When Cassandra Vail realises that she must marry to save her family, she attends the Kellens’ ball with the intent of securing a proposal. Instead, she finds her best-laid plans thwarted by the handsome and thoroughly vexing Mr. Harwood. Tom Harwood is mortified when discovers that his attempt to deter Cassandra and prevent her from pursuing his friend, was a mistake. Instead of stopping the supposed Miss Smith and stopping the plot of the Matchmaking Mamas, he flirted with Cassandra and ended up being captivated by her. In a Cinderella like moment, Cassandra flees the ball. When Tom and Cassandra end up meeting again, it is to find that they have become betrothed, to each other. Tom and Cassandra’s parents have known each other since Cassandra was born and have feel that their union, will be successful. Yet Tom and Cassandra are not quite sure on the matter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance as the couple go from first meeting and realising that there is a spark between them, to finding themselves betrothed. As they struggle to get to know each other, their chemistry is subtle but obvious. Tom does all he can to win over Cassandra, and his disbelief that she is not instantaneously won over by his smile, throws him. I loved Cassandra’s ability to bring Tom down to earth, but at the risk to her own heart. A sweet romance that had me smiling throughout.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really, really enjoyed this book!! The set up was just the right amount of dramatic, and really had me diving in! The children in this book were so fun, and that moment in the hall with a certain child was allllll the feels. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

I am not sure that I've read a book where I felt like two characters were as well suited to one another as Cassie and Tom. They balance one another in a beautiful way and I am here for all of it.
If you like arranged marriages, meddlesome mamas, forced proximity, opposites attract, big families, cats, teasing- such good, butterfly inducing teasing, sweet romances, funny - I laughed out loud multiple times, and a romance that has more than just romance, you've gotta read this book.

I absolutely love this authors writing! This book was such a delight! Lighthearted romance, humor, and charming characters! I’m all for a slow building romance! The beginning of this book drew me into its lighthearted plot and sprinkles of witty humor. Tom and Cassandra’s meet cute was humorous and entertaining and I was anxious to see where their story would lead. I loved that these characters were on equal footing when it came to ending their engagement, it definitely made things easier for them to manage. Their relationship was sweet and perfectly suited for their characters. This series is just so much fun!

Those matchmaking mamas are at it again! This time Tom Harwood is who they decide needs a wife. When he and Cassandra are forced into an engagement, things really get crazy since neither of them want to be married, and certainly not when it is forced upon them. At first, sparks fly because they are unhappy with their situation, but later sparks of another type fly between Cassie and Tom. :)

Things I loved:
The extremely awkward first meeting
Humor throughout the story
The words of advice from the Matchmaking Mamas
The amazing and caring Rebels
Cassie’s spinster costume
Cassie’s lively family
Tom’s declaration of love

I highly recommend reading this book if you like historical romantic comedies. While it can be read as a standalone, you’ll want to read the first book to fully appreciate what Tom and the rest of the Rebels are facing with their mamas.

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

'Miss Smith was as fiery as she was beautiful, it seemed--a combination he would find most attractive were he looking...which he was not.'

Awwww, the never say never trope. One of my favorites because you always know that "never going to happen scenario" is gonna happen!

This book is my new favorite from this author! So well done and SOOOOO entertaining.

These 'Matchmaking Mamas' are at it again and they are better than ever. I loved the arranged marriage + forced proximity for these two stubborn characters. The charismatic male main character is adorable and will have you laughing at almost every turn of the page! Cassie is goodness personified...a little stubborn, but good to her core. I loved her relationships with her siblings and her quick wit.

Tom and Cassie are a match made in literary heaven....even if it takes them forever to realize it!

"You know, she doesn't like me at all. How is that possible? Most everyone likes me. This situation would be far easier to deal with if she would cooperate."
...
'How was he ever going to convince her to work with him rather than against him? They had a betrothal to end and not a lot of time in which to do it.'

Yes, friends. This book so good in all of the ways! It's bright and entertaining while still having tender moments that endear these characters to you and have you cheering for them throughout.

The ending is perfection. A million stars for that alone!! I cannot recommend this one enough. Anneka Walker has truly outdone herself with this story and you all need to read and experience it for yourselves!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content/Trigger: loss of a loved one, matchmaking mamas, arranged marriage, forced proximity, deplorable workhouse conditions mentioned, friendships, happy family relationships, kisses, fantastic banter, stubborn main characters, witty and romantic.

Anneka is one of the best story tellers ever! Her talent for mingling drama and humor together is second to none and I can always ensure a good laugh when reading any of her books! This story is first rate and I'm proud to be able to read it.

I received an ARC copy of An Unwitting Alliance from NetGalley through the publisher Covenant Communications. My review and opinions are my own.

“When it comes to Matchmaking Mamas, Miss Vail, never let your guard down.” I absolutely adored everything about this story! This may be my favorite Anneka Walker book ever and definitely a new favorite hero! From Tom’s and Cassandra’s first meeting, I knew reading An Unwitting Alliance was going to be pure enjoyment. Those delightful matchmaking mamas have met their match with these two. With a heartfelt romance, delicious witty banter, engaging characters, sizzling chemistry, and a little help from the Rebels, Ms. Walker weaves an enchanting story that I found myself easily devouring.

After their disastrous first meeting at a ball which involves mistaking green for red, Tom Harwood and Cassandra Vail are surprised to learn they’ve both been betrothed by their parents. What they don’t realize yet, is that it’s to each other. After receiving a hilarious letter from his supposed betrothed, Tom journeys to Cassandra’s home to see if they can end the betrothal. Cassandra is shocked to learn that the vexing man who thwarted her plans is now her betrothed. As they both seek ways to end it, they soon find themselves becoming allies and falling in love. But Tom is unsure of marriage and family, and Cassandra is as stubborn as ever to trust and open her heart, will this matchmaking mamas’ plan be doomed to failure?

Tom is a charming tease who can’t help but make you smile. Like Cassandra, I found my heart melting at his antics and yet underneath it all is a tender heart who’s still hurting from the loss of his brother. His handsome features, clever nicknames, sunny disposition, and a fierce desire to help the downtrodden make him irresistible. When seeming overwhelming responsibilities are asked of him by Cassie’s father, he rises to the occasion and soon has all the Vail siblings wrapped around his finger. I loved how he wants to help better conditions in the workhouses and the way he cares for the little boy Alan whose mother is sick.

Cassandra, dubbed Cassie by Tom, is a force to be reckoned with. She’s stubborn and doesn’t like to be forced into things. Little by little Tom worms his way into her affections and she has to decide if she’ll let him in. I loved the way Tom helped her see things in a new light. When she has trouble with a neighbor, she carefully listens to Tom’s advice and in turn helps him to see his problems in a new way. They’re both perfect for each other and I loved watching their romance play out.

Some of my favorite things were: the kittens, Tom’s disguise, Cassandra’s letter, the Matchmaking Mamas’ letters of advice, the Rebels’ deep friendships, Cassie’s shed, stories in the hay, all the cute nicknames Tom has for everyone, the first tender moments with Pumpkin, and that first kiss!

Definitely a must read! This series is quickly becoming a favorite and I can’t wait for the next Matchmaking Mamas adventure. Though it’s the second book in the series, it can be read as an standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the first book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher and author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

"An Unwitting Alliance" is a romance set in 1821 in England. I suppose I should have skipped this one as I have trouble accepting the premise that two sets of loving parents would force their children into a marriage with someone they don't know and plan a hasty marriage so they can't back out of it. Cassandra was trying to catch a man, so she's upset that they didn't even trust her to choose and win her own man. Tom never wanted to get married and is heir, so I can understand his parents wanting him to marry, but not their signing a binding contract sight unseen.

Anyway. Cassandra constantly assumed the worst about Tom and refused to hear his apology or explanation. Even after she finally accepted that he hadn't meant her any harm nor had any hand in the betrothal, she still assumed the worst about him and didn't want to listen to him. That's not going to make for a good marriage, especially as Tom also assumed the worst about her on occasion. They spent much of the story just getting to the point of deciding they might have pursued each other if not forced into it, and I felt like they didn't have time to get to know each other--the real person, not their assumptions.

Tom had to overcome his reluctance to let people see past his charming, cheerful facade. His much-loved brother died when he was young, and Tom's determined to never love and hurt like that again. It's a young boy in the nearby workhouse that broke through that wall. At the end, he tells Cassandra "...all along I needed your love to right what was wrong inside of me." Yet I didn't really feel like she showed him that type of love. Anyway, this romance just didn't quite work for me.

Historical details were woven into the story, like the side story involving workhouses for the poor. However, the author used some pretty modern phrases at times. Tom had a habit of talking his problems out with his dead brother (who must be an angel in heaven) and praying to him for help. He didn't trust God to care. There was no sex or bad language.

I really enjoyed Bargaining for the Barrister. The idea of arranged marriages pulls me in every single time. And my favorite way these stories play out is when the characters come to love each other despite their relationship beginning in the most unromantic ways. I knew I would want to read more of this series where a group of mamas determine to find matches for their children who are equally determined not to marry.

This go-round is for Tom out of the group of friends, or rebels as they call themselves. Tom and Cassandra meet at a ball. I loved their unorthodox meeting. Tom is enlisted to keep a determined lady from bothering his friend, and he asks her to dance without receiving an introduction by claiming they have been introduced before only Cassandra must not remember. He handles the dance in such a fun-hearted way that is Tom's way. Only things don't end so well for Cassandra. She injures her ankle and loses the opportunity to be proposed to be a man she's had her eye on for weeks. Tom is determined to apologize to her, but he doesn't know her name. What a surprise to find that Cassandra is the lady his mother has determined should be his future bride!

Cassandra is angry at Tom. He embarrassed her. And he ruined her chances to make a match. Despite everything, she is determined to find a match of her own making. So little choice is given to women of this time, and Cassandra wants the right to choose. But she also knows that she needs to marry to relieve the financial burden she places upon her parents and their growing number of children. She and Tom form an uneasy alliance to get the engagement broken by their parents. The only trouble is that Tom starts to realize that he doesn't want to the engagement to be broken.

Cassandra's family was easy to fall in love with. And my heart broke for Tom's past and his brother that passed away. Her family is so foreign to him. But where he was once overwhelmed upon meeting them all, he comes to care for each of the members of her family and doesn't want to lose them either.

There's more to the story than all this, but I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone interested in checking it out. I will only say that I wasn't disappointed, and I read it very quickly.

Favorite quotes:
-Love has many languages, but sarcasm is not one of them.

-"Forgive me. It sounds foolish, but I sometimes forget how to breathe when my emotions get the better of me."

I find that this can sometimes happen to me too.

-It was not every day a person realized he wanted to marry at the same time he realized who he wanted to marry.

-"I hate him." Megan's mouth dropped. "No you don't." "Then, I hate that I love him."

An Unwitting Alliance was enjoyable all around. I love the side characters from the previous book still. I loved the new side characters. It was easy to root for Tom and Cassandra. Feeling what they feel and wanting what they want for themselves even with that conflicts with what they used to want or think they want. I really enjoyed every part of this story. An Unwitting Alliance gets 4 Stars. Have you read An Unwitting Alliance? What did you think? Let me know!

When I saw the synopsis for this book on bookstagram, I immediately ran to NetGalley and then binge read it!

Here’s what loved:
• forced engagement (swoon)
• positive family relationships
• slow burn romance
• he falls first
• a daring rescue
• a few pranks

This was such a refreshing read. I was instantly enveloped in the story of Tom and Cassandra. The banter was top notch and I just loved everything about their romance.

4.5 ★
Steam: kisses
.
TW: death of side characters (past and present), bed rest and premature (but healthy) birth

I absolutely loved this next book in the Matchmaking Mama's series by Anneka Walker!! These books are becoming my favorite by this incredibly talented author! She really knows how to write a great first chapter! I have been really excited about getting back to this series since the first book, Bargaining for the Barrister, came out! I liked this second book even more!

In An Unwitting Alliance, Cassie and Tom come to a misunderstanding that puts them both at odds with each other. I absolutely loved the interactions between these two! They had me laughing out loud a few times! The enemies to lovers trope in their book was so well written! That slow-burn romance and when they started to finally become friends was my favorite.

I love when a book has a great male main character with a kind heart but also loves to joke around a lot. Tom was so fun to get to know better. He always cared for those around him but was hesitant to let people in because of past pain he is still trying to get over. I loved watching him learn to trust Cassie and let her help him and vice versa.

Our leading lady was a sassy one and a spitfire and I loved it! She never took no for an answer!

These two characters learn from their mothers that their marriage has been arranged, but upon meeting each other at the ball, they don't know that they are each other's betrothed. When Tom visits his betrothed for the first time at her home, he realizes it's the woman who does not like him one bit because of the unfortunate event that happened at the ball.

Things I especially loved:
- the meet cute
-dual POV (the man falling in love is always my favorite part in a romance)
-The shed scenes
-Tom's disguise
-Meeting little Alan
-And of course Tom and Cassie's first kiss!


If you love books with matchmaking, enemies to friends, to lovers. Hilarious meet cutes and characters that have great chemistry, you should definitely check out An Unwitting Alliance by Anneka Walker when it releases July 11th!

Thanks to the author and netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!❤️

Unwitting Alliance is a brilliant follow up to Bargaining for the Barrister. Filled with just as much humor and fun. Cassandra and Tom start off on the wrong foit. Tom mistakenly approaches the wrong young woman at the ball. He is running interference for a friend. Cassandra's feelins are hurt, when she realizes what is going on. Then the two discover their parents have arranged for them to marry. They must work together to get out of the contract. Sometimes the best thing to do is let go and see what happens.

I loved this book! I went in not knowing anything about it. By doing that, I think the first chapter of this book may be one of my favorites ever! If I'd read the blurb about the story, I don't think I would have enjoyed it quite as much.

This is the second book in the Matchmaking Mamas' series. I didn't realize that until I'd just begun to read it. I have had the first in the series, Bargaining for the Barrister, on my TBR since it came out. I have to read it now! Reading this one out of order was fine. But indo think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd been familiar with the friend group and the Matchmaking Mamas' previous antics.

Cassie and Tom were hilarious together. Their bickering and banter were only topped by their slow burn romance blossoming. I think if you'd read the first book, you'd love seeing everyone back and working together for a good cause and for Tom. Cassandra's family was endearing as well. I hope we will see more of them in later books.

There were touching and poignant moments also. My heart was captured from chapter 1 straight through the epilogue. Definitely a top read for me so far this year.

I wish to thank Covenant Communications, Anneka R. Walker and Netgalley for the complimentary ebook. I'm happily and voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I enjoyed this new installment in the matchmaking mama’s series by Anneka Walker.

Neither Cassie or Tom were happy when their mothers informed them that they had arranged a marriage for them. Tom had no desire to ever marry and Cassie wanted to choose her husband and marry for love. After working together to do anything they could to stop the marriage they discover that maybe mama does know best!

This was a wonderful addition to the Matchmaking Mamas series! Tom and Cassie were so well developed. It was sweet to see their relationship progress even while they worked through their different struggles. I can't wait for the next one!

"Did you ever dream of a knight in shining armor? Or a handsome prince?"
"I suppose I did."
"Then you probably dreamed of my face."

What a delightful meet cute for our heroine, Cassandra (Cassie), and Tom!

Tom copes with most of his problems with humor. And yet - he runs into a little snag when he find out his parents have engaged him to marry he has never met!

Cassandra adores her family and wants to help them and alleviate burdens. And yet - when she finds out her parents have arranged a marriage for her - she wants nothing to do with the man.

So, Tom and Cassie (eventually) decide to form an alliance to end the engagement. And yet! There is this attraction...

I really enjoyed the first book in the series. But this one exceeds it in my opinion! The Matchmaking Mamas! The adventures! The banter! The feelings!

Favorite quotes:

"You cannot shortcut happiness."

"He had to fight his attraction, even if he had to blindfold himself so as not to stare at her beauty, keep his gloves on at all times to prevent an accidental touch, and clothespin his nose to keep from inhaling her bewitching peach-blossom scent. He was absolutely not going to get attached."

"Loss is not a reason not to love. It is the greatest reason to love."

"From the moment I met you I have not been the same. You are part of me now... Loving you has changed me." (This whole passage is swoony!)

"The surest way to heal is to love."

'An Unwitting Alliance' by Anneka R. Walker is a delightful story of two people who have a great struggle to achieve happiness. As their antipathy turns to understanding many lovely and heartfelt emotions are felt and pains healed through communication and shared experiences. Apparently this is the second in the Matchmaking Mama's series, but is the first I have read from this author. I will anxiously look forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Well this was a most surprising and positively delightful read! It was fun and witty and lighthearted, yet full to the brim with lots of heart. Tom and Cassie are two sweet souls that I absolutely adored. And the Rebels and their matchmaking mamas are just as endearing.

The Matchmaking Mamas have their collective romantic sights set on another match for one of their, and this time Tom is in the crosshairs. He isn’t interested in marriage or family or children, he has suffered loss and doesn’t want to feel that kind of pain again. Besides, the only woman to catch his eye disappeared into the night at the last ball with fury and disdain in her eyes…unfortunately that anger was directed solely at him. He has been woefully unsuccessful in locating her and learning her identity.

Cassandra is appalled when her parents inform her that they have signed a contract for her to marry a man she has never seen before, that is unless you count the day she was born. She wants a love match just like her parents. Her home, though low on funds and inheritance, is full of love and laughter and genuine affection. You can tell by the amount of children running around her home that her parents are exceptionally happy and content. So Cassandra decides to make every effort, no matter how ridiculous, to deter her betrothed. It is very entertaining reading of all the things she says and does.

Their “initial” meeting and their parents hand in bringing this relationship to fruition, for me, is uber romantic and dreaming. I loved that little addition to the story. Tom’s aversion to children and family has deep seated roots and the evolution of his feelings and affinity to Cassie’s family is heart warming. When a mutual cause has them working closely together for the greater good, they soon discover their parents maybe be wiser than they first thought.

I loved all the sides of Tom: Teasing Tom, Thoughtful Tom, Troubled Tom; and his other non alliterative names I have assigned him: “fly by the seat of your pants” Tom, “turn your frown upside down” Tom, and my favorite “tiny knight in shining armor” Tom. No one can resist his infectious smile and easy going manner. He is quick thinking, compassionate, and a light in a sometimes too dark world.

Cassie is quite a catch herself. She has gentle spirit and the patience of Job while caring for and rearing her younger siblings.

I truly loved this story so much. The cast of characters was vast and entertaining. I need more Rebel matches in my life. And those Matchmaking Mamas. Listen Rebels, mama always knows best and she is never wrong.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book. The first Matchmaking Mama’s book was fantastic so I had pretty high expectations for this one. Anneka didn’t disappoint. She never does! I have throughly enjoyed every book she has written so far.

I love that it wasn’t just about the romance and the arranged marriage. She added Tom wanting to help the poor and the needy… which only made him more loveable. He did these things despite being kind of broken and/or sad and Cassie was the perfect mending to his broken heart.