This is a book I didn’t know I needed!
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a regency and this hit the spot. Anneka Walker is one of those authors that you know which ever book of hers you pick up is going to be good.
Something I loved about this book is the honesty. So often there is miscommunication between characters but I felt like with these characters everything was laid on the table. I loved how the matchmaking worked out and I loved the characters. My favorite part is the first chapter when Ian and Paul hear their mother’s music club. I am so happy I got to read this!
Feb 2022

Louisa Cox jumps at the chance to meet a man not after her fortune, so she agrees to let Lady Kellen find her a match in this matchmaking historical romance.

Paul Sheldon believes his mother's matchmaking scheme is a bunch of nonsense, and does everything in his power to stay away. He is pleasantly surprised when he meets Louisa, but can he open his heart to love when he holds onto secrets that tether him to the past?

A entertaining read with a promising premise, and likable characters. Louisa is instantly likable, with a bright personality and a determination to see it through. Paul is more hesitant, with reservations about his past.

Overall, it was a fun start to a new series, though the pace was slower in the middle bits. There was a full cast of likable characters, and a great setting. A likable clean historical romance.

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

I loved this book! I have to admit, I was deep in my Briderton phase when I read this book last year, and I enjoyed every second of it. I'll definitely recommend this to all customers who are looking for something similar!

If you are needing to read a good romance without bedroom scenes, this is a great read! I enjoyed the story very much. I look forward to reading more from this author. She did a great job!

Oh, how I love these Matchmaking Mamas who use their music club to hide their secret society! They are so funny, and they have very good intentions, but you can imagine the problems that occur while they're trying to make successful matches. Bargaining for the Bannister is a delightful romance set in 1821 England, and author Anneka R. Walker perfectly captures the English culture and customs of that time and place. Paul and Louisa share a powerful chemistry, but this is a clean Regency romance, so marriage should certainly be the next step! Can they get past the secrets they carry, and allow love to win?

Bargaining for the Barrister is the first book in the Matchmaking Mamas series, and I look forward to seeing who their next target is. Do yourself a favor and read this fun and entertaining Regency romance.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Romance, sweet, period; possible series
Sweet fall as Louise is looking for a suitor who won't want her for her dowry! Paul Sheldon, a barrister, fits her idea of a worthy match, and she travels to see if her dowry and demeanor will facilitate a match.
Told from alternating points of view, it is a sweet fall for both of them. Paul is trying to escape the machinations of his mother, and try to avoid a match altogether, but as they are thrown together, and Louise is brought into his circle of friends, his heart softens and he is drawn into her sincerity, genuine good nature, and lovely demeanor and appearance. A sweet fall, and a perfect HEA. Lovely setting, nicely drawn characters, and an overall lovely read.

Matchmaking is definitely not a new story line in this type of fiction. It is, however, unusual to have one of the main characters not only know he is in the crosshairs, so to speak, but also to team up with the very person the matchmaking mamas are trying to hook him up with. It was quite the entertaining story.

Oh, those Matchmaking Mamas! They have their sights set on Paul. He and Louisa are a great couple. The book also has a great group of friends called The Rebels who are on to the Mamas. What a fun premise and what a fun book! This had better be a series!

I was blown away by this book. It was so well done I couldn’t put it down. I loved everything about it
I did feel like it was a little bit of a slow start, but that meet cute was so fun it pulled me right in. I loved that she had the woman doing the chasing. It felt fresh and unique without feeling pushy.
I really adored the characters. Neither of them had particularly big flaws, but they were just quirky enough to lead to some great story telling. I was impressed with the attentive way she built her characters. They were consistent, yet complex. Louisa’s open manner and the personality she created for Paul melded the two of them so well. They were both broken and blessed in different ways and she made them whole together. It was a stunning and genuine love story.
I am completely and one hundred percent on board with this series and can’t wait to see who we get to read about next!

A pure delight! Loved the banter and romance, and the matchmaking mothers made me laugh. Looking forward to the next in the series!

Bargaining with the Barrister is a cute romance between reluctant bachelor Paul and eager to be married Louisa. As Paul realizes he has found his perfect match in Louisa, he has to reconsider his position on this marriage match set up by his mother.
The book was not something I found to be particularly spectacular, but I think it’s just not to my taste. Overall, it is a cute book with a fun little scheme.

I want to know more about the Rebel group and I hope this becomes a series.

Paul's mother and her friend, Lady Kellen, were determined to do some matchmaking and Paul was in their sights. He needed to find a wife and they were going to help him achieve that goal, even if that wasn't his goal.

Louisa was tired of the fortune hunters that were constantly pursuing her for her dowry. She wanted to find true love so when she is invited by Lady Kellen to come for a visit, she accepts to get away. She is hopeful that Paul might be the man she had longed for. She finds out pretty quickly that Paul doesn't really want to marry and he certainly didn't want to be part of a matchmaking scheme. The more time he spends with Louisa, though, the more his guard becomes to lower.

This is a wonderful story of friendship, discovery of one's worth and finding your soulmate. I was sad when the story was over and I wanted more. This is a sweet, clean, wholesome story that draws you in and you come along for the ride and feel like a character in the story.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! The slow burn romance combined with the character’s growth was exactly what I wanted from this story. Dialogue laced with wit and characters with depth added so much to this unique plot! There was humor and lightness but also moments that made you ache for what these characters had overcome! Also, such romantic chemistry! The group of friends called the Rebels were an absolute delight as well! So looking forward to more books featuring the rest of these friends as the matchmaking mamas pursue love for each of the characters!

This story by Anneka R. Walker is beautifully written. Brookeside’s mothers start a musical club as a cover for their matchmaking schemes, but two of their children overhear their first meeting and work to stop their plans. I loved these characters! Paul is a barrister and is fighting a battle with his past. I loved Louisa’s joy and positivity even though she is mourning the passing of her parents. Their first meeting had me laughing out loud. Paul is determined not to marry, but Louisa is breaking past his barriers. They start to learn to trust each other and become friends, and perhaps something more. I really loved watching how Louisa helps move Paul towards healing from his past and how he also helps her know that it’s okay to cry sometimes. This book is at the top of my favorites list! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I enjoyed this twist on the regency romance where the heroine takes matters into her own hands and tries to arrange a marriage for herself. Meanwhile, the hero is aware of his own matchmaking mother and decides to thwart her. Ms. Walker wove a wonderful story where the two characters grow together and separately. I loved the supporting cast of characters and hope their stories will be told in the future.

I thoroughly loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed the build of the characters and relationship. I definitely recommend it.

Bargaining for the Barrister opens up what is going to be such a fun series to read from Anneka Walker. To kick it off she starts with Paul and Louisa's story and it is such a heartfelt, lovely story that keeps you invested from the first page.

When the new music club decides to take the hearts of the next generation into their own hands Paul is their first target. The Rebels aren't about to let that happen to one of their members. What follows shows what true friendship, family and community mean to them all, but especially for Paul and Louisa who are just trying to get through life without making a mess of things.

Get those two together though and messes seem to happen; those instances are going to make you laugh, cry, and melt your heart all at once. Paul and Louisa's story digs into grief, abuse, family, friendship and so much more. As they go through the motions of feeling all that comes with these topics something beautiful forms and without spoiling the end I just have to say it is a BEAUTIFUL ending. If you are looking for a love story pick this one up! Loved ever minute of reading it and I can't wait to see what is in store next for the Rebels.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.

What a darling premise for a new series. The Matchmaker Mamas are in town and ready to bring romance to their adult children. I must also mention, I have such cover love for this book. It is absolutely beautiful!

At first, this novel may seem light, funny, and fluffy. You know the premise of matchmaking is guaranteed to deliver on that. As the story goes on though, many things are brought up that contribute to our main characters not forming an attachment. I believe the author wrote wonderfully about past traumas Paul and Louisa suffered. It was a beautiful thing to watch Paul and Louisa trying to not grow closer and by doing so did just the opposite and helped each other in the healing process.

There are many great side characters that are friends of Paul and of course, their moms are in the mix of the Matchmakers. I'm excited to read their stories in upcoming books in the series.

The romance is very believable in Bargaining For The Barrister and I truly loved both Paul and Louisa. Readers will cheer both of them on as they start to fall in love. I know I did. Some of the best moments in the book had to do with an attic, bushes, and of course the lake. You'll understand completely when you read this novel. There is a perfect mix of romance, humor, and dealing with life troubles. This book is another winner from Anneka Walker that you need to read.

Louisa lost her parents in a carriage accident. They didn't die at the same time. Her mother did die actually in the accident, and then her father died several days later from injuries sustained in the accident. Her brother has taken over the responsibility of her father's business (a factory if I remember correctly). He has been very busy, and Louisa desires to remove the burden of taking care of her from him. Plus, she has been very lonely. It isn't as though she's had no suitors, but the ones who have come around are only interested in her fortune. Louisa takes matters into her own hands. She conspires with an old friend of her mother's to make an arranged match. She will travel to his family home at the request of his mother and will give him a month to see if the two will fit well together. Louisa strives her very best to put on a brave and happy face, and I loved that about her.

Despite being set to inherit enough so that he need not work, Paul is determined to make his own way. He's studied law and become a barrister. And he finds that he enjoys the work. But his mother thinks it's past time for him to marry. He also has a compassionate heart that can get him into trouble--financial trouble anyway. Paul reminds me so much of my dad. My Dad has always been willing to give his last dime to someone in need at the expense of himself. Paul does this a little begrudgingly. At least he's happy to help some children but resents the parents for putting him in the position. Paul doesn't feel he can marry until he is financially stable. He's seen too well what happens when people marry before being stable.

Seeing Paul and Louisa's feelings was easy as day. These two were a cinch to read. But I felt so bad for Louisa. One can only endure so much rejection and she continued down her course of action much longer than most, I believe. Ultimately, I enjoyed the journey even if I did feel sympathy for Louisa.

I'm hoping this is turned into a series so that we can read the side characters getting set up by some match-making mamas.

Favorite quotes:
-If this charitable side of him was a virtue, it was also his greatest weakness.

-"But a person never realizes how close heaven is until they lose someone."

-"I don't like how I feel right now. After striving so hard, I cannot feel proud of my decisions." "In my experience, we all reach that conclusion now and then in our lives. It's a horrid state of emotion. What do you propose to do?"

-"He would not want you to pretend away your hurt but to use it to sympathize with others and lift them as you have me."

Bargaining for the Barrister was a fun read that hit my mood to a tee. I enjoyed Paul and Louisa's journey even though my heart hurt for Louisa. I was proud of her perseverance. I would love to see this turned into a series that follows the side characters. Bargaining for the Barrister gets 4 Stars. Have you read Bargaining for the Barrister? What did you think? Let me know!

4.5 stars
So many delightful things to say about this book!
*Love the world the author created and the setup for future books.
*Awkward moments that made me smile, laugh, and/or cringe - I was feeling all of it right along side the two main characters
*sweet and swoony kisses
*internal conflict for the main characters that pulled me in
*meddling matchmaking mamas!
*the Rebels

It's a bit of a chaotic ride and over the top at times, but it is a delightful tale with beautiful themes about family, friendship and love. I highly recommend this book.

Content disclaimer: child abuse mentioned