Did I pick up this book because of the beautiful cover? Yes, yes I did. I’m a total sucker for book cover click bait. It was a sweet story, if a tad anticlimactic (maybe could’ve used a bit more tension). But I appreciated the fact the characters acted maturely and it wasn’t all full of unwanted drama

I read this as an arc from netgalley. It was good, i loved the characters, their responses, and reactions felt real. It was fun to watch them live their lives and im excited to see what comes next.

Watching Louisa and Paul heal from their past, and learn and grow as they go through the humorous antics of the Matchmaking Mama's was a pure delight. This story has it all; love, frustration, anger, pride, joy, and healing.

A sweet proper (clean) Georgian romance. Set in 1821 Paul Sheldon is a barrister. He is the only child of wealthy landed (not titled) gentry but feels he must make a living on his own. He returns home to his family estate to learn that his mother has formed a new society which is a cover for their work as matchmaking mamas. To his horror he learns that he is their first subject. Louisa Cox is wealthy and tired of being sought after for her dowry. Her family is successful in business but with the passing of her parents she feels she must take matters into her own hands to avoid marriage to someone less scrupulous. Through a friend of her mothers she agrees to come and stay with Paul's family in hopes of a match. Nothing is arranged or forced but the matchmaking mamas are hopeful proximity will work.

I enjoyed the mama's and the both Paul and Louisa. But as happens with these stories there is a lot of mistaken intentions and miscommunications. The author includes a lot of people to follow; the mama's, his friend group, Louisa's brother and a couple potential suitors. I understand that this is setting up some future romance stories but it is still a lot. And I didn't totally understand Ian's influence over Paul. This is a light, wholesome romance and I will look for the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from NetGalley. The story follows the main characters Louisa and Paul as they the are set up by a group of Matchmaking mothers. Louisa wants to find a husband who is interested in more than her money, and Paul believes he is not ready for marriage yet. I loved everything in this story. The characters where fun and well developed. The plot was interesting and fast-paced. I really hope to read more from this series.

4 stars

Quite a gentle clean read. I thought the use of a friendhsip group called the Rebels seemed a bit childish. They are trying to thwart their mothers match making. Louisa is badly understood by the hero Paul. She's looking for a good man that's not going to spend all his mother. He's a penniless solicitor with monied relatives.
I never really got over Paul's standoffishness.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An enchanting tale of searching for what you think you need.
This is a wonderful book filled with characters you immediately relate to and want to understand. Not only are the main characters great but the minor, supporting characters make you want to get to know them better. I feel like I’ve just made a new group of friends that I can’t wait to visit again. Louisa is tired of men interested in her only for her dowry. She wants a man who doesn’t need her money but simply loves her. When she is approached by one of her deceased mother’s friends about a possible match, she agrees but only if the gentleman in question has no idea of her wealth. Paul is a successful barrister and also from a wealthy family. However, he wants to marry only after he has proven himself not only able to support his family by his work but has amassed a large some in savings. Unfortunately, Mrs. Hammond, one of his relatives is always in need and always “borrowing” his savings leaving him with just enough to survive on. When Louisa and Paul meet, they are both drawn to each other but there are problems in their path. Paul still does not have the savings he desires and Louisa senses that there are secrets he is keeping, including why he is so opposed to people touching him. Louisa also has secrets. Pain that no one notices or acknowledges except Paul. Is there any hope when challenges are as ominous as what they face? Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

I adore historical fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world/time period.

Exhausted by fortune hunters and a chance meeting with a matchmaking mother, Louisa finds herself in the country to see if she can make a match. Paul Sheldon doesn’t want any part of this scheme, but torn between conviction and societal politeness, he slowly gets to know her. Their story is one of overcoming obstacles in their past to make choices for their future. I recommend it!

This is a sweet story that has its amusing moments, but which I also found a bit slow and long.
When a confederacy of matchmaking mothers set their sights on Paul Sheldon, he and his friends prepare to do battle to retain their right to singleness. For Paul, the subject is complicated by an unhappy childhood and money problems. But his hand-picked future bride is already on the way to meet him. And once he gets to know her, he finds marriage a much more appealing idea than he ever imagined it could be. But, of course, he's a Wounded Soul Who Doesn't Feel Worthy... so there's a fair amount of emotionally going in circles until everybody can figure out that if they would just talk to each other, things would get better very quickly.
I tend to get impatient with these plot dynamics that hinge on nobly keeping secrets, which is why I found it rather long to get through. But the secret gang of matchmaking mothers was really quite humorous.

Anneka Walker's "Bargaining for the Barrister" is an enjoyable historical romance that is by turns lighthearted and poignant. A group of meddling, although well-meaning, mothers band together to steer their offspring's romantic futures. Said progeny, who have formed a league known as "The Rebels" are alerted to the plan and are determined to map their own destinies.

Unfailingly optimistic, Louisa Cox is a thoroughly likable heroine, and occasionally bumbling barrister Paul Sheldon set the amusing tone of this tale, although it takes a more serious turn later. The characters are well-drawn, and their banter is clever and witty. With the exception of Mrs. Hammond, all players are delightful.

This well-written and clean novel is the first installment of what will be a charming and diverting series. There is a plethora of characters who deserve their own stories. Personally, I am intrigued to see how Ian overcomes his pessimistic views.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this engaging novel.

This book was just perfect! I loved everything about it, the characters were sweet and I was engrossed with the story. Bargaining for the Barrister is the first book in Anneka R Walker’s Matchmaking Mama’s series. And it was a great start to this series! I can’t wait to read more!
I really liked the characters and the storyline! The mother’s matchmaking was so much fun, and they totally meddled. Louisa and Paul were wonderful characters who had me from the beginning. They were complex and so interesting to read about. I felt as if they had become my friends by the end of the book. It was sweet to read about Louisa and Paul interacting. They started off as friends and grew to more. I liked their connection and how they looked out for each other. I really liked Pual and Louisa interactions, they were both so witty and quick. The conversations in books are some of my favorite parts and their conversations were just so much fun to read.
Louisa was such a complex character. She was trying her best to be happy and yet she was weary. With the death of her parents, she carried a weight on her shoulder, she wanted to live life for her parents and she didn’t want to make things harder for her brother. I liked Louisa from the beginning. She was kind and thoughtful but she wasn’t a statue, she had a fire to her. It was fun to read about her quick wit and see her falling for Paul. She wasn’t naive but she chose to hope for the best. Life hadn’t always been kind to Louisa but she was up to the challenge.
Paul was also awesome! He was kind and considerate, but he had his own quirks. He didn’t always enjoy being around people and he didn't like to be touched. He was generous and thoughtful to a fault, but he truly cared about those around him. He had his own troubles to work through and it was fun to see him grow. Louisa worked past his walls and it was so cute. Paul had to learn how to let people in and learn that he didn’t have to do everything on his own.
I also adored the side characters. The matchmaking mamas were definitely stirring things up. Paul’s friends were also lovely, they all really added to the book! They totally need their own books. I liked how Louisa and her brother had a good relationship, they didn’t always agree but they still cared about each other. The families and friends in this book reminded me of my family and friends whom I love
All in all, this book was pretty amazing! I would totally recommend Bargaining for the Barrister! It is a clean historical romance with meddling mothers and a sweet romance. This is another win for Walker!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

What a sweet story. I really enjoyed reading about this love story. The background of a barrister was very interesting. I loved the hero and heroine of this story. Will definitely give it 5 ⭐️

This was a very emotional and angst filled story for the hero and heroine. The author did a good job of offsetting this with a good dose of humor. I enjoyed the journey and arc of change each had to go through. Though I did sympathize with Paul and his past of abuse and its resulting effects on his life. I really had to admire Louisa with her determination and ever present hope. I don’t know if I could have gone through so many rejections without giving up.

I really enjoyed the awkward situations like quickly hiding Louisa behind a screen when Ian comes and having to discuss her when she can hear.

This was a clean romance with kissing only. There was some reference to previous child abuse.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy. This review is based on my own thoughts of this book. Anneka Walker is a wonderful author.

Paul Sheldon has gone through a lot of things growing up, and he feels like he has to prove himself and earn his own way in life before even considering marriage.

"A man of intelligence could easily retain his fortune—unless, of course, he also possessed a charitable heart."

Louisa Cox has always been pursued for her dowry by fortune hunters. She believes that a match made by the Matchmaking Mamas would be best for her.

"This petite woman hid her spirit behind her sweet smiles and soft voice, but he knew better. Louisa Cox was a force strong enough to knock the sense from a man and make him question all his life choices."

Anneka Walker gives us complex characters with a lot of heart. Both the main characters are going through difficult struggles, but they face them in very different ways.

I loved that there were so many funny scenes in this book, but they were never over the top.

I loved all the Rebels, and I hope that every one of them gets to have their own story. I didn't want to leave these characters, and I'm glad we will get to see them again.

"A place of retreat was often not the ordinary or the convenient; it was whatever place brought peace and escape."

This book really was an emotional rollercoaster that I didn't want to put down. I highly recommend reading it!

Paul Sheldon is a barrister who has spent all his money being charitable to the disreputable Mrs Hammond and returns home to discover he’s the victim of a matchmaking scheme spearheaded by the matrons of the neighborhood, including his own mother. He doesn’t want to marry until he has a fortune, and he doesn’t see that happening any time soon.

Louisa is a “fake it til you feel it” person, pretending to be happy for the sake of those around her. She has a fortune from trade and is eager to move forward with her own life after the death of her parents. Her hope is to be set up with a man who has no knowledge of her fortune–a little unbelievable for Regency England.

The matchmakers in the neighborhood have brought Louisa for Paul. Unfortunately, Paul doesn’t know he’s being set up and Louisa thinks she has a good chance of her marriage being arranged. He dislikes being touched and is abrupt with her, but she’s determined, and trying to see the bright side of everything.

Paul’s childhood friends, the Rebels, take it upon themselves to prevent Paul from being manipulated, just as he begins to appreciate Louisa. It seems likely the other Rebels will all have their own books and be matched.

Paul is too reserved, Louisa too cheerful, Paul’s friend Ian too protective, and his parents too eager to see him married. There was a lot of telling rather than showing in the beginning and it took a while for everyone’s motivations and personalities to be shown.

We slowly learn Paul’s history of abuse and why he hates to touch people. He steadily grows and begins to heal over the course of the book. Louisa is intuitive and kind, and smart too. She’s too perfect and never shows the same growth as Paul experienced.

3.5 stars I received an ARC from NetGalley

BARGAINING FOR THE BARRISTER by ANNEKA R WALKER is a delightful historical romance novel which takes place in nineteenth century England. The story is well told and deals with such things as what makes up a family and the importance of belonging. It is altogether an enjoyable and worthwhile read and one I highly recommend.
Paul Sheldon, a London barrister, has run out of money because of feeling obliged to help the grasping Mts Hammond, and goes to his family’s country estate for a rest. Instead of going straight home he goes to see his best friend Ian, only for them both to overhear their mothers, with several of their friends, discussing their matchmaking plans. They, together with the rest of their friends who make up the Rebels, decide to stand together against this interference in their lives.
Louisa Cox, having lost her beloved parents a year ago, covers her grief and loneliness by putting on a happy face. She is thoughtful and kind, and agrees to Lady Kellen’s offer to find her a suitor so that her brother can get on with his own life. She is also tired of men who are only interested in her because of her dowry.
I like the author’s portrayal of the characters with their secrets and insecurities, largely due to what has happened in the past, and to see how they rub off on one another.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The young people in the village call themselves the Rebels, but they are no match for the Matchmaking Mama's! Mothers (and a few fathers) have joined forces under the guise of a new 'music club' to marry off their children. Mrs. Sheldon is first and wants her son Paul, a hard working barrister, to find love. She invites Miss Louisa Cox to stay. Louisa has lost both of her parents and is tired of being chased for her fortune. She wants to find a kind man with whom she can have an affectionate relationship. But Paul feels trapped by their machinations as well as from his abusive past. He doesn't like to be touched-how can he fall in love?

Both Paul and Louisa are struggling with past trauma and attempting to handle it different ways. Their romance is a sweet, slow burn as they both allow themselves to be vulnerable with the other. The Rebels (Paul's friend group) are particularly charming and I can't help but wonder who will be the next to be subjected to the Matchmaking mama's?

A lovely, emotional romance that is completely satisfying.

This book gave me SO many emotions- so many wonderful, heart-wrenching emotions. I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this book, but it was not at all what I had anticipated. It gave me the extremes of literally laughing out loud, and being on the verge of crying. The twists and turns throughout this story left me on-edge, hungrily diving into the next pages, needing to know what was going to happen next.
Louisa is a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful spirit. She strives to the light in every situation and inspires everyone around her.
Paul is a man with a broken spirit. He feels the need to prove himself, to attain an almost perfection. He has a good heart but he tends to push away anything that would bring happiness, feeling he doesn’t deserve it. Louisa is the perfect match for Paul, because he learns how to see the good, no matter how bleak the situation. Their relationship began with me laughing, and then weaved me through a maze of grief, anger, annoyance, swooning, back to eye-rolling, and so on… 😉 Their HEA was well fought for, and I enjoyed the journey to get there.
Anytime I read a book in less than a day, I know it was a keeper. 😊 I thoroughly enjoy the writing style of Anneka Walker and this book was no exception. I would absolutely recommend this book to all my friends, and look forward to reading this again.

#BargainingForTheBarrister #NetGalley

A book that gripped me from the first page. Louisa, has been summoned, to a country estate, to be matched with her future husband, a barrister.
The barrister, Paul Sheldon, has had a rough childhood, he doesn't like to be touched. The abuse has left him scarred.
With the scheming, of the matchmaking mama's, Paul and Lousia don't stand a chance.
A great book, that I stayed up way too late reading.