4.5 stars--rounding up because I loved where this story got to in the end!

When I am reading books, I often am thinking about my later reviews, and I pegged this as a 3 star book for the first few chapters. I felt it was interesting but not entirely consistent. I could not get a grasp on William's character, many of his actions didn't match his thoughts--for instance at one point he thinks about how he nearly fell in love with her the season before and is excited to court her after his "test" but openly snubs her before and shows no interest even when his mother first brings her up as an option. Overall he seemed fickle and rather unlikable. Additionally, many of the comments/conversations (especially during the "test") felt contrived and theatrical.

BUT. There was this rather hilarious scene just after their engagement where the book seemed to turn around. The plot became more concrete, the characters more real, and I was instantly caught up in the whole thing and was in love with the book by then end!

Marion was very well-developed. She was fiery but sensible and had a great deal of love for her family. She was not without her faults: a bit of a temper and some self-doubt, but she was thoroughly enjoyable! William came into himself and it was fun as a reader to watch him open up to love. He turned out to be an incredibly compassionate guy and many of his previous actions made much more sense! Their interactions were both entertaining and cute.

The story line was great, however it didn't really match what the book synopsis lead me to believe it would be. I still enjoyed it but felt that that synopsis only matched the first quarter of the book. There were some great twists I did not see coming at all, and the plot grew more complex but not confusing, which I believe is the mark of a great author.

Overall, I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of this book to keep on my shelf and look forward to seeing more from this author!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an e-copy of this book!

Opening line:

"Marion's fingers trembled with anticipation."

Marion is a quiet, pretty, stubborn young lady trying her best to do her best. Unfortunately, for her, a stuffy, rude dandy with a reputation for snubbing the best musicales and balls, ruins her season. Marion's mother worries that her daughter will not make a suitable match because of the snub. Fortunately for her, she becomes good friends with someone who is kind to her.

Lord Everton would much rather be in the country then in town flirting with eligible young women who are thrown at him by conniving mothers. His mother also worries about her son making a good match. But Everton is distracted by his solicitor, who has brought him news that someone is forging his signature around town and taking Everton's money.

How the two come together is cute and I wish the 'scheme' would have been drawn out a little more.

Who comes between them adds tension to the story in all the right parts. I just wish Marion would been a little more brave and told the woman off.

Why someone adds tension and concern (the subplot) either didn't need to be in the story, or needed more fleshing out.

Throw in a death, a desperate woman and a gambling man and you have the makings for an intriguing romance.

BUT I did enjoy reading the story. I tried to put the book down around midnight and had to read 'just one more chapter' before going to sleep.

I've heard this is a debut novel, and it's fantastic. Good for Ms. Walker for writing flawed and human characters, bringing their world in vivid colors, and creating a story I wanted to keep reading.

I'll pick up her next book for sure!



Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

William must marry before he will be allowed by his parents to leave London and the season - but he's never met anyone he had the least desire to marry. In fact, he doesn't want to marry at the moment anyway, but he does want to get back to his country estate where he can actually do some good in the world. So he enlists his mother to make a short list of girls to consider, and tests them. The only one who passes, and in the process intrigues him mightily, is Marion Watt - who happens to despise him. So he endeavours to court her - will she be able to get under the mask that he shows to the ton to see him as he truly is - not someone to be despised, but a man to admire and love?

I wanted to like it - but somehow, from the start, it never quite drew me in. I always felt like I was on the outside watching something that wasn't really real. Look, there was nothing really wrong with it - the writing was reasonably close to error-free, the storyline wasn't bad, and the characters should have been interesting, but I never really felt invested in the book or as though the characters and their actions really made sense. I had no problem with finishing it, but it wasn't one I'll go back and re-read, and I probably wouldn't try another book by the author. Having said that, I can imagine others loving it, so I'm reluctant to say much against it. Main takeaway message: try it and see what you think. It may be your cup of tea, though it wasn't mine.

Note that I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my personal opinion of the book.

How can an engagement based on deception work out? This is one of my favorite regency books so far this year. Marion does not feel rushed to be married, but then learns something that may change her mind. William feels trapped in London and wants to go back to his country estate. His father will allow it, but he he must first choose a bride. His unconventional way of chosing one sets this story apart from the crowd. I love the author's writing style and will be on the lookout for more books by her.

I received a free digital copy of this book. All thoughts above are my own

I enjoyed this one. I only had one issue and it was not glaring but there. The story was sweet and had some nice elements. She dislikes him but gradually and honestly overcomes her dislike. He has no interest in her until forced but his interest grew in a natural way as well. I just love the Regency time and this book fits well. We get a little of the Ton and a little of the country in this and I love both settings. There was just a bit too much back and forth the did slow the story at the end there but nothing that kept me from liking this. I will follow this author and read more of her books in the future. This is a brilliant start.

Marion Watt is having her second season in London. She wants to marry for love, and she feels some urgency, as her mother has a weak heart. Lord Everton (William) is a darling of the ton, and is the most sought-after bachelor, but society does not impress him; he is known for making an appearance at events and leaving far sooner than is fashionably acceptable. William dresses in shocking colors, and others of the ton attempt to mimic his fashion.

William’s father is pressuring him to marry. Lady Morley, William’s mother, devises a plan to help William find a wife – it will be a two-part test. Lady Morley will interview ten ladies as the first part of the test, and as the second part of the test, William will disguise himself and beg money from each lady as they leave the interviews, thus ascertaining who is compassionate.

When approached by William, Marion gives him all the money from her reticule. Because of her compassion, William is convinced that Marion should be his bride, and he begins a full court press to woo her. Marion is not so sure of Lord Everton. She terms his sudden interest in her as strange. In her first season in London, she became fast friends with William's sister Clara, who is married and is not in London this season, still her acquaintance with William has been slight. Marion is leery of William’s courtship as he has embarrassed Marion on a couple of occasions. Even with all these concerns, Marion feels the urgency to be courted by William, given her mother has a weak heart.

Love in Disguise is the engaging story of William’s courtship of Marion. Of course, the pathway to wedded bliss has its twists and turns. These twists and turns include the death of a family member, Marion’s Step-Aunt Judith, and someone impersonating William and incurring debts in his behalf; all these things stand in the way of Marion and William having a fast, easy, and blissful courtship..

I enjoyed reading Love in Disguise. It reminded me of old-fashioned Regency Novels with many obstacles to be overcome before there is a happy ending. I liked the characters of Marion and William. I thought Aunt Emily was also such a fun and quirky addition. The author wrote fun and witty batter between Marion and William. This is Anneka R. Walker’s debut novel, and she brought a fresh story to the Regency scene. I appreciated that it was a clean novel. I look forward to reading her next novel.

received an ARC from Net Galley.

I read a lot of clean Regency romance novels--there's just something about the time period that appeals to me. When I was given the opportunity to review Love in Disguise by Anneka R. Walker I couldn't pass it up even though I wasn't familiar with the author.

Walker captured my attention right off and made me feel for Marion with her performance at the musicale. Her shattered confidence was so sad, yet understandable. And, I think most people can relate to holding a grudge against someone for at least a small amount of time.

I wasn't drawn to William initially. I would have appreciated deeper character development for him to more fully understand his facade, but he did grow on me as the story progressed.

On the whole I liked the idea of the story, but would have loved more attention to the latter half. Some of the resolutions came on very quickly and needed more hashing out.

While I don't see myself reading this story again, I would give the author another try.

2.5 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

***4.5 stars***

It's wonderful when you pick up a book and genuinely like the characters. Marion and William held preconceived notions that had to be overcome, but they were good people at their core.

This book was so cute! There were moments that were "laugh-out-loud" funny. I really couldn't wait to turn the pages to see they would do next. While this book is humorous, there are moments that were serious. William is actively trying to change the lives of people less fortunate. He takes in the misfits and gives them hope and purpose. He uses his influence in less than subtle ways to help others.

Marion is tenderhearted, but she has a stubborn streak. It is hard for her to change her opinion once it has been set and William is NOT one of her favorite people. He knows her for her kind heart, but she is unaware of his. She sees him as a dandy and not worth her time. I loved reading the transformation of opinions and hearts.

This author is new to me, but I will not hesitate to pick up one of her books in the future. This is a clean regency read.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I completely adored this book! I would love to read more by this author, and will be on the lookout for more books by her.

Marion's and William's story had me crying, laughing and not willing to put the book down mid-story. I had to finish it ASAP.
If you're a fan of historical romance and love heroines with a good personality you will love this book!

Oh, I absolutely adored this book. I want to read more by this author.
Marion's and William's story had me laughing, crying and unwilling to put the book down mid-story.
Fans of historical romance who love heroines with a heart and a backbone and heroes who are more nuanced than the usual alpha duke, will love this book.
I absolutely can't wait to read more books by Ms Walker.

This is a new author for me so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was gifted an ARC of this story by the publisher via NetGalley and thought I would take the chance. I am so glad that I did. This story was full of so many things. The relationships were solid and the layers of the story were all there.

I loved to see the character growth as William and Marion were able to open up to each other and discover the deepness that they could share. I loved that there was an additional mystery with breadcrumbs being dropped by the author. I could have so easily missed it if I wasn't paying attention.

This is definitely one I would read over and over again. It didn't read like other stories I have read. It brought a new voice to the regency world I love reading about.

Amazing book; couldn't put it down. Quick read and really pulls the reader into the story from the first page. Marion Watt has failed to catch a husband, and William Everton wants to escape the London season. They both have their own reasons for wanting a marriage; however, they soon learn there is much more to the other and it could mean their happiness for the future if they aren't afraid to share their hearts.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be looking for more by her! Such an enjoyable read! I loved the love story, the determination, self-doubt, and great and very human traits of the characters. I loved that it was clean and sweet and very engaging. I definitely recommend this book!

Marion 's parents have sacrificed much to ensure that she is able to attend her second London season, but the pressure is on for her to secure a marrige quickly as her mother is in poor health. The one man who turns out to be her best chance for a proposal she does not care for. He is her friend's older bother, but she finds him to be self-absorbed and rude, plus he has insulted her publicly more than once since her debut into society.

WIlliam must marry to secure his standing in society and future in Parliament if he hopes to be able to return to the country for the season instead of staying in London. He and his mother develope a plan to find him a bride that is both a good person and good for him. With his options narrowed down, only Marion has passed his test. He knows that she does not think well of him, but he is determined to do what he must to sway her opinion of him and quickly.

After a rocky start and with many unexpected occurances in their way, they begin to grow founder of one another. But there are other obstacles along the way and a plot against William that may prevent them form their future together. They must learn to work together and communicate if things are ever going to turn to rights, hopefully before it's too late for them.

The first few chapters were so well-written and engaging, I was so invested. I was on board with the story and I really sympathized with Marion. But this was ruined for me when we got to the plot devised by WIlliam and his mother. It read too much like a folk tale, not a novel. One in which the handsome prince puts on a disguise in order to test the heart of the princess. Only the princess with the most true and compassionate heart can pass the test... It just didn't fit in with what I had read so far.

That was what bothered me most about this book. But I also think that the book was bogged down in too many seperate plot points that didn't really fit together seemlessly. It made the story feel too bogged down and a bit clunky. I think the story would have benefitted from one or two less plot points.

Marion was portrayed as sassy and stubborn, but overall I found her to be pretty weak. She consistently would allow things to simply happen to her instead of standing up for herself and the couple times she did, it was by lashing out in childish ways. She would rather run away from her problems than stand up for herself. I will say though that she did mature a bit by the end of the book and stepped up to take some charge.

Willaim too had a tendency to be quite weak. Always escaping uncomfortable situations and refusing to simply communicate his thoughts and feelings. So much of the tension between them could been solved had he merely talked to her. I was disappointed that he never really grew as a character. Sure he has a good heart, but he has hurt her in the past with his carelessness. He had never even realized that how he'd acted in the past could have affected her, but after realizing he still continues to act in careless ways that hurt her.

This book had so much potential, but it fell a bit flat. It was good for a debut novel and I really like the way this book started, so although this book didn't really do it for me, I would be interested in reading future books by Anneka R. Walker.

Many thanks to Covenant Communications for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of this book via NetGalley, this is my honest review.

I loved this book. I found the plot interesting and slightly different than others in this genre, which was refreshing. I loved the complexity of the characters. Marion and William were both very complex. This made them relatable and highly likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to more from this author.

I enjoyed this novel. It was at time predictable but the author was able to still hold her audience's interest. The characters were good and honest. Would be willing to try another from this author but her story blended in with many others in the regency era. Still a great read and will look forward to reading again.

I love the Regency time period and that is part of what drew me to this story. Anneka Walker is a new author to me. What an incredible storytelling. This book had me at the heartstrings right from the start. You will fall in love with her carefully crafted characters. Marion Watt and Lord William Everton do not give us the sweet perfect love story. What makes this story so outstanding is that it isn't what readers are expecting, but it will be what they need. This enemy-to-love story gives us excitement, hope, family, some tears and great one liners. I have several favorite parts in this novel but I'll share one towards the end : “Mrs. Gentry hollered, I may be blind, but I ain't dim-witted. Ye've kissed her long enough.”
“Marion giggled against William's lips, and his eyes twinkled with mirth.”
Thank you to Covenant Communications for a complimentary copy that I received through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

'Love in Disguise', is a sweet story with bursts of hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud.

A lovely, clean Regency era novel with decent characters and plotting. I would be happy to read more from this author.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I like historical romances where they give the characters time to fall in love. This is one of those. It isn't love at first or even second sight -- but by the end these two characters are in a sweet, well developed love. The author did a great job of not making this a story with too much drama. She blends just enough of that and of the budding friendship and then love to make it a delight to read.

**I received an copy of this book in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.**