping about from her family. Although she can act rashly, Rebecca is also kind and genuinely loves her family, but she learns the hard way that honesty, although not always easy, is the best policy.

Now about Lieutenant Nicholas Avery! Be still my middle-aged heart. Nicholas is a Royal Navy man taking care of a much younger half-sister and has just moved to the property next to the Rowley's. He's been a sea so long he finds himself befuddled around Rebecca at their first meeting, which makes for some funny scenes. He's intrigued with this young woman who rides bareback. I enjoyed all Nicholas' interactions with Rebecca, but the scene that touched me the most was when he soothed his young sister after a nightmare. If that doesn't make you fall in love with him, I don't know what would.

I think this is my favorite book by Joanna Barker. This is a clean romance with just swoony kisses.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a very sweet Regency romance that had such great characters. I love it when the story leaves you with a satisfied sigh at the end and when I finished it at 11pm, there was a satisfied sigh. Rebecca Rowley was delightful and I was happy that she didn't settle because she was hasty the first time but I did think she could have come that her decision a tad earlier.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion,

A coming of age story that does a great job capturing how feelings change and develop as we grow. I loved Rebecca’s fiery personality and that she wants so much to free from the constraints placed upon her. Nicholas is the strong sort of hero you can’t but fall for and cheer on as Rebecca learns to love him too. The friendship to more is captivating and I could not put it down. The secondary characters add a nicely rounded storyline. Highly recommended for all fans of historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

The opening scene, with Rebecca Rowley riding free, astride on her horse — bareback, even — sets the stage for a young woman who is chafing at society's restrictions. We move from there to a rescue; Rebecca saves a young girl from drowning — and meets her brother, Nicholas Avery in the process. It establishes quickly the characters and the story never slows down from there. Yet both Rebecca and Nicholas have hidden depths, and it is especially enjoyable to watch Rebecca learn what real love. The author, smartly, doesn't make Rebecca's first love a cad, either. He is simply wrong for her, unlike Nicholas. She grows and becomes better with her true love, which is what we all should want from love. (I received an advance copy on NetGalley. Opinions mine.)

We loved this book so much!

I must admit that I didn’t immediately connect with Rebecca. Her flighty impulsive personality was not one I understand. However I can appreciate a well written character. Joanna is an expert at giving each of her character’s a unique voice. Rebecca’s personality jumped off the page and had you loving her in spite of her flaws.

Where William’s humor was light and teasing Nicholas’ is dry. Her characters are well rounded and varied. Even Edward was different than you would expect. It was a love triangle done well with an unexpected twist that we loved!

The story had slow building romantic tension and a delicious mystery without all the blown out of proportion drama. Joanna handled every part of the story so well the entire thing is an absolute delight to read.

Otherwise Engaged is an enjoyable read. Well written plot with believable characters. A good historical book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook.

Delightful. Cute. I fell in love with Joanna's love story in Otherwise Engaged. The characters are well written and three dimensional, but above all they were unique. I loved Rebecca's talents and spunk and how she didn't even realize she was falling for the man who was best for her. I won's say more because I might spoil it, worth the read.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley this is my honest opinion.

This book was as beautiful as it's cover. I loved it from start to finish. And I really liked the characters. I found them very relatable.

Otherwise Engaged is an enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed the evolving relationship between the main characters. Their rocky start captured my attention and keep me entertained through the end.

Joanna Barker's new book, Otherwise Engaged, is out and it is so good! I really enjoyed this one.

Rebecca Rowley is a quiet rebel to the society that has so many restrictions for women. She rides bareback and is secretly engaged! It's all so exciting---until she meets her new neighbor. Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. He has moved in next door with his half-sister and they both are quite vexing---and fascinating at the same time. Nicholas and Rebecca form a friendship, but she is soon drawn to him as more than a friend. But should she explore her feelings for Nicholas or go on with the man she's already---and maybe a bit hastily---promised her hand in marriage to?

I loved everything about this book. The descriptions, the characters, and the setting worked seamlessly together to highlight this tender tale of love. Nicholas is a sigh-worthy hero who has his faults, but is working so hard to do what he thinks is right---no matter what the cost. Rebecca is making all sorts of mistakes with her life, but finds a true friend in Nicholas. Their journey to love was such a page-turner for me. I really enjoyed seeing them find admirable traits in the other person and have their opinions change. The secondary cast was also well-drawn and added to the main story with all their foibles and perspectives. This one is definitely going on my keeper shelf!

If you are looking for a romantic escape to the beautiful English countryside, look no further!

Otherwise Engaged follows rebellious Rebecca Rowley as she attempts to hide her secret engagement from her family. Secluded in the countryside, she saves a young girl from drowning and meets her handsome brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery.

As the days goes on, Rebecca and Nicholas form a strong friendship. Rebecca struggles with holding onto the promise her engagement to one man, while falling for her new neighbor...

Hertfordshire - 1822

Rebecca Rowley, 20, lives with her brother William, his wife, and her mother. William now runs the family’s shipping business. Rebecca has just returned from Brighton where she met Edward Bainbridge. They hit it off instantly and now say they are secretly engaged. But there is a glitch. His father used to be in business with her father and something happened that broke the men apart. Now, both of them are hesitant to tell their families about their feelings for one another.

Rebecca is a very talented horsewoman and enjoys being able to ride bareback if she can sneak away without a groom. Today, she is racing through the area when she hears a scream. She sees a young child fighting to stay above water in a pond so she immediately jumps in and rescues her. Hearing an angry voice, a man demands to know what is happening. He introduces himself as Lieutenant Nicholas Avery and apologizes for his half-sister, Olivia, 11, who went into the water after being told not to. The young girl is sullen. She recently lost her parents and her half-brother is the only one to care for her. Nicholas has rented the nearby Linwood Hall which has been empty for several years. The next day, he and Olivia come by to apologize to her and her mother and he brings a lovely hat for Rebecca to replace the one she lost in the water. Although their first encounter was not a good one, they end the visit with a laugh.

As Rebecca and Nicholas get to know one another better, she likes how he understands and encourages her in the things she wants to learn and improve on. They soon become good friends. But, what about Edward? Is she ready to face her family and tell them about their engagement?

This is a nice, sweet, and clean Regency romance. I really liked Nicholas but got a bit aggravated with Rebecca at times. The story flows well but I did think that it dragged a bit in the beginning. All in all, it’s a nice book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the first full-length novel by Joanna Barker I’ve read, and I’ve seriously been missing out. This is a fantastic story! There were a few times I wished for Nicholas’ point of view as well as Rebecca’s, but Rebecca’s perspective is never lacking nor boring. This story is perfectly swoony and wonderfully entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading more from this wonderful author! 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set in Regency England and populated with endearing, colorful characters, Joanna Barker’s new book Otherwise Engaged is a true delight. I immediately loved the unconventional, slightly rebellious, adventuresome Rebecca, and Nicholas is a fabulous hero who doesn’t stifle her spirit. The two of them are such fun together. I enjoyed their witty banter and the way their relationship changed and grew.

This is a well-crafted story from a talented author. The gorgeous cover caught my eye and the premise sealed my interest. I was drawn immediately into the tale and kept turning the pages to the end. I’m looking forward to more books from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.