I enjoyed reading this book.

I loved that both Ian and Amie had an individual goal to make life better for others. And they were so much better as a team to accomplish things. I loved his tenderness in helping her through life's storms even when he didn't fully understand them.

Ian & Amie have a difficult time in their marriage for various reasons but the one most difficult to deal with is that they have quickly grown to love each other but must pretend otherwise. (Marriage of convenience) And part of the time, they love each other while pretending that they don't, while pretending that they do. It is complicated. At first I was annoyed that they didn't just talk it out but what made this book different for me was that talking it out couldn't resolve the problem. There was real baggage that had to be cleared up in order to keep their marriage from drowning. And the baggage wasn't from their marital relationship but from long before they ever knew each other. Ian had to fix his own problems before he could truly love his wife. So a simple conversation wasn't enough to fix everything. But the conversation did eventually show the problem for what it was. So it did help in the end.

I liked the characters and secondary characters as well although they weren't always very lovable. Except for the cousin. Didn't learn to like him.

No sex or language
A little violence

I loved this book so much! I fell in love with the main characters right away and was totally invested in their story. I think I read this in maybe two days, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I loved this series. This book was the perfect ending. Ian (A.K.A Mother Hen to the Rebels) has vowed never to wed, yet somehow he finds himself in that very predicament. Amie is everything good, kind and generous. She has been taught her whole life that love is spelled S-E-R-V-I-C-E and she is masterful at it. She draws people to her through her goodness and service. Ian is grumpy yet has a heart of gold. He wants to change the horrendous laws that are unjust to the truly needy. He loves his friends and Mother dearly but his relationship with his Father is terrible.
Amie is just what he needs but he doesn't know it.
This is such a fun book. I love the growth of each of the characters. The romance is beautiful and I love the banter.

3.5 stars. I love a marriage of convenience story! This was just a bit of a stretch for me to get on board with. I will say, even though I struggled with the premise for their marriage, I love where it ended up!

I think my overall enjoyment of the story would have been higher if I’d read the previous books in the series rather than just jumping in here. There was a lot of character crossover and it was pretty much lost on me. Serves me right for jumping in on a book four 🤦🏼‍♀️ I might go back and read the previous books at some point.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the chance to read an advance copy.

"The Rules of Matrimony" by Anneka Walker is the fourth book in the addicting “Matchmaking Mamas” series. It can easily be read as a standalone, but there are recurring characters that readers of the series will enjoy seeing in each book. The whole series is simply fabulous and "The Rules of Matrimony" is the perfect ending to the series. It was everything I wanted and more! I was so looking forward to Ian’s story and this did not disappoint. From the hilarious and adorable meet-cute in a graveyard to the perfect ending, Ian and Amie’s story will melt your heart like it did mine. I have loved Ian and his gruff exterior (with the biggest heart) and was so excited for him to get his happily ever after. Amie is perfect for Ian. I love that Ian is determined to use his life to help others and change laws. Ian and Amie enter a marriage of convenience and create “rules” that they then proceed to break, also breaking down the walls each has put around their hearts. Will they find love in their marriage? Their romance made me smile with the nickname “Lord Grumpy” that Amie gives Ian. I appreciated seeing Amie make Ian smile. Tiny the dog was adorable and the way Ian would comfort Amie when she was scared was precious. The chemistry and the longing between the two were so well done and sparks flew off the pages! The characters learn that even though they cannot choose their scars, they will never stop trying to rise above their circumstances. There are beautiful themes of family and forgiveness. At times laugh-out-loud funny and at other times poignant and tender, "The Rules of Matrimony" by Anneka Walker has quickly become a top read of the year!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: someone was unfaithful in the past and has mistresses; mention of madness and someone being drunk; mention of brothels: mention of laudanum.

TW: brief mention of madness; mention of a man trying to take advantage of a woman in the past; anxiety.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Loved it! 💖 A captivating tale of a marriage of convenience, showcasing characters who embark on a significant journey of growth. This book beautifully illustrates the power of kindness and its impact on those around us. It’s a delightful historical romance that intertwines themes of redemption, personal development, and enchanting chemistry. I adored both main characters and was thrilled to reunite with the “Rebels.” It serves as the perfect conclusion to this remarkable series. I wholeheartedly recommend this book! The Rules of Matrimony is a charming, clean historical romance that you won't want to miss.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley, I received a complimentary ARC copy with no obligation to post a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

A review for The Rules of Matrimony by Anneka Walker. This is a review for netgalley in return for my honest opinion, and all opinions are my own!

This story made me wonder how the arranged marriages, or marriages of convenience, in generation past worked with two people thrown together who hardly knew one another, and had to spend the rest of their lives together. This story gave me a glimpse of what that was like, even though and I hope many ended up like this beautiful story, but I won't ruin it with spoilers! Thru this story, I saw love sprout and grow in ways I didn't think possible, reconciliation happen that I didn't see coming, and one of the most beautiful descriptions of marriage I have ever heard, but you'll have to read the book to find out how I saw those things! This book was beautifully written, engaging from the first page, and just a great story! I rate it 5 stars, and highly recommend it!!!

Ian. Lord Reynolds, was completely against marriage. The blame is on his father, whose infidelities have caused a lot of pain to his mother. So, his aim in life is to reform laws and help the disadvantages with the help of his Rebel friends. But from one moment to another, he becomes bethroted to an absolute stranger, a Miss Amie Tyler, an infuriating woman who met in an unplanned encounter in the church yard. The rumours of his engagement are spread faster than lightning and against Ian´s efforts to break it, he seems unable to leave Amie by her own, not when her awful cousin´s advances toward her are totally unwanted. Therefore, Ian and Amie agreed in a marriage of convenicence, who also will help Ian out of a political marriage imposed by his father.

Amie and her mother are living for a while on their relatives´ charity, so not having the social rank into a good marriage she is determined to be a spinter. Little did she know how her resolve would change. Her mother had better plans for Amie, fabricating the crazy idea that she is affianced to the very Lord Reynolds. But in order to scape his cousin´s marriage offer she accepts Ian´s proposal for a marriage only in name and with the promise of living separate lives.

What started as a charade, grows into a real affection. But Ian’s political ambitions are in conflict with his feelings for Amie and her attemps to helps Ian are also a chasm menace. She just wants to be loved by the man she secretly yearns for. In the end a glorious kiss would unravel the conflict inside Ian, and the more time they spent together the more makes difficult for them to not be in a real marrriage. Both must decide whether a future together is worth or if their primary goals are what they have to follow.

I was so looking fordward to read this book, the last in the series. I have not been disappointed at all, but enjoyed it as much or more than the previous ones. Ian was a favorite from the first book and Amie is just the perfect partner for him. I have also like the rest of the rebels showing in the story. Anneka´s style of writing is delightful, funny and of course swoony. Is a pity this series ends, but I am eager to read what come next from her.

I loved this book. I enjoy romance novels so much more when there is some sort of substance beyond the relationship, and this book had it! I loved the ties to real historic events. I also thought the character development was fantastic. Just enough to keep you reading but not too much so that you could predict the ending. If you love regency, this is a must read.

I enjoyed this cute marriage-of-convenience story for the most part. I especially liked the banter between them in the beginning and the tension between them before their marriage. I did start to skim through the middle of the book. Something about the writing made me feel a little disconnected from the characters. Something about the romance was lacking. All things considered, I liked The Rules of Matrimony. Just didn't love it as much as I wanted to.

Any time rules are established in a marriage of convenience, it’s never a good idea. Ian created them out of fear and misunderstanding, and I loved seeing them dismantled throughout his marriage to Amie as he gets to know and trust her.

I loved Ian’s heart to help those in need and to affect change by working in Parliament to see the unfair criminal laws changed. Amie also had a generous spirit and to see her help with the campaign behind the scenes was perfect. I loved how The Rebels used their influence too in helping Ian with his aspirations.

Amie didn’t think she was courageous, but she really was when she confronted Ian and his father. Without her doing so neither one of them would’ve been able to get past their hurts. She was wise, truthful, and exactly the person Ian needed in his life. This was a beautiful story of love and forgiveness.

Things to love:
3 rules
the marriage kiss
Tiny
the Rebels
Matchmaking Mamas
bedtime reading
Lord Grumpy
Lady Brilliant

I highly recommend this fourth book in the Matchmaking Mamas series. Readers young and mature alike will enjoy reading it. While it can be read as a standalone, it was fun to see Ian’s friends and the Matchmaking Mamas who were the spark that ignited all of these amazing romances, including Ian and Amie’s.

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

I have really enjoyed this series and am sorry to see it come to an end. What an ending though! I think this is my favorite of the series. So fun watching “Mother Hen’s” resolve crumble. And Amie was such a kind, sweet, lovable character. This is marriage of convenience done right! Loved Amie and Ian’s story!

The Rules of Matrimony by Anneka R. Walker was an absolute delight to read. I recently finished it, and I can’t stop smiling. The main characters were wonderful and I enjoyed the wedding. I also liked how their love for each other grew throughout the story. The pace was steady and enjoyable, and I found it to be a wonderful romance.
My favorite things:
• - The wedding kiss: a special surprise.
• - Lord Grumpy: The character of Lord Grumpy was both amusing and endearing.
• - The squirrel hunting: It was a fun and light-hearted scene that added a touch of humor to the story.
• - The pillow fight: It was a playful and fun.
Thank you, Shadow Mountain via NetGalley, for providing me with this wonderful book.
4.5⭐️

Another historical romance where the hero, Lord Reynolds, decides he won’t ever procreate basically to get back at his father who was a philanderer. But he’s forced to marry Amie, a poor daughter of a deceased man who left his widow and daughter to survive on the generosity of relatives who quickly tire of her mother’s irritating habits. When her mother spreads the rumor that Amie is engaged to Lord Reynolds, they end up getting married with Amie having to agree to his rules not to have any romance between them.

Of course, they fall in love and he has to figure out if he wants to break his stupid rules for the sweet wife he has luckily married. What a surprise!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This book, the final in the Matchmaking Mamas series, did not disappoint. ❤️

Ian, Lord Reynolds, has spent most of his life despising his father for the way he treats his mother. His father's philandering has lead him to vow to never marry, and instead he plans to remain a bachelor and devote all of his time and fortune to helping others and changing England for the better by fighting to change brutal, unjust laws.
His father, however, is adamant that Ian marry and produce an heir. Ian's mother, Lady Kellen, is the leader of the Matchmaking Mamas and wants her son to marry as well. He is often wary of her matchmaking attempts and is always on his guard, but I don't think anyone would have seen this coming!

Amie Tyler is the daughter of a penniless widow. She and her mother are forced to rely on the charity of family to survive, but Mrs Tyler's unrelieved grief and dislike of receiving charity causes her to act out in such ways that they are often cast out of the homes that had taken them in. Their current situation places them in the home of her unpleasant uncle, where she dreads being forced to marry her spoiled cousin Robert. Amie is kind, sweet, and a little unconventional. She is a perfect fit for the Rebels!

Ian, always a rescuer of those in need, finds himself agreeing to a marriage of convenience with Amie after he realizes the woman from the rumors is the woman he met in the graveyard, and he sees what circumstances she is trying to escape. But in true Ian fashion, he refuses to allow any chance of affection - and therefore potentially hurting Amie if he ends up a philanderer like his father and some of the other men in his family - by requiring Amie to agree to a set of rules. But love has other plans.

Ian's volatile relationship had been a thread through this entire series, and I expected it to be addressed in this finale. Would they be reconciled? Would they be forever cut off from each other? I am very satisfied with what happened, and even more satisfied with how it happened! I was so surprised - I never saw that coming.

I am so sad that this series is over. Each book has been such a joy to read! I hope Anneka Walker never stops writing. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I did not read 2 of the previous books in this series, but other than learning the names of the other books characters, I don't think it mattered. it was interesting learning the history of social reform during this time period. The main characters in this one were interesting and their struggle kept me reading.

A charming & sweet historical romance! To be sure, there’s nothing wholly original or groundbreaking about this one, but the character development is solid and the romance will-they-won’t-they keeps you reading. The best parts were where Ian was comforting Amie through the storms or rushing home to see her (even if he didn’t quit know why—swoon!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I throughly enjoyed this story! As always Anneka Walker delivers a story that simply cannot be put down!

Amie wants nothing more than to gain independence. Since the death of her father years ago, her mother and her have had to rely on the generosity of their relatives. And this last set, her uncle, aunt, and cousin, are horrible, Fate interceded when her mother and her meet a lady in the graveyard while visiting her father’s grave. This interaction would cause her mother to announce Amie’s fake engagement to a dead man, Lord Reynolds. The only problem is, while there is a dead Lord Reynolds, his grandson, the current Lord Reynolds, Ian, is very much alive.

Having sworn off marriage and love, Ian, is trapped. He doesn’t want to marry, but his also cannot leave Aime it’s her horrible relatives. So agreeing to continue this false engagement and marriage, he creates a set of rules. Rules that will allow him to continue his passions and give Aimee the independence she desires. The only problem with it all, they underestimate love.

I spent the whole story rooting for their marriage and love to endure.

My favorite part of each book in the Matchmaking Mamas series is the discovery of exactly how the mamas influenced the match at the end of the book. The story keeps you guessing, and this one keeps you guessing even more than the others.

Ian has always been the most elusive of the protagonists in the Matchmaking Mamas series, so it makes sense that he only enters into a relationship through a marriage of convenience. His complicated relationship with his titled and powerful father led to some assumptions that he will need to reconsider as he enters into his own relationship with Amie.

Tropes include:
- Marriage of convenience
- Rules list!!
- Complicated family history
- MMC and FMC forced to share a bed
- Found family through friendships
- Meddling Mamas!!

Amie’s spunky determination to chart her own path and take care of her mother (who is a bit of a handful) makes the reader fall in love with her even before Ian does. You have to respect a woman who does what needs to be done, without regard for societal expectations or personal consequences.

The facts about the Bloody Code made for some fascinating period-appropriate history, and the friendship that develops between Ian and Amie was adorable. It was such a joy to read their story and watch them fall in love.

Ian's story is finally told in "The Rules of Matrimony", the fourth installment of Anneka Walker's inventive Matchmaking Mamas series. The marriage of convenience trope is not a favorite of mine, usually due to the reprehensible actions of the "hero". They're not all like that though, and thankfully Ian, Lord Reynolds, is a true gentleman. Following a singular meeting in a cemetery, events take an unusual turn when Amie Tyler and Lord Reynolds, unbeknownst to them, find themselves engaged.

Aside from protagonists Amie and Ian, most characters display little depth. Does grief really render one ridiculous? Amie excuses her mother Mrs. Tyler's strange behavior because she lost her husband YEARS ago, but this explanation is not convincing. The Peterson sisters are cardboard-cutout nosy and opinionated spinsters. While some of Lord Kellen's actions are eventually revealed to be anything but self-serving, it casts his wife as weak. Indeed, all the primary females appear to be neither strong nor courageous. A more thorough backstory could have enhanced this reader's understanding.

Criticisms aside, I did enjoy this story. There's some interesting historical facts, i.e. the BIoody Code. Walker's prose is always pleasing, and the touches of humor are a definite plus. I read the previous installments prior to this one. Characters from the other books make appearances. It is easier to grasp the Matchmaking Mamas' and Rebels' agendas if the earlier books are read first, although each one technically stands alone. All in all, this is an engaging series. 3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this tale.