June 17, 2019
Love in Disguise by Anneka R. Walker was provided to me on Kindle by Net Galley.

Set in 1800's this is a novel accurate in the County of Devon. In 1817 the British signed a treaty with Spain prohibiting slave trade. Despite efforts the historical Naval effort on the West Coast of Africa, the slave economy continued to grow. Our main character William participated in effort to patrol for illegal activity. Sadly it continued for about 50 years and only a total of 150,000 were freed. All Mrs. Walker scenes represent her imagination and a small glimpse into English territory.

While I never truly cared for World History I have benefited from historical fiction learning more than I heard in class. I found the story interesting, quick moving and enjoyable to read. There were no scenes that were inappropriate and no language offensive.

The story has a bit of a twist to it leaving the reader not be able to put it down until the end.
I fully enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all ages from sixteen and beyond.

Outstanding writing both in interest and construction of the story.
Comments

Very nice book with awesome characters. I liked the pace for the most part, but wish there was more of a romance aspect. Much was pushed off until the very end where everything just felt rushed. Conflict interfered with the romance as well so not as much focus on the romance. I really liked it in spite of that and the characters were just great.

"Love in Disguise" is the story of two seemingly mismatched people finding love. Marion initially detests William (for good reason, IMO), but she lets go of her intense dislike right away, but William didn't know of her feelings to begin with anyway. While each has a different reason, William and Marion agree to marry fairly quickly, although obstacles are thrown their way. Thankfully there's no insta-love here.

Lord Everton's method of selecting a wife is unique and in keeping with his "progressive" views. Of course progressive then meant promoting literacy among the servants, and women's education beyond embroidery, French, and the ability to play a musical instrument. The mute butler's backstory is horrifying. The jealous ex subplot is not a favorite of mine; do none of these exes have any self-respect?

This novel is clean (a must for me), and Regency customs and behavior appear accurate. The book is fairly well-written, as well. All in all, this is an enjoyable read, and look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

It's refreshing to have a good clean romance. In this book, Marion does not want to marry for the sake of marrying. She wants love to be a big part of the equation. William needs to find a wife or he will lose his inheritance. But he doesn't want just any girl. He wants one that is kind and generous. He and his mother devise a plan for him to find the right girl for him. As luck would have it, Marion is his selection. The problem is Marion is good friends with William's sister and Marion does not care much for William as he was the one that shattered her confidence when she was younger.

The book has situations that will make you laugh out loud one moment, and then have you crying the next. I fell in love with the characters, and anxiously read the book with anticipation of what was going to happen next. A good read overall.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.

For a new author, Anneka R. Walker is very talented and I look forward to another book from her!
I loved everything about this book! It was hard to put down!
~ From society's view, Marion and William are an unlikely and mismatched couple. William is heir to an earldom, rich, considered the most desired bachelor, handsome, - and very 'fashion conscience'. Marion is from a lower station, not a 'beauty' by the ton's standards, shy and uncertain.

William is forced to start looking for a wife. He and his mother come up with an interesting (and fun!) way for him to make a good choice amongst the debutantes of the Season. He is surprised at what he finds in Marion. She is kind hearted, sensitive, and has the ability to be daring - and eventually makes him laugh and enjoy life.

Marion's view of William to begin with is what he has allowed others in society to think of him - bored and disdainful. She despised him. But when she gets to know him better, she finds a truly noble, generous, compassionate man, who really does long to do the right thing.

Amidst tragedy, scheming villains, and miscommunications (sometimes no communication), Marion and William find out who each other really are - and (unwillingly) fall in love.

Besides the story itself, some other things that I loved about this book are ~
~ Good chemistry between main characters (with a bit of clean kissing)
~ Fun, witty and sometimes sarcastic banter
~ Tender emotions from both main characters
~ A few other really funny characters that made me laugh
~ Twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
Overall, this was an excellent book. I have added it to my 'Will read again' list! I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinions are all my own. It is well worth the time to read it! 🌸

This is a cute read, though it suffers from a few anachronisms and the common plot device of a couple who is just not communicating properly, which can get frustrating for the reader as a main source of tension. Still, the characters are likable and the writing pretty good.
The plot, in summation: Marion Watt has taken a strong dislike to Lord William Everton, after a brief experience wherein she feels that he sabotaged her socially. One year later, she has determined that she really must try harder to get married to appease her ill mother. William has also decided he needs to get married to satisfy his parents, who won't let him return to his life in the country until he takes a bride. He devises a scheme to select a suitable young lady and then plans to court and marry her in haste. This book involves interludes with disguise, a fraud and a mystery that requires quick solving at the end, and servants with back story that seems tacked on for too much extra intrigue.
What I did like were the moments of authenticity between Marion and William. They were a fun couple to read about, it's just that they kept taking so many steps backward in their relationship that things felt a bit bogged down.

I was drawn in by the cover of the book, which is gorgeous, and I was super interested in the initial plot, where Marion dislikes William and he tries to court her. I thought this would be such a fun enemies-to-lovers book, but it didn't pan out that way; Marion fell for William pretty quickly--too quickly, in my opinion. I felt like I didn't get to see enough of their courtship or real reasons why her feelings would change, especially since there were two pretty big incidents where he'd been really rude to her and didn't even seem to realize he'd been totally obnoxious. I really wanted to see him working to overcome the initial bad impression he'd made, and I was disappointed not to see that happen. It took a really long time before Marion actually told him about the one time he'd pretty much crushed her, and she never even mentioned the other. Later on in the story, I was frustrated by the number of times William just needed to talk to Marion--and even thought that he needed to talk to her--but wouldn't take the opportunity to just communicate!
All in all, the book wasn't what I was expected, but it was a nice, clean Regency romance, and I would read another book by the author to see what I thought.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Anneke Walker's debut novel, Love in Disguise, had such an intriguing back copy, I was excited to read it. Who wouldn't love an enemies-to-love romance?

We are introduced to Marion Watt as she is about to play the piano in public for the first time. But the experience is ruined when Lord William Everton leaves in the middle of her piece and all of the ton comments on it, taking it as a slight to her playing. She vows never to play in public again. Marion does befriend Lord Everton's sister, Clara, however, which gives her a friend that she will need later on. A year later, Marion comes across Lord Everton at another ball and he insults her in public again. She can't stand his dandified ways and his arrogance and tries to avoid him. But when Lord Everton suddenly decides to court her, can she see the good in him and let him into her heart?

I really enjoyed the first few chapters setting up our hero and heroine for a journey to love with a lot of twists and turns. The dialogue was witty and the premise was so fun. I was hopeful that we would get to see Marion really coming out of her shell and showing her sassiness to Lord Everton when he tried to court her. I admit, I was a little disappointed that instead, she easily falls in love with someone she previously could barely stand. Such a missed opportunity to really delve into these characters and show how they gradually become friends, then more. There are also several time jumps that brush over parts of the romance that I wish had been shown. But beyond that, we do move from the London social scene to the viscount's country home and the author does a wonderful job of describing all the details of the estate and tenants. The author also touches on the fact that William had faced a lot of experiences in his life that are difficult and emotional involving slaves and people who have been mistreated, and I wished we had seen more of what compelled him to seek that out. A few more thorns are added to the story when William's past shows up with a jealous ex-girlfriend and he's also dealing with a forger on top of everything else. With all of this on his plate, that might explain why he hid his emotions and was fairly unkind to Marion. He does finally make up for his boorish behavior and readers will definitely root for them to have their happily ever after. Marion has a nice growth arc throughout the book and I was glad to see her get the happiness she deserved. Though there were a few bumps, I think the author has a solid knowledge of the time period and this is a fine debut novel. I will definitely watch for more from Ms. Walker!

This book got off to a slow start. However there were a few lessons learned in this book.
I think I liked William even though he started out snobbish but then we soon learn why.
William soon transforms into the guy that I knew he could be. I really put all of my faith in him.
We learn who is kind and caring and who is not and we all know that most of our high society is not. I don't even think they would let Jesus into their homes or lives.
Marion is a sweet girl who could teach William a thing or two. I liked Marion from the start. In certain ways I'm a lot like her. Although I can't play an instrument as Well as she can.
I loved watching these two characters grow into their roles in society.
There's also some cruelty in the book as well. I was shocked at how mean people can be to others. Well, I guess I shouldn't have been but still
I'll end this review here before I give anything away.
The events in this book will surprise and shock you at the same time!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and all opinions are my own!!

3- 3 1/2 stars.

This is a cute story that tells the story of Marion and William and how they fall in love. It's kind of an enemies-to-lovers trope in an historical setting.
Marion's opinion of William, who is Lord Everton, is not favorable. She finds him arrogant and rude. He's aloof and doesn't interact with other despite knowing his younger sister is good friends with Marion.

When Marion finds out her mother is in poor health, she agrees with her parents wish that she marries. Surprisingly, Lord Everton expresses an interest in her and she goes along with it.

The more time they spend together, the more they realize they're falling in love.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Let me start by saying the cover is beautiful. And the premise for the book is interesting. I love the test William used for choosing whom to pursue as his wife. There were several elements of conflict in the story. He wants to marry a woman who detests him, he isn't very forthcoming in communicating, the old girlfriend/aunt is a horrible person, along with William's financial/home problems. So there is plenty going on as the plot twisted with each conflict.

I liked William. The real William. I didn't care for the society version that was oblivious to what he was doing. Who doesn't know that walking out in the middle of a musical number is rude? I also liked Marion. She tried really hard to put her family before herself but her retaliatory actions were pretty funny. And it was amusing that William responded to them more positively than if she had been fully compliant and proper. It was fun to see her personality shining through. And Aunt Emily and Mrs. Gentry were fun characters to add a little spice.

I questioned if the rules of the time would really allow for Marion to be placed into the wife's suite before they were actually married. No one seemed to care that she and William had adjoining rooms. And I had a hard time "seeing" what was happening in the conversation Marion overheard between William and Judith. It all seemed incriminating without showing us how it was misunderstood. Why was he holding her? Their first conversation was innocent on his part but the second one didn't seem to be.

One scene I would like to see: I wish that when Judith dressed Marion up, that Marion would have given Judith full credit in front of everyone. It would have given great satisfaction to see her put Judith in her place all the while being sweet and congratulatory. A little of Judith's medicine would have been great in that moment to allow Marion to step into her role more confidently and fulfill the desires of the vindictive side of me.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It is a quick read with fun characters and good dialogue.

Sex: kisses
Language: no
Violence: no but discussion of violence in the past is brought up

This is a new author and I loved her style of writing and the way she developed her characters. A lovely story set in England’s Regency Era about a Viscount and woman, William and Marion, who really have no use for each other but through necessity on William’s part start a courtship and eventually fall in love. But everything is no smooth sailing for this couple. There is romance, mystery and heartbreak involved. I was very entranced and didn’t want to put the book down. I will definitely be looking for more books by Annika Walker. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All views are my own.

I so adored this book! The title is very fitting as there are some very fun, very intriguing, and very subtle disguises in the story line. So well written you will want to read every single word.
I would love to read more from this author-
I highly recommend this book!

Love in Disguise was a fun, clever read. It was hard to put down. The characters were interesting and there were several unexpected twists and turns in the story. I felt like Marion and William were a little slow at times in understanding each other and I wish that it was drawn out so much, but otherwise the story moved rather quickly. I would have liked more explanations on some of the minor characters. It would be interesting to learn their backgrounds and how William came to know them. It would be interesting to read a prequel to this story. I think most readers that like regency novels would enjoy this story. It's a clean romance.

Please note that I received a free copy for the purpose of this review, however, my opinions are my own.

It was the blurb that grabbed my eyes, I thought it would be more a witty battle between enemies to lovers.
Mrs Anneka Walker is a new author to me, she is very talented to immerse her readers in the atmosphere of this time area. She did an astonishing work in transcribing the rules and ways in proper society.
I do loved the banters between the hero and heroine and I know for this time period, a debutante should one smile and nod, so that she answers and puts the hero in his place was great, but I would have liked she falls not so quickly, one day she dislike him, for good reasons, the other because he courts her, she is in love. He belittled her and hurt her and never she discussed it, suddenly he is marvelous. Later, right she explained about the hurt part but never about the belittling one.
The hero has its reasons to act the way he is, he is a good man and likes to shake the London society but I never really warmed to him because the way he is, he hurts also innocent persons in his way.
The additional character of the ex upset me, an awful shrew and next to her, the heroine appears as meek, too weak to stand for herself, she relies on other to defend her.
Last, the forgery plot was overflown then suddenly it became the main intrigue (by refusing to alert the officials, he found himself caught in his own predicament), it added few things to the development of their romance, just more struggles as they have been prior to it unable to express their feelings. It at last showed the heroine had done some growing up.
In all, it is lovely story, 4 stars.
It is a clean read as it is called, just some mild kisses.
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher, but this is my true and unbiased opinion.

Love in Disguise is a regency romance with a lot of heart. Anneka Walker crafts a novel that keeps readers guessing. Marion and William start off like oil and water, but they have a connection in terms of their duty to their families. This book gives strong vibes of Pride and Prejudice, but there are enough unique twists and turns to keep readers engaged throughout. It's certainly an entertaining book that allows the reader an escape back in time.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to me in exchange for an unbiased review.

I love a good regency romance novel. With Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre being two of my favorite novels, it’s no wonder I’m drawn to stories that draw upon elements common in this time period: courting, dances, dialogue that drips with formality and precision. Love in Disguise was one such novel. Then add a touch of humor and suspense, and you get a delightful, beautiful romance.

When Marion and William became a couple early on in the novel, I wished it had happened later so their pre-couple banter/relationship could have been explored more. But then as the story progressed, I couldn’t wait to see the two fall in love. I loved the little moments of love stirring that the other one couldn’t quite see. But when they did finally confess their love, it was glorious.

I thoroughly enjoyed Aunt Emily and Mrs. Gentry. They were two old women with sharp, blunt tongues. I very much disliked Judith, as I’m sure was the author’s intent.

This is one regency romance I am glad to add to my favorites in the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for a copy to review. I enjoyed it!
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#LoveInDisguise #netgalley

Delious new read! This was a very fun read. The regency backdrop,the enemies to lovers setting, the dialogue,the social obligations female had to go throught at those times to get married is very eyeopening. It was total drama at its best. I have to thank net galley and the publishers for providing me these books. This story has it all a strong heroine, a kind and bighearted( pigheaded) hero and a twisting plot that keeps u guessing. Hope you all like it too.

Love in Disguise, written by Anneka Walker, is the first of her tales I have read. This story will tell you about tlife of Marion Watt and her journey through the crazy " marriage market" of the 1800's in London, England. This was an interesting tale as Marion attempts to find her place in this world!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a clean recency era romance. I enjoyed the chAracters of William and Marion but felt some of their actions childish. I laughed at loud when Marion Jacqueline stand up in the carriage and was my favorite scene. I was glad the characters showed growth and were able to have a resolution. The author did a good job of writing and I will read more by her. Overall engaging and clean.---4 stars.