Fun romance that has depth

‏Bargaining for the Barrister
Matchmaking Mamas 1
By Anneka R. Walker
Publisher: Covenant Communications (March 7, 2022)
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1524421499
ISBN-13: 978-1524421496
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Louisa Cox is tired of fortune hunters pursuing her dowry. So when Lady Kellen offers to help her find an eligible suitor, Louisa eagerly accepts and makes a list of what she wants in a husband. The man selected is barrister Paul Sheldon. He may be a complete stranger, but he has one thing in his favor: he is unaware of her fortune. What Louisa did not anticipate was his curious behavior―or being so attracted to him.

 When Paul catches wind of the matchmaking organization his mother and her friends are establishing, he pities the fellow who will be caught in their scheme―until he realizes he is to be their first victim. Horrified, Paul determines to thwart his mother’s plans by whatever means necessary. After meeting his intended, however, his increasing desire to be near her threatens to disrupt his convictions. Louisa is everything he could want in a wife, and when an unexpected adventure sets in motion the very plan he had determined to halt, he almost wishes his mother’s plot could succeed. But Paul harbors a secret and a past that make it impossible for him to give Louisa the life she deserves.

 My Thoughts:

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.