I couldn’t put this book down! I love matchmaking stories with forced proximity. Louisa comes to Rothbrier Hall to meet Paul. Only Paul is unsuspecting of a match. He’s a barrister and a poor one at that. His mother and best friend’s mother meddle into his affairs, believing it’s time he settle down.
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The meet cute was hilarious. Poor Paul and Louisa. It was a great metaphor for them 😂 Up and down, falling and flailing at times. 🥴
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I loved getting to know the side characters and the musical club 🎉 This book had dual POV, pasts full of grief, mourning, letting go and letting God (one of my favorite sayings), hope and faith, great chemistry and tension!
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I love all of Anneka’s books and I think this quickly became my favorite! It’s a great book to start off what will be a promising and entertaining series of more matches. Better call the Rebels and alert them of the news!
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I received an arc copy from the publisher and Net Galley. These are my own thoughts and opinions. This book released today! It’s beautiful cover and story definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.

Paul Sheldon is a barrister and loves his work. But he can't seem to save enough money to make his parents proud of him, or so he thinks. He is tall, handsome, an attorney, and seems very savvy.
Louisa Cox is a nice girl and unfortunately, her parents died about a year ago. She was left with a generous dowry. She was always fighting away the fortune hunters and she hated it. She did not want to be fooled by them.

I thought this was a confusing idea, He could not really make up his mind, but it is a sweet story. He did not want to marry and was afraid he might be taken in. The flow of words was smooth and equally gentle, and the characters were engaging and fun. I also enjoyed the banter between him, her, and his rebels club. They had grown up together and were remarkably close. She just hoped they would accept her if he did. The writing is marvelous and very entertaining.

I received this Arc from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Absolutely, positively fun! I could not put this one down and was hooked from the hilarious meet-cute!

These matchmaking mamas are taking their job seriously and the best part is they don't know their kids are onto them and their scheming! 😂 Love the "Rebels" and how much they fight against it but you know they are all going to fall in the end. 😊

Sheldon and Louisa were such dynamic characters and I thought the challenges they needed to overcome were so unique, especially for a regency, and the tension and chemistry were just 😍. (The attic scene was so perfect!)

If you enjoy sweet regency romance, you absolutely NEED to pick this one up. It is a fantastic beginning to what I anticipate being a must-read regency series. 5+ stars and someone get me the next book asap!!

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

Anneka Walker's new regency romance brings in some deep characters. Paul has a traumatic childhood and Louisa is trying to find a decent guy to marry that isn't just after her fortune. Their struggles are so real. The relationship progression feels natural throughout the story. There were so many moments that had me wanting to nudge them along a little bit. Anneka Walker creates immersive writing, helping me fall into the world and in love with her characters.

So, this book reminded me about all the things I loved about Rebecca Connolly’s London Spies Series & Spinster Chronicles, Kristi Ann Hunter’s intertwining series (again, about spies and friends), and of course Sarah M. Eden’s Jonquil/Lancaster/agents series.

Why? Not because there are spies, well, not the traditional sort, but because it follows a band of friends - the Rebels - who are up against a formidable enemy - Their Matchmaking Mamas. It’s so cute, and I cannot wait for more books in this series.

I totally bought this book for the COVER! I’ll by the REST for the awesome story unknown is inside (I mean, this one had an awesome story too, I just didn’t buy us based on that at first).

Here is what I Loved:
The Rebels
Meddlesome matchmaking mamas
The library kiss 💋 💋 🔥🔥
Both pond scenes 😘
Awkward house party guests
Discovering your true match


‼️Trigger warnings: childhood abuse (mental/emotional), loss of parents, some PTSD from past experiences

This sweet historical romance is all about matchmaking. We have a group of mamas wanting to marry off their children and the children banding together to stop it (calling themselves the Rebels). Louisa is tired of fortune hunters so she agrees to meet Paul. Marriage is far from Paul's mind. It is a very slow burn romance. They are friendly and share their feelings with each other. They both are overcoming traumas from their past. I really enjoyed the end when the walls came down and they were able to freely express their feelings and love for each other. The grief from their past and how they are dealing with it was beautifully written. I felt like the matchmaking mamas almost hurt the situation rather than help. Ian, Paul's friend, bugged me a little bit. He was so against Paul having any feelings for Louisa but then his heart was softened to the idea.

Bargaining for the Barrister is a pleasant tale of relationships and how interesting/difficult they can be. Our hero Paul appears to be suffering from a childhood trauma that is seriously affecting him as an adult. He has a group of childhood friends called the Rebels who protect/encourage each other. Louisa has recently lost her parents and is trying to find someone who wants her for herself, not her dowry. The sweet, little old ladies of Paul’s community, including his own mother, are self-styled matchmakers trying to bring Paul and Louisa together. What follows from Paul and Louisa’s initial meeting is laughable, entertaining and altogether endearing.

This is my first Anneka Walker book and I loved it. It is clean and light-hearted. I look forward to what is in store for the rest of the adorable secondary characters.

Paul Sheldon wants to make it on his own as a Barrister, rather than live off the allowance of his family. And he refuses to get married until he is well off. But money is hard to come by with some greedy relatives.
Louisa Cox just wants to find someone who will marry her, for her, and not her dowry.
Enter in some meddling mamas who just want to see their children settled and the matchmaking begins.
But Paul is a bit hesitant until he meets Louisa. He tries his hardest to not be aware of her, but he can’t resist her.
I absolutely loved this story. I laughed out loud and could not put this book down. There were some tender moments that made my throat tighten. I’m so grateful that I got a chance to read this and write this review. I cannot wait to read the rest of this new series. I highly recommend this book.

This Regency romance is absolutely ADORABLE!!!! One of my most favorites in the genre to date. I loved so much about it; I don't even know where to start with my review. The main characters are charming and relatable. Paul and Louisa both have a little bit of guardedness to them though Louisa is bravely trying to take her future into her own hands. Their meet cute is extremely memorable and I enjoyed their interactions so much, they constantly put a smile on my face and I found my cheeks hurting from grinning so much. There are plenty of swoony moments and so many quotable lines. I want to revisit this book just typing up my review.
The side characters are also fantastic in this novel. I am so excited that this book is kicking off a new Matchmaking Mammas series and look forward to the other Rebels meeting their matches as well as this delightful group of meddling mothers.
Wonderful clean romance that delivers all the feels, this book was a total hit for me and I HIGHLY recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When a group of matchmaking mothers get together to find mates for their offspring, barrister Paul Sheldon isn’t too concerned until he finds that he’s their first victim. It’s not that he’s against marrying, he just wants to have enough money to support a wife before he weds. Although he is the only child of a wealthy couple, he feels he should make his own way in the world, and he has some baggage from his past to overcome. Louisa Cox is looking for a man who wants her for herself and not her money.

Set in the English countryside in 1821, this story was a charming and delightful read. The characters were likeable, engaging, and interesting, and although there were quite a few of them, I found I could usually keep them straight. There were a couple of places that seemed a bit slow to me, but, on the whole, the story kept my interest, and I found myself rooting for Louisa and Paul. I’m looking forward to more stories about Paul’s Rebel friends.

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

I really enjoyed this book for a multitude of reasons; the main characters were good people but their humanity was present in their responses to trauma and grief, making them relatable and easy to understand. The author also dealt with issues that were prevalent during that time, including the restrictions women faced, wealth vs poverty, friendships, and overall societal structures. I’ve always enjoyed reading Anneka Walker and this book was no exception; looking forward to the next book in the series!

Some matchmaking mamas are on the loose and their first target is Paul Sheldon, a barrister who wants to make his own fortune and prove his worth before settling down. The would-be bride is recently orphaned Louisa Cox whose fortune comes from trade. She seeks the arrangement hoping that Paul will like her for herself, and remain unaware of her sizable dowry. They are supposed to get to know each other over a month and Paul is not supposed to know of the arrangement, but not surprisingly he does. His group of friends, 4 men and 2 women who all grew up together, pledge to help each other escape the matchmaking plans. Throughout the story Paul and Louisa both show some character growth, Paul more so due to his difficult childhood. There were many sweet moments and Louisa’s unfailing optimism definitely helped them along. It’s set up nicely for a series, and I assume all the friends will eventually meet their matches. I had some trouble keeping all the names straight when the friends were together but that could be because I was reading so fast to see what would happen next. It was a fun story with a serious side, too.

I received an eARC from the publisher Covenant Communications via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

I found the premise of this book to be a fun one as the "musical society" is really matchmaking mamas. Too funny.

I loved that Louisa worked so hard to be happy. And she learned truths from it. One, that if one pretends to be happy one can become happy. And two, sometimes it is okay to cry or not be happy. She is a wonderful example of finding the good in life.

Paul had to overcome some real issues that stemmed from abuse. His method of doing so was faulty but it was interesting to see that he was so aware of his problems. A real discussion with his parents would have been beneficial to him early on but he probably wasn't ready to hear it anyway.

I was confused in the beginning of the book as to why Paul had his mother as an adult but was in the care of someone else as a child. I kept thinking I had missed something important in my reading but going back to look I still couldn't find an explanation. Yet there is an explanation. We just don't get it until the end as that is the secret he is keeping from everyone. I kind of feel like the explanation could have come for the reader early on even if it was still a secret for all the characters. It just wasn't a big enough secret because I knew about Mrs. Hammonds existence from page 1. And I knew about her behavior both present and past. I just didn't understand why and for a good while it felt like a plot hole instead of a secret.

That being said, I still loved the book. I love matchmaker stories and enjoyed the overly ambitious and very unsubtle women of the musical society. And it was an interesting twist that the prospective bride was fully aware of the situation and had in fact agreed to it knowing that the prospective groom would be taken unawares. But not in the sense of she wanting to entrap him. She just wanted the relationship to grow naturally.

This was an enjoyable story and fun to read.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: reader is aware of previous domestic abuse

This matchmaking mamas regency novel is amazing! You guys, I could not stop reading it! I loved the mamas and their determination to marry off their single children. It was ingenious their idea to meet under the guise of a music club. Louisa and Paul’s story is one I will not likely forget! Interestingly enough, Paul was the one who had past problems to overcome. It felt real and raw, Walker did a fantastic job relating his struggles. Louisa also had some past problems to overcome but she had the best outlook on life. Her radiant smile and positive outlook beamed off of the pages. I loved the Rebels and the dome, man, everyone should have friends like the Rebels and a dome to go to when they need to get away! I cannot say enough about how good this book is! Run and get yourself a copy! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a truly beautiful story, a lot of feelings- frustration, impatience, love, contentment, humor. It has a very sweet ending and I am so glad that I read it. Paul and Louisa are a couple worth rooting for and, of course, who doesn't love the pure intentions of the matchmaking mama's. 😂

I loved this story so much! It was painful when life intruded and I had to keep putting it down. I wish I had the audiobook so I could listen while cooking, cleaning and driving. Louisa is a wonderful character. I loved her desire to be happy and find the good, but also her desire to find herself. She was so sweet and determined. I loved that about her. Paul was a stinker in the beginning and the mystery surrounding him drove me a little crazy, but it all made sense once it came to light. He really is a good man and trying so hard to do what he thinks is right. I enjoyed their story and the matchmaking mamas.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Mama knows best when it comes to our children. Paul Sheldon’s mom is determined for him to meet his perfect match with a little help from her and her friends!

The meet cute between Louisa and Paul was so funny that I had to laugh into my elbow so as not to wake up the household. I wanted to burst out laughing so I reread it later for the belly laugh I was so deprived of the first time. 🤣 Here are Paul’s thoughts afterwards, “And why was she smiling at him? He had practically mauled her. Realization dawned, and he momentarily squeezed his eyes shut. She was smiling because she thought him an idiot.”

I loved how strong and determined Louisa was about finding and choosing a husband herself. With each obstacle she faced, the loss of her parents, focusing on the good, and not letting rejection stop her, my opinion of her just kept growing. Her impulsivity made her all the more lovable.

Dear, dear, Paul. He had such a rough childhood that I could see why he was driven to prove himself and to not easily trust. I just wanted to hug him and tell him I was sorry. His mama really did know Louisa was best in loving him and helping him to heal.

With so many wonderful members of the Rebel society that Paul is a member of, the following books in this series are going to be sooo fun to read. I don’t know if I can wait. Can I read the next one now, pleeeze?

I was given an advanced reader copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What a fantastic and original story! [author:Anneka R. Walker|17271414] has written such a beautiful story about the struggles of finding love in the regency era. Not only did people have the limitations of marrying within their class, but also without a long period of time to court and get to know each other, to truly fall in love.
Enter a musical club of matchmaking mamas determined to help their children find happiness and marry for love. Oh, I loved how sneaky all the mothers were, meeting at different homes under the guise of a Music Club. They truly came up with some fun ways to get Paul and Louisa to spend time together.
Another little thing I really loved was Paul's backstory. Not many regency's touch on the more unusual family situations in society. There's of course the more common ones, but I loved the historic accuracy Paul's life added to this story. It always adds something when I feel like I learned something!

Now the romance. It's slow. Very very slow. But they just met, and Paul doesn't want to marry just yet. So the slowness, it was necessary and made the story more realistic, and in the end I was happy for it!
I really loved Paul and Louisa's characters. They weren't perfect, they were people that most of us could completely identify with. I loved that! So often characters have everything figured out by the time they're in their mid twenties. This felt more real!! They had their own personal struggles that were really well handled and I enjoyed seeing their growth throughout the story.

This series is promising to be sooo good! The next story will be Tom's. I cannot wait! He's a big mystery to pretty much everyone, and that is one of the absolute best characters to read about. I am so curious who the matchmaking mama's find for him!!
You need to read this book, its so much fun, and the series all together, it'll be so good!

Thankyou NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Content: clean
Romance: mild; kissing
Violence: mild; abusive parent from childhood (possible trigger- but not descriptive)
Language: none

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

An enjoyable read! Louisa and Paul are both loveable characters and I enjoyed watching them find themselves, together. They both had a bit of trauma to overcome, but the plot was still light enough to not read straight through. Louisa is such a strong MC and continually shows her bravery and selflessness throughout the book. I had a couple of moments where I lol’d at some of their antics, and a couple of moments that broke my heart. I’d love to see more from this author regarding the rest of the Rebels and their HEAs!

I've always enjoy d Anneka Walker's work, but this story is even more than I thought it would be! I absolutely adore Paul! His character arc is super interesting and amazing! Louisa is also delightful! You should definitely read this story because it touches on many subjects that aren't often written about during that era. I loved this story!