#bargainingforthebarrister #annekarwalker

This was such a fun story to read! Both characters are trying to avoid falling in love at all costs, but of course we all know that avoiding love isn't as easy as it sounds. Such a fun storyline, with lots of witty comments and romance sprinkled throughout.

What a fun sweet regency romance. The main characters, Paul and Louisa, are ambushed by the meddlesome matchmaking mamas. Louisa comes to Brookeside, thinking she will be making a match. Paul has no clue and no desire to marry. When he overhears the plans being made, he is determined to put a stop it it. The story just continues to become more complex and intriguing as you read. The mystery of who exactly Mrs.Hammond is? You will find out in due time. I loved getting to know the characters, they each have some deep emotional trials to work through. I also enjoyed the subcharacters that hopefully will appear in more books to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Louisa Cox, a merchant's daughter, a lady of fortune and a recent orphan willingly joins the scheming of the matchmaking mamas to stop her fortune hunter suitors. Little did she know, that the man, Paul Sheldon, they were matching her with is an unwilling participant and detest the idea of it all. But despite the scheming and misunderstandings, these two characters learned to trust, change and build a relationship from it.

I appreciate how much the author delicately tackle different kinds of grief (whether it's about death or not) and the change that comes with it. I like how genuine both the main characters were, especially with their struggles emotionally. Basically, the character development was well thought out.

Overall I’m giving this book a 2.75. Although I like how the main characters were written, I got a bit confused or sometimes awkward with the other supporting characters. I’ll recommend this book to those who like a bit of humor, depth of character and an intriguing romance.

**Warning: Mention of domestic or child abuse

Anneka Walker does it again. I enjoyed the book, it was a different idea and who doesn’t love an interfering mother?? Well okay that’s not true but it was still great!! The tension was good and I’d definitely recommend

This is Anneka Walker at her best. The characters were so well done. Each had their demons that they needed to overcome. The plot was unique, different than the other tropes we are used to. This is a enemies to lovers, but with so many twists and changes.

Louisa was lovely. She was inspiring and easy to cheer on. Paul was indignant, rightfully so. He fought so hard and his internal dialogue was a hilarious glimpse into his struggle between his heart and head. I sat down with this and kept reading until the wee hours because I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN!

I wanted to like this book so much, I kept trying to be more engaged, but the amount of times I wanted to put it down was not good. I know I am in the minority here, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I am a mood reader, so perhaps I just wasn't in a patient mood when reading.

Bottom line - it wasn't very interesting. 50% in and there was barely any attraction between the two MCs. The hero doesn't want to marry her, acts odd for his age in social situations (which is later explained by childhood trauma, but it still felt odd to me - he would go hot and cold several times in the span of a few minutes), and I wasn't invested in their relationship. It ended with a happy ending, of course, but I was more relieved things were at an end so I could move on to another book. Never a good sign. The writing style also felt a little heavy, almost too time period accurate.

One positive note - the author writes humor really well. Lots of funny moments had me laughing out loud - hence the 3 star rating.

This is the second book I have read by this author that didn't work out, so I will probably just pass on future books by her.

I enjoyed this book. It definitely had a unique storyline and endearing characters. I'm looking forward to more books in this series!

*Bargaining for the Barrister* is a historical fiction book. The matchmaking mamas was a little bit hilarious. Louisa is a very independent woman. She tries her best to be optimistic, and I’m glad she sees the value of not trying to be happy all the time because there is also such a thing as toxic positivity. *Paul had to overcome some fundamental issues that stemmed from abuse. He had some issues, but it was interesting he was aware of his problems.* I wanted to know more about some characters. However, I’m glad the author made an effort to raise some specific issues about the era.

Favorite Quote by Paul: *“I think they’d be proud of your strength and such a worthy desire. But when life mistreats you, I daresay they would want you to have a good cry now and then too.”*

Recommend this to anyone interested in pure maritime historical fiction. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**My rating: 2.5/5**

*Content Warning: Mention of Domestic Abuse*

Bargaining for the Barrister is a fantastic start to a new series that I absolutely loved and couldn’t put down! Anneka Walker is definitely an amazingly talented author whose characters aren’t the cookie-cutter Regency variety. They’re deep, heartfelt characters with unique challenges who are witty, sympathetic, and endearing. The story is so fun with a gaggle of matchmaking mamas simply trying to find the perfect match for their children. The sons and daughters dubbed “The Rebels” discover their mothers’ secret and vow to thwart their matchmaking machinations. What follows is a funny yet poignant attempt to secure a match for the first of hopefully all “The Rebels.”

You can’t help but love caring, sunny-dispositioned, beautiful yet strong Louisa. She’s determined to find happiness despite the loss of both parents. After suffering loneliness and unscrupulous suitors only after her dowry, she happily accepts an interesting proposal from her mother’s friend Lady Kellen. Louisa and her brother Logan travel to stay with the Sheldons hoping to secure a marriage match with their son Paul. Her first meeting with Paul is one of the best “meet cutes” I’ve read in a long time! It was hilarious! However, Paul is anything but a willing suitor. Despite their attraction and obvious chemistry, the match seems doomed to failure. Can Louisa help Paul overcome his past and fears enough to give love a chance?

Absolutely adored Paul! He’s a barrister only wanting to marry after making his fortune and even then he worries he may not be marriage material. Enduring a difficult childhood makes him avoid personal touch at all costs. The only one able to break through his barriers is Louisa. Yet, his deep reservations and even his best friend Ian threaten to keep him from truly opening himself up to the idea of marriage. The matchmaking mamas and Louisa certainly have their work cut out for them.

I loved all of Paul and Louisa’s interactions, especially the attic, the archery scene, the first kiss, and the pond scenes. This story will have you swooning, laughing, and perhaps shedding a few tears over these characters’ plights. I adored “the Rebel” friends with their fun nicknames and amazing meeting location. The matchmaking mamas were delightful too and always one step ahead. I already love this series and am eagerly anticipating Tom’s story. You do not want to miss this book! Highly recommend to everyone, but especially those who love clean, original Regency romance. I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.

Single ladies and bachelors, beware. No one can stand against the matchmaking mammas! This is truly sweet and humorous book that I really enjoyed. I liked that Louisa was cheerful and optimistic in light of all the difficult circumstances she has been through. She doesn’t ignore or deny those things, rather, she is genuine and chooses to be positive in spite of them. Paul is a seemingly complicated gentleman, but Louisa is intrigued and works to draw him out of resolution. There were hidden gems in here, like the Rebels, or the ladies Musical Society, that regularly brought a smile to my face. While there is instant chemistry, there is slow build that is paced appropriately for this story. I cheerfully recommend Bargaining for Barrister by Anneka R. Walker for those who enjoy clean, sweet, regency romances.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Highly recommend this five star worthy book! Not only is the cover beautiful but so is the story inside. You can't help but fall in love with the main characters Paul and Louisa and who wouldn't love the matchmaking mamas! Can these two find their happy ever after? You must read this book to find out, you won't be disappointed. Ms. Walker this book is a winner!

What a delightful read. The characters are refreshingly direct with realistic reactions to things. Every time Louisa was confused, hopeful, or suspicious, it made sense. When she was embarrassed, I felt strong second hand embarrassment too.

The characters were likeable. There was plenty of humor and sweetness. The problems/challenges and associated feelings were relatable. Thoroughly enjoyed.

The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the end- dragged on a bit with drama and long winded speeches.

This author just gets better and better. Can't wait for another!

A sweet historical romance with interesting, original characters, “Bargaining for the Barrister”, by Anneka R. Walker (Covenant Communications), features a hero determined to keep the heroine and almost everyone at arm’s length and a courageous, resolute and very authentic female lead.
I liked the characters and their personalities: the aloof, even unsympathetic (in the beginning) hero, the heroine’s candidness, courage and the way she faces adversity.
I also liked Paul’s initial resistance and the gradual surrender to Louisa’s simplicity.
The hero’s issues are interesting and unusual. I liked their slow unveiling.
I enjoyed the friendship and family ties, full of warmth, but thought some descriptions, particularly involving the secondary characters participation, were too expanded, making the story drag .

When this book started I thought it would be another of the same. But it was so clever, amusing, at times frustrating, but overall a sweet, clean read. I truly enjoyed the characters with their flaws, but the attempts to overcome and come out on top.

Louisa has been doing her best to find a mate, but all her prospects are after her dowry, not who she is as a person and it is exhausting. When given the chance to attempt an "arranged courtship", she jumps at the chance with high hopes and a determination to see it through. Paul hears about this arrangement behind a closed door and will do everything in his power to keep Louisa at arm's length. His past has crushed him and he is determined to sort out his own life before entangling it with another.

The story is great. I really did enjoy all the characters and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Walker!

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Walker does it again. I loved this delightful story that has set up the matchmakers series. I loved Paul's character. Especially since he wasn't the typical hero I'm used to seeing. He was quirky and awkward and didn't always know what to say and it was REAL. I know people like that. Lots of them. (No offense to the Paul's, Cause I love you) Would definitely recommend this read. It was hilarious to read about a group if people that know about the matchmaking and try to thwart it. It's a bummer this one just barely came out because I can't wait to read the next ones in the series and I am not good at waiting for something this good.

"Louisa Cox was a force strong enough to knock the sense from a man and make him question all his life choices."
This was a delightful Regency romance! Paul is a barrister, who is fighting a losing battle with his past. When he overhears his mom and other ladies discussing matchmaking plots for those in the community, starting with him, he reaffirms his promise to not get married until he's ready and to the woman of his choosing. Louisa is a woman who has suffered loss and has found herself in possession of a dowry, which seems to be the only reason men pay her their attention. When she is offered to be the subject of a match, with someone who is unaware of her fortune, she sees it as a blessing and moves forward in hope of what could be. Could she and Paul find a partner and a love in each other? Or will their past struggles taint their future?
I really enjoy Anneka R. Walker's regency romances. They are so well plotted and her characters are well developed. Louisa was my favorite character and she shone throughout the book! I loved her joy and determination, her forgiveness and strength. I also loved that she felt real and authentic in the way that she struggled. This is a regency romance you won't want to miss!

Top 5 of 2022! Love this trope and the idea of a meddling town of mothers. Everything doesn’t go as planned but wow does it turn it out better than imagined. Loved it!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

This was a nice twist on the usual Victorian romances. Yes, we have the typical strong-willed heroine. Yes, we have the usual gruff hero who has no interest in marriage. But both of these characters have depth, and shading, and their lives aren’t perfect. They are both overcoming past traumas, and they both have significant blindspots that have prevented them from finding happiness.

These depths lead to some interesting character development that I quite enjoyed. I have to say, I did guess Paul’s shameful secret.

I did have issues with the beginning of the book. First we’re talking about Paul. Then Louisa is going to visit the Sheldon’s. It took me a while to realize that Paul’s last name is Sheldon. I think that was an oversight on the author and editor’s part, and I hope it was cleared up on the final edit. There were also allusions to events in the past that sometimes made me feel as if this were the second in a series—it’s not.

Overall, though, the awkward meeting of our two lead characters was cute, and their banter was entertaining. It was a fun, quick read with the expected happy ending.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Childhood trauma, near blackmail, lying, skeevy suitors. The most heated this gets is kissing. A little bit of deception. Interfering mothers.
Who Might Like This Book:
Those who enjoy clean romance. Those who like characters who have something to overcome.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC.

This review also at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/03/fun-romance-that-has-depth.html

4.5* This story was fresh and unique! I appreciated Anneka Walker's character depth and how she portrayed the challenges they were overcoming. As this is the beginning of a series, we meet a group of characters and foundations are laid for further stories. I enjoyed the laugh out loud moments and poignant parts, relatable dilemmas and a sweet romance that develops over the course of the novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Matchmaking mamas, arranged marriages, a group of friends determined to go against the tide… oh yes, I super enjoyed this book!

Louisa Cox is single and in possession of a large dowry. As such she has received the attentions of many a fortune hunter. So when Lady Kellen tells her about a scheme for an arranged marriage with an upstanding gentleman, she eagerly agrees to go along with the plan. Wanting to meet him and get to know him without him realizing her purpose in being there.

Paul Sheldon is a hard working barrister with a secret… a past that doesn’t seem to let go. He has a hard time with showing affection and wants to earn his own way, refusing help from his parents. When he learns of an arranged marriage scheme for him, he is incredibly upset and determined to fight it with everything that he’s got.

Louisa and Paul finally meet and let’s just say it’s a very rocky start to a friendship 😂. So many unfortunate (but sometimes hilarious) moments! And while they do start to open up to each other and be more forthright, circumstances and past experiences get in the way. Preventing an easy transition into love between the two. But love does come about and by the end both characters have figured out exactly what they want and who they want to spend their lives with. With a decent amount of self healing for each in the bargain.

There were some many great scenes between Paul and Louisa! My favorites include the attic, Lady Kellen’s drawing room (how did Paul become so bold?!), the Pond/Elm Tree, and of course the Music Room. A bit more character chemistry coming out at each location! Loved it!

Now I can’t wait for more stories of the Rebels and their matchmaking mamas! Hold on Tom, you’re next!!!

I received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.