Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a regency era fiction. Main characters, Anne and Thomas, enter into a false engagement to stop another engagement of friends. The story was slow at first but picked up. The plot was very transparent throughout, Anne and Thomas fall in love during the time of their fake engagement. This story kind of reminded me of Eden Brooke but not as well written. Great clean read overall!

**I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My words and review are my own, as always.***

Glory, this was so much fun to read! I had to stop myself from racing through so I could enjoy the set up for each bit of dialogue and setting. The humor was spot on for me and the characters so enjoyably paired. I definitely felt like I was reading something similar to Julianne Donaldson's Edenbrooke, but the author's voice and story were distinct enough to stand strong on its own.

Anne Fletcher can ride a horse with the best of them. In fact she can do a lot of things a boy can. Her mother is disgusted with this. How is she to marry her daughter to a man of means if she is a tomboy and not a lady.
Anne has a different idea, hopefully one that will give her the best of both worlds.
Great book

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the banter and teasing between Anne and Thomas. I loved that Thomas could see morally wrong behavior and chose to attempt to right it. And I always enjoy a woman who is willing to be herself instead of molding into society's expectations. That is the best ever. And I love it when children stand up to their overbearing and horrible parents so that was awesome as well.

I didn't like the hot and cold from Thomas and wondered a little at some of the word choices for the way he looked at Anne. I don't think he is a creepy person but some verbiage sounded that way. I think it was supposed to be teasing but it was unclear to me. And though Anne was known for being unconventional, I really didn't believe she would choose to go visit a man in her night clothes even if she is covered in a coat. That was too much, even for her. An obvious disaster waiting to happen.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. It appears to be a debut novel and is well written.

Sex: Kisses, some passionate, sexual assault
Language: no
Violence: sexual assault - not too graphic

"An Engagement of Sorts" is a Regency romance. Unfortunately, the book wasn't what I expected from the description, and I didn't find it believable due to the inaccuracies. For example, an explosion that threw people away from a fireplace and toward the window also shattered the window, yet somehow the glass shards ended up all over the floor inside the room. A lot of odd things about that scene, like this bomb-like explosion occurred in a powder horn that her father was wearing, yet he didn't even suffer a flesh wound? Anyway.

Anne didn't defy convention so much as she was willfully ignorant of etiquette and propriety to a degree that just didn't seem believable. Granted, multiple times she deliberately tuned out what other people said then later realized it would've been good if she had listened to them. However, she seriously didn't seem to realize that there would be any problem with her wandering about a village at dawn in her nightgown and then demanding that the vicar allow her inside a room alone with him. Worse, he knew the possible consequences and didn't want to marry her, yet he let her in? All to create another scrape for her to get out of.

Anyway, Anne had an abusive family where everyone criticized her every behavior and called her silly and stupid, so she's drawn to the one man who loves her willful, bold, rude, and unpredictable behavior. She feels like every man ogles her bust or leers at her. The villain repeatedly tried to rape her, including in her own home (with plenty of people about) and in outdoor areas where he could be spotted. She's traumatized by these attacks and has nightmares, but the few people she tells either don't believe her or say that her behavior rather invites that sort of aggressive response. The whole story was about her trying to find someone who won't abuse her and will help her stop this villain from hurting other women.

I liked that the author tried to make complex characters, like a hero so disgusted with his father's behavior that he acted the exact opposite of him even though it didn't really achieve anything. But the numerous inaccuracies drained any realistic feel from the story. While I appreciated how the hero believed and supported Anne, he actually went too far with this by saying that she shouldn't change anything about herself. Is it really a good thing to discourage Anne from improving her flaws (like her temper and impulsiveness now that she finally realizes that actions have consequences)? Anyway, this was clearly not a story suited to me. While there was attempted rape, there were no sex scenes. There was no modern bad language.

Anne Fletcher is tired of her mother constantly trying to shape her into a woman she isn't. She is too loud and too outspoken and her mother wants her married. Anne is able to escape to London to avoid an arranged marriage and there she meets the flirtatious Mr. Thomas Paling. I found this book a fun easy read full of humor and wit but also some heavy topics. I liked that Anne was able to realize how strong she was and that she didn't need to change herself to make others happy. I think that is an important lesson for all young kids to learn. Again fun read and would recommend to anyone looking for a clean romance book
#AnEngagementofSorts #NetGalley

I am so pleased to have been able to read and review this debut novel by Alene Wecker. It was such a joy to read!

I always love a heroine who is a bit unconventional and does not appreciate being confined to the strictures of society. Anne Fletcher doesn't want to be married off to the town vicar (who is like a brother to her) and is given the opportunity to go to London to try to find a husband of her own choosing. Enter Mr. Thomas Paling who is charming and fun and completely intrigued by Anne although also completely uninterested in love and marriage. Through a series of events put into motion by her rejection of the vicar, Anne must save her dear friend from a man she knows to be completely without morals anyway she can. Together her and Thomas join forces to try to bring this man to justice.

Full of banter and chemistry, this debut novel completely won me over. I am so excited to find another great author that will be a solid go to for future reading.

“Well that was a wild ride.”
The first thing I said after I finished reading, “An Engagement of Sorts.”
Anne, in an attempt to escape an engagement with her childhood friend, must find a London man who will propose to her before her first and only season ends.

But when the heroine has no desire to get married and meets a man of a similar opinion, a rather convenient engagement (of sorts) is quickly reached.

I have to admit I really struggled with this book in the beginning. The heroine was unlikeable, and there didn’t seem to be a single character that she considered a friend. Her mother hated her, her father was indifferent, her sister was jealous, every man she met seemed to “ogle” her or fall in love with her, or worse.

In addition, there were suggestive comments that only served to further dampen my enjoyment. The first half just left me feeling somehow anxious and very confused.

Yet, the wit and humour was refreshing and the plot still intriguing enough that I stuck it out.
And a book that in the first half was promising to be a 2 ⭐ book and regrettable read, somehow took a turn so much for the better, that I can actually say I loved it?

Anne became less aggravating. Thomas was adorable. Scoundrel though he promised to be, he was charming, thoughtful, completely in love and had a heartrending backstory and quickly won my heart. Yet, the author sprinkled in phrases describing his actions as ‘predatory’ and his eyes ‘roving’ over her, etc...that I neither appreciated, nor found romantic. (However, I fault these on the author and not on Thomas, so he’s still golden in my eyes🥰)

The plot that I earlier found confusing started to make sense and characters that served as antagonists slowly redeemed themselves.

Also, there was the most adorable hug which it is no secret is my absolute weakness in romance books so that definitely helped. (Plis, that letter? Adorable😭🥰)

All in all, 3.6/5⭐ (rounded to 4) I truly disliked the first half and loved the second. Keep writing Alene Wecker, I just might keep reading😉

“I would not have believed I would ever see a gentleman of the ton ride sidesaddle before today. Let us assume you have managed to stretch the breadth of my imagination.”

TW: Attempted rape (not graphic)

There are a lot of books about dandies and fops, but this story has an interesting motivation for Thomas to act the way he does. I have not read a story with quite the same motivation or with the same truthful elements. I loved how Alene Wecker took people from her family history and created a story that stayed true to some of the facts. I thought that made the story very diverting and kept my interest. I loved Thomas because of his motivations. It was refreshing to see a man in the London marriage mart who had more motivations for not marrying than just it was limiting and unnecessary. He was fun and interesting. Anne was an interesting heroine. She never lost her spirit even though people constantly tried to mold her into the person they thought she should be.
This story is insightful and deals with some really horrible aspects of regency England. I knew of that aspect of that time period and it is horrible. This story deals with those issues considerately and delicately while also informing the reader.

For a debut author, it's a good effort. However, it failed to really draw me into the period, mostly because there were too many tropes and unfinished details. For example, 1) a mean mother, 2) a perfect younger sister that is barely in the book, 3) a distant/married older sister, 4) a best male friend who loves her, but treats her poorly, 5) multiple sexual assaults and not being believed, and 6) a fake engagement. Whew! Too many tropes to be in the book, so that's down to poor editing and not enough meat in the story.

I appreciate that Anne was supposed to be an unconventional character, however, she wasn't consistent in the role. Half the time she was a complete ninny and other times, she was highly entertaining. Most of the writing felt as if the author was struggling to stick to the time period instead of the present day.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I am definitely going to read this again. It reminded me of a Jane Austen book..This author really made me feel like I was transported back into the regency era. The love story was beautiful and it also had mystery with depth. Great book.

This book was such a delight! Books like this are the reason why I love historical romance. I haven't read the genre in a while, and it made me fall in love with it all over again. It was such a lovely, fun, lighthearted, sweet story. I read it in just a couple of hours and I only wish there was more of it.
It has amazing characters, amazing banter, a lovely story, and great writing that only invites you to keep reading, making it impossible to put down.
Please, Alene, this has to be a series! I'd love to read Charlotte's and Angel's stories!
If you like historical romance, this is a MUST READ!

This book turned out to be a bit of a historical fiction novel with less 'prim and proper' society than is usually written. Anne has an uninvolved father and a harridan mother ready to marry her off so she is somebody else's problem. Anne is given one chance to find a husband, and if she fails, she will return home from a London season and marry her mother's pick.

In London she meets Thomas Paling, a bit of a colorful dandy who flirts with everyone and plans to marry no one. They hit off a very fun friendship as they work together in a pretend engagement, trying to buy each other relief from family expectations. They also begin working together to solve a problem - how to save people they care about from Mr. Smith, a lowlife gentleman who threatens to cause problems all around.

Anne just may decide that the only way to save those she cares for is to go home and marry the vicar, instead of the man she is falling in love with.

Ohh I just l loved this story!!! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I loved seeing the world through Anne’s eyes. She was so spunky and quick witted and then her love interest was so charming. I loved every single one of their interactions and banter.
The plot line was entertaining and interesting with a few extra characters you like and others you hate.
I think this might be the author’s first book but I so look forward to reading more from her. Also, I hope we will get some more stories from other characters in this book. Although, not sure I could love anyone more than Anne and her man.

An Engagement of Sorts was a fun historical fiction read by Alene Wecker. I would say that the characters are different than your typical historical fiction novel- both Thomas and Anne are outspoken and more outlandish that would usually be polite or acceptable, but their chemistry. banter and battle of the wits was what made this story fun to read. Although this seems like a fun time period to live in, with gentlemen, manners, balls and gowns, this story highlighted some of the frustrations of living during this time as well, particularly for women. They were more-so considered property and were left with little say in their lives. They were probably also overlooked for the value and opinion of the males. That being said, I'm sure that the young women oftentimes thought and wanted to say the quirky things that Anne actually puts to words, but usually refrained to be polite. Anne is just bold enough to say what most people are probably thinking.
Thomas was equally bold and matched Anne perfectly, surprising her at evert turn. Sometimes it's hard to know if things bordered on funny or almost inappropriate. His flirting and veiled suggestions seemed a little out of character for him when he declared to be so opposite of his father, who is a rake. It seems like Thomas would take care to stray from a rake in every way. But he was a great hero, support and friend who stepped in to save the day.
It was enjoyable to see Anne's and Thomas's hearts changing, opening and accepting love into their lives. I wish Anne had made up her mind a little bit about her plans. She seemed to waiver so much about sacrificing hers and other's happiness to save others, when ultimately I'm glad she didn't have to. The villain is truly awful and evil and also highlights a real problem prevalent in that time period. The epilogue was delightful to read and I loved seeing Thomas and Anne happily settled and looking forward to a happily ever after.

AN ENGAGEMENT OF SORTS by ALENE WECKER is a delightfully witty Regency romance which takes place in 1812. The novel is reminiscent of Jane Austen in many ways.
We are taken with Anne Fletcher through the ballrooms, drawing rooms and liaisons that make up her experiences in London, where she is trying to escape her mother's expectations for her life. Anne has never managed to please her mother and feels unwanted. With her exuberant personality, she does not fit in to society with its rules and regulations. Thomas Paling, the dandy with the loud laugh and flamboyant waistcoats, is the only person who likes her for herself and enjoys her feisty behaviour.
There are also some serious matters that are brought up in the book which gives it more depth. It is altogether an enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book! I was completely captivated by these characters and loved this authors bold writing style! The humor was witty and ever present, yet the author was able to tackle some more serious subject matters without making the story heavy. Anne was the perfect kind of heroine! She was witty, unassuming, full of personality personality and easy to like! I love a flirtatious hero! Thomas was absolutely fabulous! There were several moments that I actually laughed out loud at the dialogue between these characters! The chemistry between these two was off the charts! This plot was easy to invest in and more unique than some of the regency novels I have read, which will make it stand out from the rest! I am a fast fan of this author! Such a strong debut! I can’t wait to read more!!!

I know I am in the minority here, but I did not love this book.

I was in the mood for some fun, romantic escapism, so when I was approved for this ARC from #netgalley I settled in to have a relaxing evening of reading. But I struggled with this book. I could not relate to the characters at all. I was not drawn into the story and was actually bored and found myself skimming.

There was nothing WRONG with this book - but there was nothing to excite me either. The story was interesting, but I just couldn't connect.

I found myself loving “A Spirited Engagement” from the very start. Anne’s story begins with the threat of an arranged marriage with her childhood friend, George. He (George) loves the idea of marrying Anne, but Anne can’t imagine life with him, and especially having to kiss him! Then Anne is given the rare opportunity of a season in London and a chance meeting with a hopeless flirt (Thomas) at her first dance of the season. I found Anne to be quick tongued and funny. Thomas, at first glance, appears to be a hopeless flirt . . . but there is much more to Thomas than meets the eye. And George, well, you will need to read this novel to discover if he and Anne can work out their differences and find any semblance of love.

The author (Arlene Wecker/first-time author) drew me quickly into Anne’s quagmire of a life by providing lots of spirited dialogue between various main characters. Can Anne find her way out of the hole’s she continually digs herself into? Can Thomas give himself the chance to care for someone despite the ghosts in his closet? And can Anne find ultimate happiness with either George or Thomas? This is a fun read for those who love lots of verbal banter between main characters. My only criticism of the novel is some of the words thrown in here and there pulled me out of the story in order to look them up to determine definitions and context. I give this book a resounding 4.5 stars! It is one I look forward to reading a 2nd time. This rating is not lightly given and is completely my own! A big thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for allowing me to read an ARC of this wonderful novel!

What a fun read for this debut novel of Alene Wecker! I loved the characters of Anne and Thomas because they were so unconventional for that time in history, but that’s what made them so interesting! Anne’s mother was horrid to her because she would not “conform” to what was expected, but that’s where Thomas came in as he relished her non-compliance. They both had many hurdles to overcome, a villain and society as a whole. Don’t miss this super fun and swoon worthy regency romance. I can’t wait to see more from Alene in the future!