Anneka R. Walker

A whirlwind romance knocks Camilke off-balance...or it might be the fact that she's just learned her new husband has five of his brothers living with him still. Unwilling to play mother to all those men, who have no cooking or cleaning skills, she decides to set all of them up with her friends. Will everyone find their perfect match or is this a disaster waiting to happen?

I wanted to like this one. I was always amused by Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and a retelling of that story seemed show more right up my alley. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I will never see it the same way again. I'm not sure if it was the modern setting, but all I saw in this story was a heap of problematic ideas being encouraged.

First, the short courtship of our two main leads. They proclaim they love each other, but then complain when there is miscommunication and married life is not what they expected. Second, Camille decides that her friends would make perfect girlfriends for her new brothers-in-law, and get them in shape. Expecting someone to change because of a relationship is unrealistic and is asking for trouble. Third, tricking someone who is already dating to go on a date with someone else is manipulative and disrespectful of that person, no matter how much you dislike THEIR choice. The last straw for me was when a problem comes up, instead of actually TALKING to the men, the girls' first thought is revenge and teaching the men a lesson. And the men are the ones who need to grow up? What a mess! I didn’t want any of them to reconcile because none of them displayed the maturity needed for dating and marriage!

This doesn’t even touch the kidnapping of the ladies. Basing this decision on a Bible verse shows an astonishing lack of respect for the Bible for being a "Christian" story. And calling the parents of these adult women doesn’t excuse it either.

Though I had been looking forward to this, it was the story for me. I'm not even sure who I would recommend it to. I received a red copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. show less

This fairytale retelling is delightful. I loved the nods to Cinderella throughout the book. They are subtle, providing the perfect touch to the overall story, and I really enjoyed it.

Rolland and Theresia were a good pair. I liked that Rolland was gentle and thoughtful, even despite all the terrible things he saw and experienced in the navy during the war with Napoleon. Theresia was so kind to people, but I also loved that she had a fiery side. Her treatment of Helena was especially show more admirable. I liked how Rolland dealt with the whole issue regarding Theresia’s step-mother and her background.
The way they slowly began to fall for each other was so sweet. I always love a slower burn, and while this one isn’t what I’d call super slow, I loved the depth that developed in their relationship over the course of the book.
The little tidbits about glass blowing and Bohemia were really cool. I’m super intrigued now, and want to look up glass products from the era, particularly the crystal. I also really liked the mystery sub-plot. I don’t know what we call this genre (Romantic mystery? Romystery?) but I am totally here for it!
Beautiful book, Anneka! I loved it and can’t wait to recommend it to all my friends.

4.5 stars

**Many thanks to AustenProse, Covenant Communications, and the author for the copy. A positive review was neither requested nor required. All thoughts are my own. show less

The Lady Glass by Anneka R. Walker is a creative story with nods to the fairy tale, Cinderella, but with enough differences that the tale is fresh and fun. Theresia’s father left her a handblown Bohemian crystal vase he’d made as a dowry for her before he died. When her stepmother sells it, Theresia goes on a search for it and becomes entangled in intrigue, murder mysteries, and even a Regency house party and ball.

The main characters were well-drawn and engaging, and I greatly enjoyed show more the witty banter between Theresia and Rolland. The slow-burn romance was perfect for the story, and the changing relationship between the two was fun to see. I’m looking forward to more stories from this talented author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less

Ahh, all the stars for this deliciously clever Regency romance! I adore Anneka Walker’s books, & A Novel Engagement is a must-read, new favorite. Bring on all the Anne & Gilbert vibes, this hidden identity, childhood-nemesis-to-more romance had me eagerly turning pages. I loved every witty comment, the laugh-out-loud humor, the sizzling underlying tension, & those irresistible kisses. Each book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series has been an instant favorite, & this one proudly joins the show more list.

One by one, Rowan Ashworth’s friends have married. After a bet made years ago on a stormy sea voyage, Rowan must find a wife, or risk paying out 600 pounds as the bachelors continue to dwindle. He agrees to marry his vexing childhood nemesis, Arabella Delafield whom he hasn’t seen in years, to fulfill his familial duty & save his purse. On his journey, he meets a charming beauty in a bookshop he dubs “Miss Page.” Imagine his surprise when the woman who captured his imagination turns out to be Arabella.

The last man Arabella wants to marry is Rowan. Her greatest joy is writing, a secret she must keep from him since he’s a scathing literary critic. She has a plan: secure an engagement to the extremely superstitious & oblivious Mr. Clodwick (think Mr. Collins) so she can continue her writing uninterrupted. But when a handsome stranger she calls “Mr. Prologue” nearly upends her plans, & turns out to be Rowan, she’s more determined than ever to marry Mr. Clodwick. Her father gives her two weeks to prove Mr. Clodwick is the right choice, or marry Rowan.

Utterly delightful! From the brilliant literary references to the delicious chemistry & hilarious lines, I adored every moment. Rowan’s such a charmer; beneath his childhood teasing lies a tender reason for it all. I loved discovering what makes him tick. Arabella’s clever, stubborn, & a force to be reckoned with. I loved watching her walls crumble as she sees the man Rowan has become. Adored their journey to love!

Highest of recommendations! Though part of a series, each book stands alone, but recommend reading in order to avoid spoilers. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. show less