I thought this was a fun book with great characters. I love the matchmaking mamas who know what is best for their children even when their children try to fit them. I loved the characters, especially Tom and his fun sense of humor. I loved the scraps he got into. I also loved how he showed Cassandra that he was a good guy even when she didn’t want to believe it. I liked how as Cassandra and Tom got to know each other they were able to help each other deal with things that they didn’t want to deal with from their past. I liked how they were a perfect match for each other. I loved the advice from the mamas and how that helped Cassandra and Tom in their courtship. I really enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

An excellent second installment in the Matchmaking Mamas series! I loved the chance to experience a new romance set against the backdrop of the same familiar characters (especially the cute meddlesome matchmaking mamas of Brookeside -- I really like these ladies!).

After becoming acquainted with Tom in the first book, it was a pleasure to get to know him further. He presents such a light, teasing facade, and it immediately makes one wonder if that is all there is to the man. Throughout the book -- beginning from Tom and Cassandra's awkward meeting at the ball -- Walker expertly pulls back layers to let us see more and more of Tom's character. His developing romance with Cassandra, his interactions with the Vail family, and the rebels' quests to better the world all show different facets of Tom. Walker balances showing Tom as a full person while steadily delivering on the humor and wit that is integral to both Tom's character and her writing. I enjoyed how we felt deeply along with the characters without the story ever feeling unnecessarily heavy. Walker clearly has a gift for this!

I loved Cassandra and her relationships with her family, particularly her sister Megan. The entire Vail family are wonderful and unique and so loving.

I wholeheartedly recommend An Uniwitting Alliance and intend to keep an eye out for all of Anneka Walker's future releases! Thank you to Netgalley, Anneka Walker, and Covenant Communications for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

Tom Harwood is a fun-loving bachelor who has no plans to marry anytime soon, but his parents have another idea. They betroth him to a woman whom he thinks he hasn’t met yet, but he actually has. Their first two meetings are very unique and Tom is instantly smitten by the beautiful Cassandra Vail. Unfortunately, he is determined to stay a bachelor for awhile longer and maybe one day choose his own wife. After a funny misunderstanding, Cassandra is offended by Tom’s behavior at their second meeting and hopes never to see him again. It is a huge surprise to both of them when they finally meet as a betrothed couple. Cassandra also wants to choose her own spouse and Tom is the last man she would consider to be her husband. As they spend time together Tom is becomes more fond of Cassie and her big family. Cassie sees that Tom has more to him than just his playful, sarcastic personality. Meanwhile we catch a glimpse of life in the old English workhouses. Tom tries to save a boy and his mother living in a cruel workhouse. There were some twists and turns I didn’t see coming, but the ending was great. The banter between the two MC’s is funny and their romance is sweet. I recommend this story.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

Little surprises, funny conversations, endearing.

Tom Harwood tries to help his friend Ian escape a woman by asking her to dance, but his color blindness causes him to mistakenly ask Cassandra instead. Their meet cute makes my list of favorites. Both feel an immediate attraction, but it quickly turns to distrust and hatred on her part due to misunderstanding his character.

Unlike many of his station, Tom has a good heart hidden behind his constant teasing and makes plans to reform a workhouse. Cassandra’s parents are expecting their 8th child and finances are tight, so they arrange a marriage for her to Tom even though she was an infant when they last met. Both Tom and Cassandra are opposed to the marriage, despite the attraction they feel, because they want to have a choice. In addition, there are the side stories of a little boy with a dying mother being mistreated in a workhouse and a mysterious string of thefts.

This is an enjoyable book to read and one I want to read again. I highly recommend it. Tom’s comments and Cassandra’s reactions often made me laugh and once my jaw actually dropped. It was also fun to briefly revisit Paul and Louisa from the previous book and their other Rebel friends, but this book can be read alone. I thought it was sweet the way Tom frequently talked out loud to Charley, his brother who died of consumption as a child. I look forward to more books in the series about the Matchmaking Mamas finding marriages for the other friends, but I would really love a book about Nancy, the Bengali nursemaid who was abandoned in England and then hired by Cassandra’s father. Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy to use for my review.

The synopsis to this story was what drew me in, and I was so happy with my choice. Anneka R. Walker is a first-time author for me, and this was a wonderful story. Although there is an earlier novel to kick off this series, it can be read as a standalone. You're introduced to a group of matchmaking mamas and young people each with opposite agendas but it's the wisdom of their elders that wins the day and brings happiness to two young people, perfect for each other.

Thomas and Cassandra are such a sweet couple, you will enjoy reading how they fall in love with each other along with witty banter, slow burn love and charming characters that will have you LOL and look forward with eager anticipation to the story as it unfolds. Tom has a sunny outlook on life, and helps Cassandra move away from her more serious personality.

Cassandra is quite stubborn and wants to process things and reach her own conclusions without being told what she should do. However, Tom's winning smile, charming personality and witty banter help Cassandra soften her firm stance and see things from a unique perspective. This is especially helpful when she confronts issues with a neighbour.

All in a wonderful, sweet story that will charm the socks off you and have you cheering for this oh so sweet couple.

A Matchmaker: one that arranges a match.
Especially: one who tries to bring two unmarried individuals together in an attempt to promote a marriage.

Yes, this series is about a group of matchmaking mamas who want what's best for their children. Their children see it as meddling. This is where the fun and humor start. Author Anneka Walker has a way of writing such wonderful and memorable scenes. There were many where I was LOL, even on a plane to visit family in Arizona.

An Unwitting Alliance is the story of Tom Harwood and Cassandra Vail. They meet by accident and find themselves betrothed against their will. Unfortunately at their first meeting, things go wrong and Cassie doesn't like Tom at all. With a very humorous letter, Cassie tries to dissuade Tom from the betrothal and staying at her family's home. Once "Teasing Tom" gets there, he realizes how untrue the contents of the letter are.

Some of my favorite things in the book include:

Misunderstanding at a ball
The above-mentioned letter
Cassandra's siblings
A basket full of kittens
The Rebels
Tom's good deeds & path to healing
Witty Dialogue
Slow-burn Romance
A long-awaited kiss

I loved how cute Tom and Cassandra are together. The chemistry is strong from the beginning. The journey for both Tom and Cassie is wonderfully told as they navigate an alliance between them, with The Rebels help. Little do they know where it would lead them.

This series is now one of my favorites and one that you should read. An Unwitting Alliance is a heart-felt, banter-filled romance that will delight you as much as it did me.

When Tom’s parents announce that they have arranged his marriage, he is determined to convince them to change their minds. If not that, he will get the young lady in question to change her mind. When he meets Cassandra, he discovers: 1. She is already against the marriage. 2. She’s the mysterious woman he met at a ball and accidentally embarrassed. 3. He really wanted to get to know her better!

Tom and Cassie enter an alliance to end this farce of a betrothal. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants to keep her. What’s a man to do?

This story was adorable! It was full of witty banter, nefarious characters, innocently scheming relatives, and an adorable romance.

While the second book in the series, this book can be read independently.

I am not sure how I missed the first in this series, but I did, and now I need to rectify that. An Unwitting Alliance is the second in Anneka R. Walker's Matchmaking Mamas series and is an absolute delight. I always love a marriage of convenience trope, and though this isn't quite that, it is fairly similar and gave me a lot of the same feelings that trope often does. Anytime you put two people together who think they don't belong together, only for the two of them to figure out that they absolutely do belong together, I am a happy reader. Now, excuse me while I go read the first in the series and then wait patiently for the third to release! 4 stars

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed an Unwitting alliance. It started out like most regency novels with an embarrassing misunderstanding and a forced engagement. However after that is when things were different and I started getting engaged in the novel. There were family dynamics (a lot of siblings), with banter and silly situations, and a side story about rescuing a family from a work house. I was very satisfied with the ending and look forward to the next in this series.
This book was clean. A few kisses. Definitely appropriate for at least 13+ if not younger.

Anneka Walker is at her absolute best in her latest book, An Unwitting Alliance. She was born to write Regency romance, and I thrill at the thought of the many hilarious and delightful books she will surely continue to write.

I’m pretty sure each new book has me proclaiming it my favorite, and watching a writer’s talent blossom and bloom has been magical. If you’re at all a fan of this genre, you have to get this author on your radar.

This is the second book in the matchmaking mamas series, where well-meaning parents nudge their reluctant sons to marriage. Those sons aren’t reluctant for long when they meet the perfect girl for them.

This tale centers around Tom and Cassie. Tom is so funny, just the kind of person we’d all love to hang out with, and his antics and big heart easily won me over. Cassie took awhile to succumb to his charm, but their happy ever after was satisfying and heartwarming as usual. I loved the subplot of helping the impoverished workhouse tenants and found the book uplifting and entertaining.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the arcs.

This is book two in the Matchmaking mamas series. The premise is quite similar to the first book. Two people being matched together without their consent. This type of trope always brings a good variety, to any book. I liked the characters, Cassie was quite strong-willed, and wanted to make things better and easier for her family. Her large family was fun and made great sub characters. Tom had a lot of emotional baggage and had decided that he should not marry nor produce any children. I enjoyed the witty banter and shenanigans that made for a light hearted mood. Which was needed because of the distressing topic of corrupt workhouses, and the people that were abused. It was encouraging to see the caring and determination that went into solving the deceit and corruption. There are quite a few twist turns made for an entertaining sweet read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cassandra needs to secure a match before returning home, and at the last ball she can attend she's thwarted from engaging with her suitor by a charming gentlemen who then turns their encounter into a mockery.

Upon her relief of being home again, she's told her parents have already planned an arranged marriage, which she detests and resolves to drive the mystery man away. This resolve is bolstered when the charming gentleman from the ball is revealed as her intended.

From enemy to ally the tables slowly begin to turn. He's too charming for his own good, considering he was opposed to marriage from the start, but who wants to be disliked, after all.

The matchmaking mamas strike again. It's an enjoyable series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!

I've been looking forward to reading this novel by Anneka Walker for so long. I'm so glad I finally got to read it! It was worth the wait.

I loved Tom in this book! He is the best of gentleman. And he's funny. I love the way he gives everyone he knows a nickname. His nicknames made me laugh. I love the way he meets his intended in the very first chapter. Not knowing she was his intended. And not even knowing her name. But he knows he will never be the same.

And that's even more true after he meets Cassandra and her family. The way Tom takes each of them into his life and heart was just the best.

Cassandra made me laugh to. When she finds out that she's going to be married to someone she never even met, she writes the most hilarious letter. You're going to need to read it for yourself. I loved Cassandra. She's the oldest of a very large family. I loved the way she takes care of each and every one of her siblings, as well as her mother.

There are so many parts of this book that made me laugh. This book is one of my favorite books I've read this year. You need to read it!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

I went into this book not reading the blurb for it. From what I gathered from other reviews, it seems to be a common theme. 😂

I actually do think that helped! I had no idea what to expect when opening this book but the first chapter was my favorite.

And I have to give credit to @melissasbookshelf for the quote because her review helped me pick it out of all the quotes going through my mind.

So this is the second book in the Matchmakers Series. I read Bargaining the Barrister what seems like a really long time ago, so I didn't remember it perfectly. That being said, I do think this can be read by itself, but would be better read together.

I love Cassie and Tom. There was so much humor and banter that really made this book an enjoyable one to read.

I also LOVE all the antics of this whole group. It makes this whole series so enjoyable and entertaining.

From Chapter 1 I was HOOKED. I think that was one of the best beginnings I have read this year, so that is super exciting. I was hooked through to the very last chapter.

Also, can I just say how incredible Anneka is? From her very first book, she has gained a squad of loyal readers because her books. She is also so sweet that it is fun to interact to her.

I am so excited for the next book in this series. They just keep getting better and better!

*I received an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts, views, and opinions are my own.

The Matchmaking Mamas strike again!

"Tom Harwood attended a ball for one reason alone--obligation." But that ball was the catalyst that changed everything. Tom has a very teasing and mischievous personality and when he finds himself betrothed to Cassandra, it's a fine asset to have as he navigates her shenanigans to get out of the arrangement.

In an effort to dissuade the first meeting, she pens a humorous letter that Tom takes to heart, as he sets out to help her achieve her wildest dreams in life. I was constantly smiling and laughing over the antics and situations, but glimmering through it all were two beloved things: a heartwarming tale of a young boy and a sweet, blossoming romance. This story was wonderful and I couldn't get enough of the importance of family, solid friendships, the desire to change conditions, and failed attempts at resisting love.

This is one of my favorite books of Walker's to date! Such a fun story, full of heart, swoon, and laughs.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril due to a workhouse situation/off page death/threat of miscarriage

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

This book was very entertaining! I hated putting it down once I started it.
It was well written. It had a lot of fun subplots as well which was fun. It had mystery and romance.
I loved the characters and thought the dialogue was great. I loved the little boy in the story- he was a great addition.
This book was clean and it had a happy ending!

I really do not have adequate words to describe how much I loved An Unwitting Alliance by Anneka R. Walker, but I am going to try anyways because I need to share my love for this book. This book had a perfect combination of laughter, flirtation, sadness, friendship, family, loyalty, hope, and love. I laughed out loud at parts, and I felt great sadness at parts too. I loved how Anneka blended these opposite emotions so smoothly throughout the book. The pacing was so good.

After an unfortunate and embarrassing meeting and dance at a ball, Cassandra Vail and Tom Harwood find their parents have arranged their marriage. Both Cassandra and Tom are appalled at the idea and immediately vow to find a way to end the engagement. As Cassandra and Tom get to know each other, their feelings toward each slowly change to love. The story that follows is so good.

Some of my favorite parts of this book were:
-Cassandra and Tom’s meet cute
-Cassandra and Tom’s first dance
-Lady Felcoft keeping Miss Smith’s true name a secret
-Cassandra’s letter to Tom
-Tom giving Cassandra the mobcap and kittens
-The Rebels
-The letters from the Matchmaking Mamas
-Tom’s nicknames for everyone
-Tom’s interactions with Cassandra’s brothers and sisters
-Tom sharing his plans for kissing his future wife
-Cassandra standing up for herself
-Tom and Cassandra’s first kiss
-Cassandra’s relationship with her mother
-the swoony kisses

The development of Cassandra and Tom’s relationship was so well done. I loved how their animosity toward each other quickly changed to friendship and attraction. Tom’s flirtation game was on point. It was so fun to read those scenes and see how Cassandra reacted to him. He was so good. I loved how they each grew and changed as their relationship progressed and changed. It was beautifully written.

An Unwitting Alliance is the second book in Anneka R. Walker’s Matchmaking Mamas series, but it can read as a standalone book. I haven’t read Bargaining for the Barrister yet, but I just bumped it higher on my TBR because I loved this book so much, and I want to read more about the Rebels.

Thank you to Anneka R. Walker, Covenant Communication, and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a fun and delightful romance. The incredibly humorous first meeting at the ball was great, as well as the witty banter throughout the rest of the story. Tom and Cassie are both genuine and deep, but they don't necessarily make themselves very vulnerable until later. Beautiful romance with an enemies to allies to lovers kind of vibe. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from Anneka R. Walker.

I sped through this book so fast!! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I was pulling it out at the dentist😂. Everything about this book was amazing. I loved Cassandra’s family and how Tom was accepted by them so well!! His relationship with her little sisters was so precious!!! It was so fun watching them fight the inevitable!! And their meetcute!! Both of them really. They were perfect!!! Tom was amazing and so romantic!!

I received an eARC from netgalley, all opinions are my own

What can you do when your attempt to secure a husband failed because of an irksome handsome man and you end up with a marriage contract that your parents have arranged without a word to you? An if the betrothed is none other than the vexing man that ruined your plans for a husband in the first place?
He only wanted to help a friend, offering for a dancing. But he not planned feeling attracted to her or even flirt or worse, offend her. But in a matter of minutes, everything went wrong, the beautiful woman gets mad with him and escape before he could give her a proper apology. Little he imagined that all this situation will lead him to an arranged marriage with a stranger.
When the couple meet again he realizes that her bride-to-be is no other than the gorgeous woman he offended and she is so shocked to know that his future husband is not a strange, is the man he detest. How this situation will unfold? Will they continue fighting the agreement their parents has done or will they overcome their differences and let their reluctant feelings to bloom?
I have enjoy this book so much! Anneka is a master in telling wonderful stories with a good sense of humor, witty banter and great characters. I recommend to pick up this book and the previous in this Matching mamas series.